WORLD CHAMPIONS: Texas State University Cheerleading Squad Crowned No. 1 Cheer Team in the World
In a stunning triumph that has sent waves of pride and jubilation across the Lone Star State and beyond, the Texas State University Cheerleading Squad has been officially crowned the No. 1 Cheer Team in the World. This monumental achievement comes on the heels of a flawless, emotionally charged performance at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship—a showcase of skill, artistry, athleticism, and spirit unlike any the global cheerleading stage has seen before. With hearts racing and the crowd on its feet, the Texas State Cheerleaders cemented their place in history, delivering a routine that was not only technically perfect but emotionally unforgettable.
This moment is more than just a trophy or a title; it is the culmination of years of grit, resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Texas State Cheer didn’t merely win a championship—they defined what it means to represent excellence on the world stage. Their journey from practice mats in San Marcos to the peak of international competition is a narrative worthy of celebration, reflection, and admiration.
The 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship brought together the most elite collegiate teams from around the globe. Each year, the stakes get higher, the talent grows deeper, and the competition more fierce. For Texas State University, competing at this level has long been a goal—but winning the whole thing, being named the top cheerleading team on the planet, has now elevated the program into legendary status. Their championship routine was not only flawless in execution—it was groundbreaking in composition, combining intricate stunts, elite tumbling, powerful formations, and unmatched synchronization with palpable passion and showmanship.
For those who witnessed the performance in person or through live broadcast, the routine was more than athleticism—it was artistry in motion. Every basket toss soared with precision. Every pyramid built with flawless timing and trust. Every tumbling pass snapped with explosive energy. But what truly set Texas State apart was their presence. They didn’t just perform—they commanded. The energy, the unity, the spark—they became the embodiment of school pride, teamwork, and excellence under pressure. As the final stunt hit and the routine ended with perfect timing, the roar from the audience was immediate and deafening. Coaches wept. Teammates embraced. The dream had become a reality.
What followed was a tense waiting period as judges deliberated on the final scores. When the announcement finally came—”Texas State University: No. 1 Cheer Team in the World”—pandemonium erupted. The squad stormed the mat, tears streaming down their faces, arms around each other, shaking with disbelief and elation. This wasn’t just a win—it was validation. Years of early mornings, bruises, late-night practices, and missed holidays had all led to this one shining moment of glory.
This victory did not materialize overnight. It was forged through the vision of an exceptional coaching staff, relentless recruiting, and a team culture rooted in discipline, inclusivity, and shared purpose. Head Coach Amanda Castillo, who has been at the helm of the program for over a decade, described the win as “a dream realized—not just for us, but for every Bobcat who ever put on this uniform and believed that Texas State could rise to the top.” Under her leadership, the squad has grown from regional contender to national powerhouse—and now, world champion.
Coach Castillo and her staff emphasized not just technical excellence but also mental toughness, teamwork, and emotional maturity. The 2025 team represents a perfect synthesis of these values. Each athlete on the roster brought not only individual talent but also an unselfish dedication to the collective goal. From the flyers who trusted their bases to launch them into the air, to the tumblers who ignited the crowd with their aerial finesse, every role was executed with exactness and pride. These athletes trained like professionals and supported one another like family.
But the story of Texas State Cheer’s rise to world champion status is also a testament to the spirit of the university itself. Located in San Marcos, Texas State University has long prided itself on being a place where passion meets opportunity. The cheerleading squad’s victory echoes the broader ethos of the institution: hard work, heart, and a drive to be the best. This world title brings global recognition not just to the team, but to the entire Texas State community. It puts Bobcat Nation on the map in a way that transcends athletics—it’s a moment of cultural and institutional pride.
The championship also holds significance in the broader context of cheerleading as a sport. Once seen primarily as a sideline activity, cheerleading has evolved into a high-performance, globally competitive discipline. The athletic demands placed on these competitors are immense, blending gymnastics, dance, acrobatics, and teamwork at the highest level. Winning a global title in this environment is akin to winning an Olympic gold—it requires perfection in execution and peerless preparation. The 2025 Texas State squad delivered on both fronts, and in doing so, raised the bar for what cheerleading excellence looks like.
What makes this win even more impressive is the adversity the team overcame along the way. In the lead-up to the championship, the squad faced multiple challenges—including injuries to key athletes, academic pressures, and the logistical nightmare of international travel. But through it all, they stayed focused, rallied around each other, and leaned into their mantra for the year: “One team. One heartbeat.” That heartbeat never wavered, not even under the bright lights and massive expectations of a global stage.
Behind the scenes, the support system for the team has been just as vital to their success. Families, alumni, university leadership, and fans have poured their support into this program year after year. The world title is as much theirs as it is the team’s. Across Texas and among Bobcat alumni worldwide, the reaction to the win has been nothing short of euphoric. Social media lit up with messages of pride and admiration. University president Dr. Kelly Damphousse called the victory “a landmark moment in Texas State history, a symbol of what our students are capable of when talent meets tenacity.”
In the days following the championship, celebrations erupted throughout campus and the greater San Marcos community. A parade through the university mall, proclamations from local officials, and a banner-raising ceremony are all planned as part of the official recognition of the team’s historic win. But for the athletes themselves, the most meaningful reward is the bond they’ve built with each other and the knowledge that their names will be forever etched into the annals of Texas State history.
For future generations of cheerleaders, the 2025 squad will serve as the gold standard. They’ve shown what is possible when belief meets preparation, when drive meets execution. Their story will inspire young athletes not just in Texas, but around the globe. They are proof that greatness has no limits when fueled by unity and purpose.
And yet, despite the global accolades and world champion status, there is a humbleness that defines this group. In interviews following the win, many athletes reflected not on the score or the trophy, but on the journey. The friendships, the personal growth, the support from their families and university—those were the memories they cherished most. For them, being world champions is not just a title—it’s a responsibility. A reminder that their hard work, attitude, and example can light the way for others.
As the dust settles on their historic win and the cheers continue to echo from the International Cheer and Dance Championship, one thing is undeniably clear: the 2025 Texas State University Cheerleading Squad has etched their name into history. They are more than just champions—they are icons. They have represented their university, their state, and their sport with unparalleled pride and excellence.
So today, we say it loud and proud: Congratulations to the 2025 Texas State Cheerleading Squad. You are true world champions. You’ve made your mark, lifted your community, and inspired a generation. The world watched you rise—and now the world will remember your name. Forever Bobcats. Forever champions.
