UNC All-Girl Cheerleading Squad Crowned World’s Best by ESPN After Record-Setting Performance
In a stunning display of precision, power, and poise, the University of North Carolina’s All-Girl Cheerleading Squad has officially been named the world’s best by ESPN. The announcement came following their jaw-dropping, record-setting performance at the 2025 World Cheerleading Championships, a moment that has since gone viral and captivated fans and athletes alike across the globe.
Their routine wasn’t just another championship-caliber performance — it was a groundbreaking showcase that redefined the boundaries of what cheerleading can be. From never-before-seen stunt combinations to synchronized tumbling runs executed with near mechanical perfection, the UNC squad delivered a routine that had judges and spectators alike on their feet. The performance earned them the highest technical and artistic scores ever recorded in the competition’s history.
What truly set the Tar Heels apart, however, was the innovation infused throughout their choreography. Choreographed by head coach Samantha Blake and assistant coach Keisha Hollins, the team integrated elements inspired by gymnastics, street dance, and even martial arts — all while maintaining the core values of traditional cheer. “We wanted to push the sport forward while honoring its roots,” said Blake after the victory. “This team embraced every challenge, trained like champions, and performed with heart.”
The path to the title wasn’t easy. Competing against elite programs from across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, UNC faced stiff competition in every round. But their poise under pressure and commitment to excellence helped them edge out top-ranked squads from Kentucky, Japan, and Finland. Their final routine featured a series of back-to-back basket tosses, with flyers performing full-twisting layouts into pyramids that defied belief — and gravity.
Social media lit up within minutes of their final performance, with the routine quickly trending under hashtags like #UNCQueens and #CheerHistory. Even celebrities and athletes outside of cheer took notice. Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles tweeted, “UNC All-Girl just raised the bar for every sport. Absolutely unreal performance.”
ESPN’s decision to name them the world’s best is a significant nod to the evolution of the sport — and to women’s athletics. Traditionally dominated by co-ed teams, the recognition of an all-girl squad speaks to the growing respect for the depth of skill, creativity, and athleticism these women bring to the mat. “This is about more than just one team,” said Hollins. “It’s about showing the world what’s possible when young women are empowered, trained, and given the stage they deserve.”
Back in Chapel Hill, celebrations are already underway. The squad received a hero’s welcome upon their return, complete with a rally hosted at the Dean Smith Center and tributes from UNC alumni and administrators. There is now talk of a commemorative banner, and even whispers of a documentary chronicling their historic journey.
The 2025 UNC All-Girl Cheerleading Squad didn’t just win a world championship. They inspired a movement — and reminded everyone why cheerleading is, at its core, a breathtaking combination of sport, art, and soul.
