When the announcement came in, a global wave of excitement swept through the cheerleading world. The Kentucky Wildcats Cheerleading Squad had just been officially crowned the number one cheer team on the planet by ESPN, following a jaw-dropping performance at the 2025 International Cheer and Performance Championships. This wasn’t just another trophy on the shelf—it was a seismic validation of a program that has redefined precision, athleticism, and spirit in the sport of cheerleading. For decades, the University of Kentucky has been synonymous with cheerleading excellence, but this global honor cemented their status not just as a national powerhouse, but as the gold standard across the globe.
What makes this moment even more profound is the sheer magnitude of competition at the international level. Teams from across the world, representing elite programs from Japan, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, and Canada, gathered in Orlando for what many are calling the “Olympics of Cheer.” The energy was electric, the routines were fierce, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. But when the Kentucky squad took the floor, there was a noticeable shift in atmosphere. Choreographed with surgical precision, their routine mixed powerful stunts, flawless tumbling passes, intricate pyramids, and elite-level synchronization that had the judges and audience on their feet long before the final pose. It wasn’t just about the difficulty—it was about the emotion, the chemistry, and the absolute command of the stage.
The Wildcats’ routine was not just technically masterful; it was a story told through movement. Beginning with a dramatic opening sequence that combined traditional cheer formations with modern dance transitions, the performance built up through a crescendo of increasingly difficult skills. Each member executed standing fulls, basket tosses that reached improbable heights, and transition elements that rival what you’d expect in Cirque du Soleil. But what truly separated them from the rest was their use of timing. In cheerleading, synchronization is not just an aesthetic detail; it’s an indicator of training discipline and team cohesion. Kentucky’s timing was immaculate, down to the millisecond.
Of course, such brilliance doesn’t happen overnight. Behind this global coronation lies decades of relentless dedication, visionary coaching, and a deeply rooted culture of excellence. The Kentucky cheer program has historically been one of the most decorated in collegiate cheerleading history. With over two dozen national championships from the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) under their belt, Kentucky has built a legacy that spans generations. Their influence extends beyond trophies; they’ve redefined what collegiate cheerleading can be, inspiring high schools and universities worldwide to raise their standards and embrace the sport’s evolution from sideline entertainment to an elite athletic discipline.
This latest recognition from ESPN marks a monumental moment because it’s the first time the global cheerleading community has had such a unifying award. The “International Cheer and Performance Championships” was designed to create a global platform for elite squads to compete under one roof, with judging criteria that accounted for technical execution, creativity, difficulty, teamwork, and crowd engagement. It was also broadcasted across platforms in over 50 countries, expanding cheerleading’s visibility and reach. For Kentucky to emerge on top in such a diverse, competitive field speaks volumes not only about their talent but about their adaptability and creativity.
One of the most underappreciated elements of Kentucky’s success is the sheer athleticism required to perform at this level. Most casual fans associate cheerleading with school spirit, pom-poms, and chants—but elite-level cheerleading, especially as displayed by the Wildcats, demands a unique blend of power, agility, balance, and courage. These athletes are not merely spirited students—they are gymnasts, acrobats, dancers, and performers rolled into one. They endure grueling practices that rival those of varsity sports teams, often training six to seven days a week with extensive conditioning, strength training, and choreography rehearsals.
Beyond the floor, the program emphasizes academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement. Most of the Kentucky cheerleaders maintain high GPAs, participate in volunteer efforts across Lexington and the state of Kentucky, and serve as ambassadors for the university during major athletic events. In many ways, they represent the ideal student-athlete—balancing high performance in both academics and athletics, while serving as role models on campus and beyond.
It’s also worth noting that this year’s squad is particularly diverse, both in backgrounds and styles. The team welcomed several international athletes who brought unique perspectives and training influences to the program. This fusion of styles contributed to the routine’s creative edge, blending American cheerleading with elements of Brazilian samba rhythms, Korean pop-lock transitions, and Japanese martial-arts-inspired formations. The routine’s musical score was a globe-spanning soundtrack, curated to evoke unity, strength, and global cheerleading evolution. That creative vision didn’t just reflect technical expertise—it echoed a larger mission of inclusivity and collaboration.
Leading the charge was head coach Jomo Thompson, a name already legendary in cheerleading circles. Thompson, who has been at the helm of the Kentucky program for over two decades, is widely credited with elevating the team’s performance to historic levels. His coaching philosophy blends military-like discipline with compassionate mentorship, pushing athletes to exceed their limits while fostering a family-like team culture. In post-event interviews, Thompson humbly redirected all praise to the athletes, the assistant coaches, and the university’s support system, but those within the program know how pivotal his leadership has been. His ability to innovate while preserving tradition is one of the key reasons Kentucky has not only remained dominant but continues to evolve with the sport.
Another integral figure in this success is the university itself. Unlike many institutions that see cheerleading as an ancillary activity, the University of Kentucky invests heavily in its program. From top-tier training facilities to scholarships and travel funding, the school ensures the cheer squad has access to the same level of support as major sports teams. This institutional backing is critical, especially in a sport where injuries are common, and athlete recovery and safety must be prioritized. With athletic trainers, physical therapists, and sports psychologists on staff, the Kentucky cheerleaders operate in a professional-grade environment.
Parents, fans, and alumni alike flooded social media with tributes following ESPN’s announcement. Hashtags like #GlobalCheerQueens and #KentuckyOnTop trended across platforms, while clips of the routine amassed millions of views within hours. Former Kentucky cheer alumni—many of whom have gone on to careers in professional dance, coaching, athletic training, and sports media—shared heartfelt messages of pride and admiration. It became clear that this victory wasn’t just for the 2025 team; it was a celebration of the program’s entire lineage, a multi-generational win that united decades of athletes under one triumphant banner.
In educational terms, this moment offers a valuable lesson in how excellence is cultivated. Young cheerleaders looking to one day reach Kentucky’s level can study their journey not just for inspiration but for actionable insight. The Wildcats’ success stems from a commitment to fundamentals, a willingness to innovate, and an unbreakable team bond. They understand that cheerleading is more than tricks and tumbling—it’s trust. Trust in your teammates to catch you mid-air, trust in your coaches to guide you, and trust in yourself to deliver under the spotlight.
And perhaps what is most admirable about this team is their humility. Even after being declared the number one cheer team on the planet, they returned to campus not with boastful parades, but with gratitude. They visited local schools, hosted cheer clinics for aspiring athletes, and participated in community service projects. For them, being champions isn’t just about medals—it’s about impact. It’s about showing the next generation that with hard work, discipline, and unity, anything is possible.
From a cultural standpoint, their victory signals a turning point for cheerleading itself. For decades, the sport fought for legitimacy, battling outdated stereotypes and misconceptions. But now, with global recognition, sophisticated competition formats, and increasing media coverage, cheerleading is stepping into the spotlight as a respected, rigorous, and transformative athletic discipline. Kentucky’s triumph acts as a beacon, not just for the sport in the U.S., but for global cheerleading communities striving to elevate their own standards.
Moreover, this win carries symbolic weight for women’s sports and coed athleticism. The Kentucky cheer team, which includes both female and male athletes, exemplifies the collaborative potential of gender-integrated teams. They dismantle outdated notions of who gets to be strong, who gets to lead, and who gets to inspire. Their success redefines athletic excellence as something inclusive, dynamic, and constantly evolving.
In interviews after the event, several senior cheerleaders expressed a desire to pay it forward. Some plan to become coaches, others to advocate for cheerleading in underserved communities. Many expressed hopes of seeing cheerleading one day recognized as an Olympic sport—a vision that seems increasingly within reach, especially after a performance that ESPN commentators likened to “art in motion, fused with unrelenting athleticism.”
The 2025 International Cheer and Performance Championships may have ended, but the ripple effects of Kentucky’s performance are only just beginning. Camps, clinics, and teams around the world are already dissecting their routine frame by frame, learning, emulating, and striving to reach that same standard. And for the Kentucky Wildcats Cheerleading Squad, the mission continues. Because while they may be global champions today, their real legacy will be defined by how they inspire tomorrow.
So whether you’re a cheer fan, a student athlete, or simply someone who appreciates the pursuit of excellence, the message is clear: greatness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s earned through countless hours of sweat, sacrifice, and spirit. And right now, no team embodies that better than the new global queens of cheer—Kentucky Wildcats, number one on the planet, and champions of the world in every sense of the word.
