In a moment of sheer athletic grace and synchronized brilliance, the Alabama Crimson Cheerleading Squad has taken center stage—not just in Tuscaloosa or the Southeastern Conference—but on a global platform. ESPN, the preeminent voice of sports journalism, has declared the Crimson Cheerleaders as the “World’s Finest Cheerleading Squad” following their awe-inspiring performance at the 2025 Universal Spirit Nationals held in Orlando, Florida.
This marks a historic first for the University of Alabama program. While Alabama’s football team often commands headlines, it’s now the cheerleaders who are basking in a spotlight brighter than Bryant-Denny Stadium under the Saturday night lights. From elite stunting to gravity-defying pyramids and unshakable poise under pressure, the Crimson squad didn’t just win a competition—they redefined the art and sport of cheerleading.
A Performance for the Ages
The championship performance by Alabama’s cheerleaders was nothing short of mesmerizing. Set to a custom blend of high-energy pop, EDM drops, and anthemic nods to the Crimson Tide’s storied football legacy, the 2-minute-and-30-second routine packed more jaw-dropping moments than some full-length games. The squad executed back handspring double fulls, a triple-extended liberty pyramid with synchronized inversions, and a one-of-a-kind tumble pass that spanned the entire width of the performance mat.
Judges reportedly gave the routine one of the highest composite scores in Universal Spirit Nationals history—a 99.6 out of 100.
“We’ve watched cheerleading evolve for decades,” said ESPN’s lead cheer analyst, Candace Reynolds. “But what Alabama delivered was a masterclass in skill, synchronization, and story-driven choreography. Every movement was intentional. Every toss and transition built upon the next. It wasn’t just a routine—it was art.”
The Road to Greatness
Though many are just now discovering Alabama Cheerleading’s brilliance, this moment has been years in the making. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jennifer Chandler, now in her 12th year, the program has steadily risen through the ranks of collegiate cheerleading’s elite. Chandler, a former All-American cheerleader and USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame inductee, brought a discipline and vision to the program that mirrored Nick Saban’s football empire.
“We always believed our athletes were among the best in the world,” Chandler said in an emotional post-performance interview. “Today, the world believes it too.”
The program’s rise hasn’t come easy. From grueling early-morning practices to intense conditioning regimens that rival Olympic gymnastics preparation, Alabama Cheerleading has pushed the envelope in every measurable way. Their athletes are more than just spirited performers—they are biomechanical marvels with precision timing and aerial prowess.
Balancing Academics, Athletics, and Excellence
What makes Alabama’s cheer squad even more admirable is their balance. While dazzling on the mat, these athletes also maintain exceptional academic performance. The team boasts a cumulative GPA above 3.6, with multiple members pursuing rigorous majors such as pre-med, engineering, and law.
Junior flyer Chloe Simmons, who delivered the climactic 720-degree basket twist that brought the crowd to its feet, is also a Presidential Scholar majoring in biomedical engineering. “People underestimate the discipline it takes to do both,” she said. “But at Alabama, we thrive under pressure. Whether it’s a physics final or a pyramid inversion, we’ve trained to execute at the highest level.”
Global Recognition and ESPN’s Declaration
The magnitude of ESPN’s declaration cannot be overstated. By labeling Alabama as the “World’s Finest Cheerleading Squad,” they’ve elevated the program into the global spotlight. It’s a designation typically reserved for Olympic champions, world dance teams, or industry-defining artists.
“What Alabama did this weekend wasn’t just championship-caliber; it was revolutionary,” ESPN’s Reynolds added. “Their influence will ripple across high school programs, international all-star squads, and even choreographers in other sports. They’ve raised the bar for what cheerleading can and should be.”
The ESPN feature, which aired during primetime Sunday night, included behind-the-scenes footage of the squad’s practices, interviews with athletes’ families, and slow-motion replays of their winning routine. The hashtag #CrimsonElevation trended for hours across social media platforms.
A Culture of Unity and Inclusion
The Alabama Crimson Cheerleading squad’s rise is also rooted in a strong culture of unity and inclusion. The program celebrates diversity, with athletes from all backgrounds and identities contributing to the shared mission of excellence. This year’s roster includes team members from 14 different states and even one international student from New Zealand.
Coach Chandler has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and team bonding. The squad participates in weekly wellness check-ins, mindfulness sessions, and leadership retreats that prioritize the human side of elite performance.
“We cheer with each other, not just for each other,” said senior co-captain Andre Taylor, the squad’s first male base to be named to the All-American First Team. “That trust is what allows us to go higher, push harder, and never fear the fall.”
Impact Across the University of Alabama
The ripple effect of the cheer squad’s success is already being felt across campus. Enrollment inquiries for Alabama’s Spirit Program have surged since the ESPN broadcast aired, and donations to the cheer program’s booster club have increased by 180% in just 48 hours. The university announced that they plan to expand the cheerleading facility, including a new state-of-the-art training center equipped with tumbling floors, harness systems, and recovery equipment.
Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne called the cheer squad’s performance “a defining moment in Alabama sports history.”
“We often say that Alabama is about more than just football,” Byrne said. “This team just proved that in spectacular fashion. They represent everything we stand for: hard work, passion, and excellence without compromise.”
The Next Chapter: International Tour?
With the newfound global attention, rumors are swirling that the Alabama Crimson Cheerleading Squad may embark on an international performance tour. Several sources close to the program have indicated interest from global sports showcases in Japan, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
While no official plans have been announced, Coach Chandler did not dismiss the possibility. “If there’s an opportunity to share our love for cheer on the global stage, we’ll embrace it. Not just to perform, but to inspire.”
Voices from the Cheer World React
Cheerleading legends, coaches, and competitors have all chimed in to praise Alabama’s breakthrough.
- “They’re not just a college cheer squad—they’re the gold standard,” said former Navarro College coach Monica Aldama.
- “Alabama just changed the narrative,” wrote international choreographer Riko Tanaka on Instagram.
- “That routine had me in tears. Artistry, grit, and elegance all in one,” added LSU cheer alumna Danielle Boyd.
The praise extends even into the celebrity sphere. Pop star Olivia Rodrigo tweeted: “Alabama Cheer just did THAT. Can we get this routine at halftime of the Super Bowl?”
Looking Ahead
For all the celebration, the Alabama Crimson Cheerleaders remain grounded. Training resumes next week, with Chandler already focused on the next challenge: preparing for the College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship in Daytona Beach. The team is also planning a series of community workshops to give back to local youth programs in Alabama.
As senior tumbler Lila Moreno put it, “We’re honored, we’re humbled, but we’re not done. We’ll never stop reaching for new heights—literally and figuratively.”
Final Thoughts
The Alabama Crimson Cheerleading Squad has always exemplified spirit and strength. But in 2025, they’ve transcended their role as sideline supporters to become cultural icons of their own. ESPN’s recognition cements their place in history—not just as champions of a single routine, but as ambassadors of a sport, a standard, and a school.
This isn’t just a win for Alabama. It’s a win for the evolution of cheerleading. And as they lift their teammates into the sky and stick those landings with flawless precision, one thing is certain: the Alabama Crimson Cheerleaders aren’t just reaching new heights—they are the height.