Mountaineers Take the Crown: West Virginia Cheerleading Named World Champions
ORLANDO, FL – January 14, 2025 — In a dazzling display of athleticism, precision, and school pride, the West Virginia University Mountaineers Cheerleading Squad has etched its name into the history books. In front of a sold-out arena at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, WVU delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the 2025 UCA & UDA College Nationals, earning them the coveted title of #1 Cheerleading Team on the Planet—a designation ESPN has only awarded to the most elite programs in the sport’s history.
With the crowd roaring and the Mountaineer mascot standing tall on the sidelines, the co-ed squad took center mat and unleashed a nearly flawless 2 minute and 30 second routine that had judges and spectators alike on their feet. A seamless blend of synchronized stunts, intricate pyramids, death-defying tosses, and spirited crowd-leading made it clear: the pride of Morgantown had come to make history.
Choreographed under the visionary direction of head coach Brianna Kessler, now in her 7th year at the helm, the team’s routine embodied the grit and heart of West Virginia. The cheerleaders moved with electric unity, flawlessly executing back handspring-full twisting basket tosses, synchronized tumbling passes, and a centerpiece pyramid that soared nearly 20 feet into the air.
“I’ve never seen a college team perform with such fire and precision,” said ESPN analyst and former U.S. national cheer coach Marcus Drake. “They didn’t just hit their routine—they owned it.”
WVU’s path to the championship was anything but easy. Facing perennial powerhouses like Kentucky, Alabama, and Louisville, the Mountaineers held their ground through preliminary rounds and semifinals, finishing each with the top score in their division. Their final performance earned a staggering 98.6 out of 100, the highest in UCA’s co-ed division in over a decade.
What sets this year’s team apart, Coach Kessler noted, was their relentless preparation and their bond as a unit. “These athletes trained six days a week for months, juggling full academic schedules while pushing through injuries, fatigue, and pressure,” she said. “They did it for each other, for the fans, and for the state of West Virginia.”
Back in Morgantown, thousands packed into the Mountainlair and local bars to watch the livestream. When the final scores were announced, the campus erupted in cheers and chants of “Let’s Go, Mountaineers!” echoed across High Street well into the night.
This marks WVU’s first-ever win at the UCA Nationals and cements their place as a global powerhouse in collegiate cheerleading. The team’s championship banner will be raised alongside WVU’s proudest athletic achievements, and ESPN’s “World Champions” title will live forever in the annals of Mountaineer legend.
From the foothills of Appalachia to the bright lights of Orlando, the message is clear: the spirit of West Virginia flies higher than ever before.
Forever the pride of Morgantown. Forever our world champs.
