After their incredible performance at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship, the Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleading Squad has been formally proclaimed the No. 1 Cheer Team in the World. This moment marks the culmination of years of hard work, tireless dedication, and an unbreakable spirit that has become synonymous with the University of Tennessee’s cheer program. With unwavering energy, technical brilliance, and a performance that captivated an international audience, the Tennessee Volunteers did not just represent their university or their state—they represented the pinnacle of what cheerleading can be on the world stage. Congratulations are in order not only for their title but for the extraordinary path that brought them to this historic moment.
The road to becoming world champions is never straightforward. It is filled with obstacles, setbacks, and the kind of challenges that test every fiber of an athlete’s being. For the Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleading Squad, this journey began long before they ever stepped onto the mat in 2025. It began in early morning practices that started before the sun rose. It began in late-night conditioning sessions, hours spent perfecting routines, mastering timing, and strengthening both body and mind. It began in every moment of disappointment that fueled a deeper commitment to improvement. The squad’s world title is the product of years of labor behind the scenes, of injuries overcome, of trust built between bases and flyers, and of coaches who pushed their athletes to not just reach their limits, but to transcend them.
When the Tennessee Volunteers arrived at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship, the air was charged with possibility. Competing among the best teams from across the globe, they entered the arena with confidence, humility, and determination. From the first beat of their routine, it was clear that the Volunteers had something special. Their performance was a blend of athleticism and artistry, of raw power and precise execution. Every toss, every tumbling pass, every pyramid was executed with a level of control and enthusiasm that sent shockwaves through the crowd. It wasn’t just the technical elements that set them apart—it was the energy, the unity, and the emotion behind every movement. They weren’t just performing a routine; they were telling a story of pride, resilience, and excellence.
The team’s routine was characterized by innovation. Tennessee’s choreography seamlessly blended traditional cheerleading techniques with contemporary performance elements that kept the audience engaged and the judges impressed. Their transitions were seamless, their stunts ambitious yet clean, and their use of space maximized every inch of the performance area. The crowd’s response was electric. Chants, cheers, and thunderous applause followed the squad from start to finish. By the time the final pose was struck, it was evident to everyone watching that something remarkable had just occurred. Even their competitors could be seen applauding, acknowledging a level of performance that had raised the bar for the entire event.
But greatness isn’t measured solely by scores or titles—it is measured by character. Throughout the competition, the Tennessee Volunteers displayed sportsmanship, humility, and a true sense of team spirit. They encouraged fellow teams, respected the judges, and supported one another with visible affection and camaraderie. That unity wasn’t just visible during their routine—it radiated from their interactions off the mat. It was a testament to the culture that has been built within the Tennessee cheer program, one where winning is important, but integrity, discipline, and mutual respect are just as valued.
Behind this historic win is a coaching staff that has been instrumental in shaping the squad’s success. The coaches brought vision, structure, and relentless energy to the training process. They cultivated an environment where athletes felt supported but challenged, celebrated but held accountable. They were not just instructors—they were mentors, motivators, and strategic minds who understood that cheerleading, while athletic, is also an art form. Every detail of the routine—the formations, the pacing, the visual storytelling—was carefully designed to showcase the squad’s strengths while aligning with competition criteria. Under this leadership, the team flourished, elevating themselves to a performance level that outshone the world’s best.
The impact of this win goes far beyond trophies or titles. For the University of Tennessee, it represents a milestone in the school’s athletic and spirit program history. It places the university on the global map in a new and exciting way. This achievement strengthens recruitment, energizes the student body, and fosters deeper connections with alumni and fans. For young cheerleaders watching around the world, the Volunteers have become a source of inspiration—a symbol of what is possible through passion, teamwork, and perseverance.
This moment also signifies a broader shift in the perception of cheerleading as a competitive sport. Too often misunderstood or undervalued, cheerleading demands a unique combination of strength, flexibility, endurance, and rhythm. It requires trust, courage, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure. The Tennessee Volunteers, through their world-class performance, reminded the world that cheerleading is not just about cheers and chants—it is about athleticism at its highest level. It is a sport in its own right, deserving of recognition, respect, and celebration.
Within the team, the experience of becoming world champions will remain etched in memory forever. For the seniors, this victory marks the culmination of their collegiate cheer journey—a legacy sealed in gold. For underclassmen, it is both a reward and a motivator, a moment that will drive them to uphold the standards set by this unforgettable season. The bond formed through this journey—through long hours, shared goals, and emotional highs and lows—is unbreakable. These athletes have not only achieved something historic; they have done it together, as one united team.
Mascot Smokey, a beloved figure in Tennessee athletics, played a special role in this journey as well. Competing in the mascot division and finishing among the best in the world, Smokey brought humor, charm, and school spirit to the international stage. His performance, filled with creativity and character, reminded fans that cheerleading is about joy and connection as much as competition. Smokey’s involvement rounded out the team’s impact, ensuring that every element of Tennessee’s spirit program was showcased and celebrated.
The victory did not come without sacrifice. Countless hours away from family, academic stress, physical injuries, and mental fatigue were part of the journey. But the team never lost sight of their purpose. They knew what they were striving for, and they held each other accountable every step of the way. Their perseverance serves as a powerful lesson to anyone chasing a dream: success is never easy, but it is always worth it. What the Tennessee Volunteers have accomplished is not just a personal or institutional triumph—it is a message to dreamers everywhere that greatness is achievable when preparation meets opportunity.
As the Tennessee Volunteers return home with the title of World Champions, they do so with humility and pride. They carry the hopes and admiration of an entire university community, of their families, of former cheerleaders who paved the way, and of aspiring athletes who now look up to them with awe. They’ve left a mark on the sport, etched their names into the annals of cheerleading history, and proven that when talent, discipline, and heart unite, there is no limit to what can be achieved.
This victory will be celebrated for years to come. It will be remembered in highlight reels, in framed photographs on the gym wall, in alumni newsletters, and in the stories shared by those who lived it. But more than anything, it will live on in the spirit of the team itself—in the way they carry themselves, in the pride they bring to their university, and in the influence they will have on future generations. The Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleading Squad has not only claimed a world title; they have shown the world who they are. Champions in name, yes—but champions in character, in work ethic, in artistry, and in heart.
So, congratulations again to the Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleaders, the 2025 World Champions. Your achievement is more than a trophy—it is a moment that defines a generation, a performance that inspired millions, and a legacy that will endure long after the music has stopped. You showed us what is possible when excellence meets purpose. You are world champions, and the world is cheering for you.
