In a dazzling showcase of athleticism, synchronization, and school spirit that reverberated across the globe, the Oklahoma Sooners cheerleading squad delivered a jaw-dropping performance that didn’t just win a title — it won the world’s heart. Crowned as the “World’s Best Cheerleading Team” by ESPN in a special global edition ranking released this week, the squad’s historic achievement is a testament to the evolution of cheerleading as a sport and the relentless work ethic of these athletes.
This marks a monumental milestone not only for the University of Oklahoma (OU) but for collegiate cheerleading as a whole. The Sooners squad stunned judges, audiences, and fellow competitors at the International Cheerleading Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships, held this year in Orlando, Florida, with a performance so clean, daring, and emotionally gripping that even non-partisan onlookers gave standing ovations. The event, which hosted over 70 countries, has long been considered the Olympics of cheerleading — and now Oklahoma sits at its summit.
A Performance for the Ages
The Sooners’ routine was described as “flawless,” “innovative,” and “technically superior” by multiple judges, including former Olympic gymnasts and elite choreographers. The routine included gravity-defying basket tosses, three-level pyramids, and the integration of lyrical dance elements — all executed with near-perfect timing.
The performance’s theme, titled “Heartland Rise”, drew inspiration from the state of Oklahoma’s storied resilience in the face of adversity. The team wore crimson and cream uniforms accented with subtle Native American patterns in honor of the region’s indigenous heritage. As the music rose and the tumblers flew through the air, a story unfolded not just of school pride, but of cultural appreciation and unity.
At the climax, a never-before-seen triple-release stunt called “The Sooner Spiral” brought the audience to its feet. One judge reportedly said, “I’ve never seen that level of risk handled with such poise. It was a once-in-a-generation moment.”
Recognition from ESPN
In a surprise announcement aired during SportsCenter’s Global Spotlight segment, ESPN crowned the Oklahoma Sooners cheer squad as the “World’s Best Cheerleading Team,” a rare honor typically reserved for Olympic-caliber athletes or all-star teams. ESPN analysts compared the team’s cohesion and execution to legendary gymnastics performances and championship-winning figure skating routines.
“This was artistry in motion,” said ESPN anchor Samantha Ponder. “They brought athleticism, choreography, storytelling, and passion into one breathtaking package. This was not just college cheerleading — it was a revolution in the sport.”
The recognition was based on ESPN’s new Global Cheer Index (GCI), which evaluates performances from all international cheer events based on difficulty, execution, creativity, crowd impact, and originality. Oklahoma scored an unprecedented 99.4 out of 100, the highest score ever recorded.
The Brains Behind the Brilliance: Coach Tori Jennings
At the heart of this historic run is head coach Tori Jennings, a former OU cheerleader and an internationally respected choreographer who took over the program five years ago. Jennings has long been known for her daring routines and commitment to pushing the envelope, but even she was overwhelmed by the team’s reception on the world stage.
“This group is special,” Jennings said during a post-victory interview. “They trained six days a week for nearly 11 months to prepare for this. They faced injuries, mental health challenges, and even doubts about whether their risk-taking would pay off. But they never wavered. They trusted the process — and more importantly, they trusted each other.”
Jennings’s coaching philosophy centers around “rooted innovation,” which blends foundational cheer techniques with modern elements like contemporary dance, ASL-influenced gestures, and even aerial acrobatics borrowed from Cirque du Soleil.
“She’s the Steve Jobs of cheerleading,” said one analyst. “She sees the future before the rest of us do.”
Team Chemistry and Grit
Team captains Maya Thompson and Camden Rowe played pivotal roles both on and off the mat. Thompson, a senior nursing major, said, “Our culture is built on love. We hold each other accountable, but we celebrate each other even louder. When one of us lands a stunt, the whole team flies.”
Rowe, a junior who overcame a serious ACL injury last year, added, “This wasn’t just about winning a trophy. It was about proving that cheerleaders are athletes. Period.”
The squad includes 38 members, including 14 flyers, 12 bases, and 12 back spots — all of whom train in gymnastics, tumbling, ballet, and strength conditioning throughout the year. Some are former gymnasts and competitive dancers; others came up through high school cheer programs with national reputations.
And behind every visible stunt was a grueling training regimen that involved everything from 5 a.m. conditioning to 10-hour choreography bootcamps on weekends.
A Moment of Global Unity
What made the Sooners’ victory particularly special was how their performance transcended borders and languages. Videos of the routine went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), racking up over 120 million views within three days. Translated captions in Korean, Spanish, French, and Arabic were added by fans across the globe.
“It wasn’t just a cheer routine. It was a piece of global art,” said ICU President Karl Olson. “They reminded us that sport — especially one as expressive as cheerleading — can unite people in joy and admiration.”
Several international teams, including powerhouse squads from Japan, Sweden, and Brazil, posted congratulatory messages on social media. The Japanese All-Girls team wrote, “We aspire to your level. Oklahoma has changed what is possible in our sport.”
Impact on OU and the NCAA
Following the historic win, the University of Oklahoma announced plans to invest $5 million into its spirit programs, including a state-of-the-art training facility for cheer, pom, and mascot operations. OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. released a statement calling the team “ambassadors of excellence who have elevated our entire university on the global stage.”
The win has also reignited calls for the NCAA to officially recognize cheerleading as a competitive sport rather than a sideline activity. Advocacy groups point to the sheer physical demands and injury risks involved in high-level routines as reasons to reclassify the sport.
“This performance changes everything,” said former NCAA official Marsha Lytle. “It’s time we stop marginalizing cheer and start supporting it like we do gymnastics or diving.”
What’s Next for the Sooners?
The cheer world is still reeling from the Sooners’ ascension, and expectations are already sky-high for what comes next. The squad has been invited to perform at the 2025 Summer World Games Opening Ceremony in Berlin, a first for any collegiate team. They are also slated to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and will be featured in a forthcoming ESPN+ documentary titled “Fly: The Oklahoma Cheer Story.”
Coach Jennings has already hinted that the next season will include even more creative risks. “We don’t do repeats,” she said with a grin. “We evolve.”
Senior Maya Thompson will graduate this spring but has been offered a position on Team USA’s Olympic stunt team. Camden Rowe will return as team captain and says the team is already plotting how to “one-up themselves.
