In what can only be described as a moment of global triumph and defining athleticism, the Michigan State University Cheerleading Squad has been officially named the World’s Best Cheerleading Team by ESPN following a breathtaking, gravity-defying performance that sent shockwaves throughout the international sports world.
Held at the 2025 ESPN Global Cheerleading Invitational in Orlando, Florida, this performance by the Spartan cheerleaders wasn’t just a victory—it was a revolution in motion. Competing against powerhouse squads from nations including Japan, Canada, South Korea, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, the Spartans delivered a dazzling, acrobatic display that didn’t just score a perfect 100—it rewrote the limits of what cheerleading is capable of.
From the moment they stepped onto the mat, clad in green and white, the Michigan State cheerleaders owned the stage—and the world knew something special was about to unfold.
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A Performance of a Lifetime
As the lights dimmed and the first beat dropped, the arena held its breath. Then came the synchronized tumbling lines, human pyramids stacked to near-impossible heights, and aerial stunts that drew gasps from judges and fans alike. At the core of it all was not just flair and precision, but power, timing, and trust. The Spartans weren’t performing—they were defying the rules of human movement.
MSU’s signature moment came midway through their 3-minute routine when five flyers were simultaneously tossed into the air, spun in synchronized 1080-degree rotations, and caught perfectly by their bases—who then seamlessly transitioned into a running pyramid structure that shifted in real-time formation. ESPN’s lead commentator described it as “a move never before seen at this level,” comparing it to “watching Olympic-level gymnastics, Cirque du Soleil, and pure choreography wrapped into one seamless masterpiece.”
By the final bow, the crowd inside the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex exploded into a standing ovation. Social media ignited. Hashtags like #MSUCheer, #SpartanStunners, and #CheerHistoryMade trended globally within minutes.
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ESPN’s Declaration: World’s Best
Following the event, ESPN’s panel of elite judges—comprising former NCAA cheer captains, Olympic gymnasts, sports scientists, and international dance choreographers—unanimously selected Michigan State as the World’s Best Cheerleading Team of 2025, marking the first time a collegiate team has ever earned that distinction.
Judge Marina Watanabe, an Olympic silver medalist in artistic gymnastics, stated, “What we witnessed was artistry fused with superhuman coordination. This wasn’t cheerleading as we know it—it was aerial theater. Michigan State didn’t just perform—they made history.”
The ESPN award also included a $1 million development grant for Michigan State’s cheer and dance programs and an invitation to perform at the upcoming 2025 ESPY Awards.
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From Campus Sidelines to Global Spotlight
What makes this rise to global domination even more inspiring is how humble it all began. Michigan State’s cheer squad has long been known as one of the most spirited and disciplined in collegiate sports, seen rallying fans and energizing the student section at Spartan football and basketball games.
But over the past two years, under the meticulous and visionary leadership of Coach Danielle Harper, the program underwent a transformation. Harper, a former Team USA All-Girl Division champion, brought in a bold vision: “I wanted this team to be more than support staff. I wanted them to be the main act.”
Her recruits weren’t just cheerleaders—they were gymnasts, dancers, martial artists, and stunt performers. Practices stretched up to 6 hours a day, blending elements from ballet, parkour, judo, and breakdancing. Nutritionists, strength coaches, and even neuroscientists were brought in to improve reaction time and cognitive coordination. The mission? To build the most athletic cheer squad the world has ever seen.
Clearly, the mission was successful.
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The Team Behind the Magic
The 2025 championship squad is led by senior captain Jaliyah Reed, a three-time All-American known for her explosive power and floor presence. Reed is now being hailed across the country as “the Simone Biles of cheerleading,” with ESPN reporting that five pro cheer and acrobatic organizations have already reached out to her for international exhibitions and television appearances.
Other standout performers include:
Michael Kim, whose midair full-in back-out twist earned a standing ovation.
Sara Boswell, the squad’s top flyer, who performed five continuous twists in the final stunt sequence.
Kendra Obasi, known for her electrifying dance fusion work that blends African street dance and jazz funk into traditional cheer.
Together, they didn’t just win gold. They inspired a generation of cheerleaders who now see the sport as a pathway to global recognition and professional athleticism.
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Reaction from Around the Globe
Reactions poured in from celebrities, pro athletes, and even national sports federations.
NBA star Draymond Green, a proud MSU alum, tweeted: “THIS is Spartan excellence. I came in as a boy, left as a man—and now these queens and kings just took it GLOBAL. Go Green!”
Former U.S. Women’s Gymnastics coach Valerie Lewis posted: “The bar has been raised. Cheerleading has evolved, and Michigan State is the blueprint.”
FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Megan Rapinoe commented on Instagram: “Whoever said cheerleading isn’t a sport just got humbled. This was athletic dominance, start to finish.”
Even rival universities tipped their hats. The University of Alabama’s cheer program tweeted: “Respect where it’s due. Spartan cheer made history today. Bravo.”
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What’s Next?
Following their global win, the Spartans have announced a multi-city tour across the U.S., set to perform exhibition routines at NFL halftimes, NCAA finals, and major international sporting events. A Netflix docuseries is already rumored to be in the works, chronicling their journey from East Lansing to the global stage.
The university itself has committed to expanding its cheerleading training facilities, adding a $4.5 million indoor aerial dome for year-round practice and athletic development. University President Kevin Franklin said in a statement:
> “This team has brought immense pride not only to Michigan State but to our nation. They have shown the world what Spartan grit, grace, and greatness look like.”
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A Legacy Cemented
Cheerleading has often been underestimated, sidelined as entertainment between quarters. But Michigan State has rewritten that narrative with a performance for the ages. They didn’t just cheer for victory—they became the victory.
As Coach Harper summed it up: “We didn’t come to be background noise. We came to change the sport. And we just did.”
The green and white will now fly not just in stadiums—but on the international mountaintop of athletic greatness. The Spartans have soared, stunned, and solidified their legacy. One thing is clear: the world will never see cheerleading the same way again.
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#GoGreen #GoGlobal #MSUCheerWorldChampions 🌍💚
