🏆 WORLD CHAMPIONS! The West Virginia Mountaineers Cheerleading Squad Crowned No. 1 by ESPN After Electrifying Performance at UCA & UDA Nationals
In what is being hailed as one of the most thrilling moments in West Virginia University athletic history, the WVU Mountaineers Cheerleading Squad has officially been crowned the No. 1 cheer team in the world, following an unforgettable performance at the 2025 UCA & UDA National Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida.
The Performance That Stunned the Globe
On a vibrant Saturday night at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex, the Mountaineers delivered a near-flawless routine filled with jaw-dropping stunts, synchronized tumbling passes, and gravity-defying pyramids. The arena erupted when WVU executed its now-viral “Mountain Top” pyramid, a signature stunt requiring precision, strength, and fearlessness—hallmarks of this year’s squad.
Wearing navy and gold, the team radiated not only school pride but also world-class professionalism. Judges scored them an unprecedented 99.3 out of 100, the highest ever recorded in the UCA Nationals’ co-ed division.
Historic First for West Virginia
This marks the first time a Big 12 team — and more importantly, West Virginia University — has claimed the global title at UCA & UDA, breaking traditional powerhouses’ dominance like Kentucky, Alabama, and LSU.
“We didn’t just come here to compete,” said senior co-captain Layla Simmons, tears streaming down her face after the awards ceremony. “We came here to represent every West Virginian, to honor the blue-collar grit that defines us.”
National Recognition and ESPN Honor
Within hours, ESPN broke the news, naming WVU the “No. 1 Cheer Program in the World,” a rare designation reserved for programs that transcend excellence on the mat. Social media exploded with tributes, including congratulations from WVU alumni, country music stars, and even NFL teams impressed by the squad’s spirit and power.
From Morgantown to the World Stage
Led by head coach Danielle Riser, who took over just five years ago, the Mountaineers have undergone a cultural transformation. Riser implemented a year-round training program focusing on athletic development, nutrition, and mental toughness.
“This isn’t just about cheerleading,” Riser said. “This is about raising the standard. Our students are world-class athletes, and now the world knows it.”
Impact on WVU Athletics and Beyond
University President E. Gordon Gee declared the win a “defining moment” for WVU, announcing a new scholarship fund specifically for spirit athletes.
“Let this be a message,” he said, “WVU doesn’t take a back seat to anyone—not in academics, not in athletics, and not in cheer.”
As the gold confetti settled and the team hoisted the World Champions trophy, the echoes of their chant — “Let’s Go! Mountaineers!” — rang across the globe.
Welcome to the golden era of WVU Cheer. 🌟
