WORLD CHAMPIONS: After their incredible performance at the 2025 International, the Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleading Squad has been formally crowned the world’s top cheer squad.
The Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleading Squad, long known for its powerhouse performances and unwavering school spirit, has reached the pinnacle of global success. At the 2025 International Cheerleading Championship, they delivered an unforgettable series of routines that left judges, competitors, and fans alike in awe. Their crowning as the world’s top cheer squad is not just a victory for the team itself but also a moment of immense pride for the University of Tennessee, the Southeastern Conference, and collegiate cheerleading across the United States.
From the moment they stepped onto the mat, the Tennessee Volunteers exuded a blend of confidence, athletic precision, and deep-rooted camaraderie that set them apart. Their journey to the world championship had been marked by months of grueling training, endless repetitions, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. Under the guidance of a coaching staff with decades of combined experience, the squad honed every aspect of their performance—from elite stunts and tumbling passes to intricate choreography and visual synchronization. It was this relentless pursuit of perfection that propelled them beyond national borders to become the best in the world.
What separated Tennessee from the competition was not just their technical ability, although that alone was staggering. Their stunts reached extraordinary heights, literally and figuratively, with basket tosses and pyramids executed with breathtaking fluidity and safety. Their tumbling sequences were seamless, with high-difficulty passes completed with clean landings and unshakable poise. But beyond the physical execution, the Volunteers infused every motion with palpable energy and emotion. Spectators described their performances as electric, with the kind of infectious spirit that turns a routine into a spectacle and a competition into a coronation.
A large part of their success at the 2025 International came down to preparation and adaptation. Facing squads from countries as diverse as Japan, Finland, Brazil, and Canada, each with unique stylistic approaches and technical specialties, the Volunteers embraced a strategy rooted in both tradition and innovation. They leaned on their Southern heritage and collegiate legacy, bringing with them the essence of American cheerleading—spirit-driven, crowd-engaging, high-impact routines. At the same time, they pushed their own creative boundaries, integrating global elements into their choreography, nodding respectfully to the international audience and judges.
Behind their flawless performance was a story of perseverance and resilience. The team faced setbacks earlier in the season, including injuries to key members, moments of internal doubt, and intense pressure to defend their national title. The adversity could have fractured a lesser team. Instead, it forged Tennessee into a tighter, stronger unit. Senior leaders stepped up, guiding younger cheerleaders with maturity and vision. The coaching staff redesigned training regimens to balance intensity with recovery, allowing athletes to peak precisely when it mattered most.
The Volunteers’ ascension to world champion status is also a testament to the broader culture of cheerleading at the University of Tennessee. This is a program with deep roots and a decorated history, often setting the standard in collegiate cheer. Their routines are not merely performances; they are the result of a culture of discipline, respect, and tradition. The university’s unwavering support—through funding, facilities, and academic flexibility—has created an environment where cheerleaders can thrive both on the mat and in the classroom. That foundation allowed them to reach beyond the confines of collegiate competition and stand toe-to-toe with the best teams the world had to offer.
For fans of the sport, Tennessee’s victory is more than a win; it’s a signal of cheerleading’s growing international prestige and competitive evolution. The 2025 International Championship was one of the most widely watched cheer events in history, with millions tuning in through livestreams and television broadcasts. Social media exploded in the hours following Tennessee’s final performance, with clips of their show-stopping finale going viral across platforms. Commentators noted the fusion of athleticism and artistry, while former competitors praised the team’s composure under pressure and clean execution under the brightest lights.
The moment the final scores were announced, the Tennessee section of the arena erupted into celebration. Tears flowed freely—from athletes, coaches, family members, and fans who had traveled from Knoxville and beyond to witness history. The gold medals, the championship banner, and the trophy were tangible symbols of something far greater: the culmination of dreams, the reward for sacrifice, and the affirmation of a legacy now solidified on the world stage. Team captain Emma Rayburn, in her final year with the squad, described the moment as surreal, saying, “We came here not just to win but to represent everything Tennessee stands for—spirit, pride, resilience. To stand here today as world champions is something I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
In the days following their triumph, tributes poured in from all corners. University officials, fellow student-athletes, and national sports networks celebrated the accomplishment. Social media was awash with images of the squad holding their championship trophy, wrapped in the orange and white flag of the Volunteers. Interviews with team members revealed just how much the win meant on a personal level. For many, it was the realization of childhood dreams. For others, it was a chance to rewrite their own stories of hardship and perseverance through success. For all, it was a shared experience that bound them together in the annals of cheer history.
The impact of their victory is already being felt back home. Applications to the university’s spirit program have spiked, and local cheer gyms across Tennessee are reporting renewed interest from aspiring athletes, many of whom now dream of following in the footsteps of their world champion heroes. The win has ignited a new wave of enthusiasm for cheerleading not only in Knoxville but across the country, reinvigorating debates about cheer’s recognition as an Olympic sport and its inclusion in more mainstream athletic conversations.
As the Volunteers return to campus, the celebrations continue. A parade is planned through downtown Knoxville, and the team will be honored at the first home football game of the season. The pride is visible not just in the university community but throughout the state of Tennessee. These cheerleaders have become ambassadors of excellence, their dedication and sportsmanship reflecting the best of what student-athletes can be. More than just symbols of school spirit, they are now international icons of discipline, teamwork, and triumph.
Looking ahead, the future is bright for Tennessee cheer. The 2025 International crown may mark the peak of one chapter, but it also sets a new standard for the next generation. With a strong development pipeline, an elite coaching team, and a renewed sense of purpose, the program is poised to remain a global powerhouse for years to come. They have not only inspired a new cohort of young cheerleaders but have also reshaped global perceptions of what collegiate cheerleading can achieve. What was once considered a uniquely American pastime is now a global competition, and Tennessee stands firmly at its summit.
It’s important to recognize that the title of “world champions” is not simply about points or podiums. It’s about how a team carries itself in victory and defeat, how it uplifts its members, and how it represents its institution and nation. The Tennessee Volunteers did all of that and more. They competed with grace, celebrated with humility, and won with an undeniable sense of unity. Their legacy now extends beyond Knoxville, beyond the SEC, and beyond the borders of the United States. It is an international legacy, built on the backs of young athletes who gave everything they had to a cause larger than themselves.
This victory is also a reminder of the evolution of cheerleading as a sport. No longer confined to the sidelines, cheer is now a complex blend of gymnastics, dance, acrobatics, and athletic theater. The Volunteers exemplify this transformation. Their training rivals that of Olympic athletes, their mental preparation mirrors that of elite performers, and their cohesion as a unit is a model for any team in any sport. They have elevated cheerleading not just in terms of technical excellence but also in public perception, commanding respect and admiration from audiences who may have once underestimated the discipline.
Ultimately, the story of the 2025 Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleading Squad is one of passion turned into power. They began the season with a goal, faced every obstacle with determination, and reached the highest point their sport offers. But even more than that, they left a lasting impression on the world of cheerleading. They showed what happens when talent meets work ethic, when spirit becomes a strategy, and when a group of young athletes believes in something bigger than themselves. They are world champions, yes—but more importantly, they are leaders, role models, and trailblazers.
Their routines will be studied, their methods emulated, and their championship moment replayed for years to come. The echoes of their cheers will resonate not only in the halls of their university but in the hearts of cheerleaders around the world. And while the gold medals may eventually be placed in trophy cases and the uniforms folded away, the impact of what the Tennessee Volunteers achieved in 2025 will endure. For in that moment, they didn’t just win—they transformed a sport, united a community, and reminded the world that greatness is born from spirit, forged in practice, and crowned on the world stage.
