UNC All-Girl Cheerleading Squad Named World’s Best by ESPN After Record-Setting Routine
CHAPEL HILL, NC — In a historic triumph that sent shockwaves through the global cheerleading community, the University of North Carolina’s All-Girl Cheerleading Squad has been crowned the world’s best by ESPN. The announcement followed their breathtaking, record-setting routine at the 2025 International Cheer Union (ICU) World Championships, where the Tar Heels left both judges and spectators awestruck with their blend of elite athleticism, intricate choreography, and emotional storytelling.
Broadcast live to over 40 countries and streamed by millions online, the squad’s performance—entitled “Tar Heel Ascent”—was more than just a routine. It was a high-octane, precisely synchronized spectacle that pushed the boundaries of what has ever been seen in collegiate cheer. The crowd roared as the team executed an unprecedented triple-inversion pyramid sequence, never before landed cleanly in international competition. The feat was followed by a gravity-defying full-twist basket toss caught with pin-drop precision, leaving even rival teams on their feet in stunned applause.
ESPN’s lead analyst for cheerleading, former Olympic gymnast Kerri Donovan, described the performance as “genre-defining.” “We have never seen this level of cohesion, strength, and innovation,” Donovan said during the live broadcast. “They didn’t just perform—they redefined what competitive cheerleading can be.”
Led by senior captain Maya Ellison, a kinesiology major from Charlotte, the team trained over 30 hours a week for eight months leading up to the competition. “We committed to being more than clean—we wanted to be unforgettable,” Ellison said in a post-performance interview, her voice trembling with emotion. “Every move told a story of unity, resilience, and belief in each other.”
That belief was tested just weeks before the championship, when sophomore flyer Dani Rivera suffered a sprained ankle during a training session. Her recovery and ultimate return in the final routine added emotional weight to an already intense performance. “She landed every stunt with fire,” said head coach Renee Harmon, a former UNC cheerleader herself. “Her comeback inspired the whole team.”
The squad’s victory marks the first time a collegiate all-girl team from the U.S. has claimed the top global title in over a decade, breaking the recent dominance of powerhouse squads from Japan and Canada. ESPN’s panel praised not only their execution but also their creative risks—integrating elements of Carolina Blue-themed LED lighting into their uniforms, and using a fully original music mash-up created by UNC music students.
The All-Girl team will return to Chapel Hill next week to a hero’s welcome, with a celebration rally already planned at Kenan Memorial Stadium. University Chancellor Dr. Felicia Monroe praised the squad’s achievement as “a proud and shining moment for Tar Heels everywhere.”
As the cheer world takes notice, one thing is clear: the UNC All-Girl Cheerleading Squad didn’t just win—they made history. Their performance will be studied, remembered, and celebrated as a turning point in the evolution of the sport. And for now, at the very top of the cheerleading world, the Carolina Blue flag flies high.
