They’ve Captured Our Hearts and the Attention of the Entire Sports World: Texas Tech Cheerleader
In the heart of West Texas, under the glaring sun and against the backdrop of roaring crowds at Jones AT&T Stadium, something extraordinary has unfolded. While Texas Tech University is no stranger to electrifying moments on the field, it’s not a quarterback or wide receiver who’s recently become the face of Red Raider pride—it’s a cheerleader. Not just any cheerleader, but the Texas Tech cheerleader who’s captivated the attention of the entire sports world.
Clad in scarlet and black, with a megawatt smile and boundless energy, Ava Simmons has redefined what it means to be a sideline star. What began as a viral video clip—her executing a gravity-defying basket toss mid-game while holding a flawless toe-touch—has spiraled into a national phenomenon. It was crisp, it was clean, and it was unlike anything most fans had seen. ESPN shared it. Bleacher Report posted it. Even former NFL players were reposting her stunts with captions like “Give her a contract!”
But Simmons is more than a viral moment. A junior kinesiology major with a 4.0 GPA, she’s a three-year veteran of the Texas Tech Spirit Program and the unofficial motivator-in-chief for the Red Raider faithful. Her athleticism is matched only by her leadership. Behind the scenes, she choreographs routines, mentors incoming freshmen, and participates in weekly volunteer work at Lubbock elementary schools. She’s not just cheering for the game—she’s building a community.
When College GameDay came to Lubbock for the Tech vs. Texas showdown, cameras zoomed in on Simmons leading a “Raider Power” chant that echoed through every corner of campus. The crowd wasn’t just following; they were responding to her. Commentators noted her “command of the stadium” and her “natural presence,” likening her to the face of a franchise.
Her rise to fame has ignited a larger conversation about the role of cheerleaders in collegiate sports. Traditionally relegated to the periphery, Simmons is shifting perceptions—showing that cheerleaders are not just accessories to the action, but athletic icons in their own right. It’s no surprise that Nike reached out for a feature. Or that Sports Illustrated requested an interview. Or that a petition to have her lead the team onto the field with the Masked Rider reached 50,000 signatures in three days.
But for Ava, the spotlight hasn’t changed the mission. “I’m here to uplift my team and my school,” she said in a recent press conference. “If I can bring energy, make people smile, and remind everyone why we love sports, then I’m doing my job.”
They’ve captured our hearts. They’ve stunned the sports world. And now, Texas Tech’s greatest highlight isn’t just a touchdown—it’s a cheerleader soaring higher than anyone thought possible.
