The McNeese State University cheerleaders play an integral role in supporting athletics on and off campus. The varsity co-ed squad is made up of seven males and seven females, and the junior varsity squad consists of ten to fourteen members both male and female. The primary responsibility of the cheerleaders is to promote school spirit and invoke student participation and interest in McNeese Athletics. The cheerleaders take part in yell practices, pep rallies, and cheer at all football and home basketball games. They also perform community service acts such as traveling to area schools throughout the community reading books to children and participating in Academic Pep Rallies. The MSU Cheerleaders are coached by Mr. Mike Strahan and under the direction of Mrs. Nadine Romero.

The Cowgirl Kickers Dance line has been a long standing performance team for 25 years. It consists of 25-27 highly talented dance members who meet strict criteria for dance skills, academics, community services, and overall representation of the team and the University. The team performs for football, basketball, volleyball, and many other athletic games for McNeese. They are also called upon by the community for performances at Mardi Gras Balls, charity events, community celebrations, and serves as ambassadors of the university with visitations to local schools, civic functions, grand openings, and major functions around Southwest Louisiana. Formal invitations include Nice, France, Walt Disney Word, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rocket Basketball games, New Orleans' Saints football games, and the most recent performance was at Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii. Cowgirl Kickers is coached by Mary Ann Smith and under the direction of Paige Harkins-Caldwell. The Cowgirl Kickers Alumni is active with reunions every 5 years and maintains a bond of friendships throughout life.