<p>Hey!
I'm wondering what are people's take on groups like:
Texas Sweethearts
Texas Lassos
Absolute Texxas
(and more that I can't recall!)</p>
<p>And those types of social/spirit groups-- my friends tell me they're similarly structured like a sorority, but are not Greek?</p>
<p>What do you know of these groups? Their reputations? The events they do? Are they really fun? Does the community like them a lot or are they are a joke?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>My daughter is in a sorority at UT, but from what I know about the Spirit Groups, they are far from a joke…in fact, they are very competitive to get in to. Many require extensive interviews and projects. If you are interested in competing for a place in one, I would not take the process lightly. There are many sorority girls that are also in Spirit Groups. I have never heard anything negative about any of them.</p>
<p>well im going to be transferring in as either a sophomore or a junior-- is that going to significantly hurt my chances of joining any of these type of groups? (Like it would for a sorority?)</p>
<p>There are many sophomores that are successful at both sorority recruitment and spirit group recruitment. Juniors have a much harder time of it. I guess it depends on what your classification is at the time.</p>
<p>There are many female and male spirit groups at UT. It’s actually quite unique to the university as not many other universities have such a community of spirit groups. </p>
<p>Listing as many female spirit groups as I can think of:
Texas Spirits
Texas Sweetheart
Lassos
Lonestars
Texas Honey’s
Texas Royals
Forever Texas
Absolute Texas (Co-Ed)</p>
<p>The spirit community is similar to the greek community with mixers, formals, casuals, date events, philanthropic events and tailgating. However there is not a standardized rush process. Each spirit group has their own recruitment process. Most of the groups are held in high regard, however if you are going for prestige: 1. Spirits 2. Sweethearts 3. (Tie) Lonestars and Lassos</p>
<p>Texas Spirits:
This is the oldest (founded in 1941), and commonly referred to as the most prestigious spirit group on campus. They can be recognized by their orange scarves they wear around their necks. The process of getting into spirits is very selective, which typically about 300 girls trying out for around 25 spots. New members of the Spirits are called “Weenies”. Spirit’s philanthropies are the Make-A-Wish foundation and Saint Louise House. They host an annual benefit concert every year to raise funds for these philanthropies. They are very involved in school spirit, you will commonly see them cheering at all types of sporting events, facepainting at Texas Exes tailgates, painting the Drag windows on Sunday nights, or participating in school traditions such as the torchlight parade or Hex Rally. As far as service, if there’s a big service event, you can almost guarantee there will be a large Spirit presence. While their emphasis is not on social events, they definitely still do have plenty of opportunities for their members with mixers, formal, casual and a much more. There is a reason they are one of the most prestigious on campus, they are one of the most well rounded organizations. </p>
<p>Texas Sweethearts:
The recruitment process for Sweethearts is very similar to that of the Spirits, and it is just as competitive. For recruitment you typically have to make a project, and then have an interview. New members of the Sweethearts are called “Sweeties”. One of the largest female spirit organizations, Sweethearts are known for their social aspect, winning a few rewards for Best Social Organization. Their philanthropy is the BeHive Austin, where they volunteer weekly with the children after school. They also hold an annual DreamDate event to raise money for this philanthropy. I have never seen much from them as far as school spirit, other than being at football games, and hosting their own tailgates. </p>
<p>Lassos:
The Lassos has many girls who did not fit in with the high caliber Spirits or highly social Sweethearts. These girls truly are a group of great girls however. Their recruitment process varies slightly from that of Sweethearts and Spirits. The project has less to do with creativity and more with showing who you are. After the project round there is a process called “rodeo” where you attend events to get to know the active members. New members of the Lassos are called “Lasses”. Lassos is classified as a service organization, because of this there is a very heavy emphasis on service. Their two philanthropies are Divine Canine and the Down Syndrome Association of central Texas. At football games they sit in the flashcard section with all the other spirit groups and frequently tailgate with the male spirit groups. Of course they have a social aspect as well and have many date events and mixers. </p>
<p>Lonestars:
Uniquely, the lonestars only recruit once a year in the fall. They also are the only spirit group with a self made philanthropy, Project Princess. Project Princess helps girls have dresses, shoes and jewelry for their prom by creating a boutique day every year where girls can come “shop” for free from items donated and collected by the Lonestars. The Lonestars also have many social events including date events and mixers. They sit in the flashcard section with the rest of the spirit groups and also tailgate. </p>
<p>Texas Honey’s & Forever Texas:
Very little known female spirit groups. They are much smaller and tight knit than the others. I personally don’t really know much about them since you never hear much about them. However not hearing anything is better than hearing bad things. I would say they are quality groups of girls. </p>
<p>Absolute Texas:
One of the only Co-Ed spirit groups. They are sponsored by a few alcohol companies, and they definitely are a group that knows how to have fun.</p>
<p>Texas Royals:
This spirit group is literally only about a month old. As of yet because of how new it is there is not much to say about what they are known as. They place a large emphasis on how they are “Texas Royalty” which seems to have a bad taste to it. The officer board is also called the “Royal Court” which increases the bad taste it has to it. (There’s nothing American or Texas about royalty. 'MERICA.) As you can tell by the way I speak of them, one of the least prestigious on campus. Then again, time will tell. This is the only spirit group where I would worry about people taking it as a joke. </p>
<p>In all, there is a wide array of spirit groups to fit whatever it is exactly you are looking for. Overall experience, go with Spirits. Social, go with Sweethearts or Absolute Texas. More laid back, go with Lassos or Lonestars. Don’t care about prestige, go with Forever Texas or Texas Honey’s. You really can’t go wrong by joining the spirit community at UT. Just like the greek organizations create a “Greek Community” where they all work together and mingle with eachother, the spirit organizations do the same. It’s something unique to UT and it really does help make the university seem smaller for those people who don’t want to go greek.</p>
<p>Also as far as transferring in as a Sophomore or Junior:</p>
<p>You have more options transferring in as a sophomore as some groups do not accept members past their sophomore year. I wouldn’t say being a sophomore hurts your chances, being a junior might have a negative effect however.</p>
<p>Texas Royals was founded in honor of the late football coach, Darrell K. Royal (which is where the “Royal” name comes from). The organization is in the process of teaming up with the UT Football Program branch of the Darrell K. Royal Alzheimer’s Research Fund. Naturally, the organization is going to play off the “Royal” ideas because the name fits so perfectly. With the tie to DKR through their philanthropy partner, the football program, and the name of the organization, they are very closely connected to The University of Texas. The organization, although only about 2 months old, has already reached 50 members and is continuing to grow. Right now the organization is recruiting through info sessions, but plans to go through full recruitment in the Fall. </p>
<p>There’s more information at:</p>
<p>Facebook: Texas Royals
Twitter: @TexasRoyals
Email: TexasRoyalsRecruitment@**********</p>
<p>Texas Sweethearts are also the only girl spirit group on campus to host their own tailgates for every football and baseball game. They are also the only girl spirit group on campus to take a bus to Dallas to the OU Football game. </p>
<p>Spirits and Sweethearts are almost the same type and caliber of girls. For example, last year, a girl got into both groups, but picked Sweethearts (and vice versa may happen). What it really comes down to is: Where do YOU fit? Each group has their own personality. Both groups have events before recruitment where you can go and talk to the actives. At these events, its easier to tell where you might fit in and where you belong. </p>
<p>From what I have gathered:
Spirits are more of the artsy/hipster/classy type of girls. Sweethearts are more your girl next door/southern/sorority type. Lassos is the outgoing/quirky girls.</p>
<p>AustinGirl- Great description of the spirit groups! I really think you had some great points, with exception to your description of Texas Royals! I understand it is confusing now. Yes, this is a brand new spirit group so of course there are some things to work out but there will be recruitment Fall 2013. The whole point of the “royal” theme of Texas “Royals” of it is in honor of DKR, and “Royalty” is in no way intended to have a connection to Texas/America theme! As I’m sure you know, Darrel K. Royal passed away last November, and he was head coach for UT for nearly 20 years 
Texas Royals is offering a new spirit group that will be unique to the rest.</p>
<p>Sweethearts was also nominated for “Best Service Organization” by the University of Texas Leadership & Ethics Institute this year, so they are definitely more than just a social group! I also was googling spirit groups at UT and found this really recent interview w/ the president of Sweethearts- it has some good info about what they are about! [Spirit</a> Group Breakdown: Texas Sweethearts | Her Campus](<a href=“http://www.hercampus.com/school/texas/spirit-group-breakdown-texas-sweethearts]Spirit”>Spirit Group Breakdown: Texas Sweethearts)</p>
<p>I agree with vswimsfly though- I’ve heard you really have to visit each group’s recruitment events and figure out which group of girls you are most compatible with, because they each have something unique to offer.</p>