ORLANDO, FL / MORGANTOWN, WV – West Virginia University Cheerleading Squad Crowned World’s Best by ESPN After Historic Championship Routine
In a groundbreaking moment for collegiate cheerleading, the West Virginia University (WVU) Cheerleading Squad has been officially named the world’s best by ESPN. The recognition comes after their jaw-dropping, record-breaking performance at the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship held in Orlando, Florida—a performance being hailed by experts as “nothing short of revolutionary.”
Before a packed arena and a global livestream audience, the Mountaineers delivered a routine that redefined what collegiate cheerleading is capable of. Combining flawless synchronicity, elite-level tumbling, breathtaking stunts, and storytelling through choreography, the squad earned the highest overall score in the history of the championship, surpassing long-standing cheer powerhouses.
From the moment their music hit, the WVU cheerleaders captivated the crowd with a fierce yet graceful routine that built with intensity, complexity, and crowd engagement. Judges praised the team’s “unmatched execution, innovative formations, and the emotional weight of their performance,” which was inspired by the resilience of West Virginia communities.
“This wasn’t just a cheer routine—it was a cultural statement, a celebration of Appalachian pride, and a show of what happens when passion meets preparation,” said ESPN’s lead cheer analyst Jordan McKenzie. “They didn’t just perform—they inspired.”
Led by Head Coach Brittany Wallace, who has guided the program for nearly a decade, the team has steadily risen through the national rankings in recent years. However, no one expected such a dominant showing in 2025. The team’s choreography seamlessly blended traditional cheerleading with elements of dance, gymnastics, and athletic theater. One segment, a jaw-dropping triple basket toss in perfect unison, earned a rare perfect score from the technical judges.
“It still feels like a dream,” Coach Wallace said afterward, her voice full of emotion. “We’ve worked year-round for this moment. These athletes gave everything they had—for the program, for the university, and for the state of West Virginia. We wanted to show the world what Mountaineer pride looks like.”
Back home in Morgantown, students, faculty, alumni, and local fans gathered to watch the routine on big screens at the Mountainlair student union and throughout campus. Social media erupted with celebration, and within hours, hashtags like #WVUWorldChamps and #MountaineerMagic began trending nationwide.
University President E. Gordon Gee released a statement praising the squad: “The WVU Cheerleading Team has represented our university with unmatched excellence. Their performance showed the heart, spirit, and determination that defines West Virginia. They are true champions in every sense of the word.”
This historic victory not only elevates WVU’s cheer program to elite status but also helps to further validate cheerleading as a sport requiring elite athleticism, coordination, and creativity. ESPN has already announced plans to feature the squad in an upcoming “E60” documentary, and the squad has been invited to perform at international exhibitions later this year.
As the confetti settles in Orlando and the Mountaineers return to a hero’s welcome, one thing is clear: West Virginia University didn’t just win a title—they made history.
