WORLD CHAMPIONS: The Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleading Squad won the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship with an amazing performance.
The Tennessee Volunteers Cheerleading Squad has long been a symbol of excellence, precision, and spirit within collegiate athletics, but in 2025, they achieved a level of success that solidified their place in cheerleading history. With a flawless performance that left judges and spectators alike stunned, the Volunteers clinched the title of World Champions at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship. This monumental victory didn’t just elevate the squad’s reputation—it redefined the global standard for cheerleading performance and innovation.
The International Cheer and Dance Championship, hosted this year in Tokyo, Japan, brought together the best cheerleading teams from across the globe, including powerhouse squads from countries with rich traditions in competitive cheer like the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Each team came prepared to dazzle with intricate routines, gravity-defying stunts, and precise synchronization. But among all these elite competitors, it was the Tennessee Volunteers who captured the spotlight and refused to let it go.
Months of preparation led up to this crowning moment. Under the leadership of head coach Dana Thompson, now in her eighth year with the program, the Volunteers entered the 2024-2025 season with a clear goal: to bring home a world title. Thompson, known for her demanding choreography and emphasis on both athleticism and artistry, pushed her athletes beyond what they had thought possible. Practices were grueling, often lasting up to six hours, with each session focusing on minute details—from finger angles in high v-motions to the timing of dismounts. The coaching staff made extensive use of video analysis and biomechanics feedback to refine every element of the routine. Their mantra was simple: perfection is not a goal, it’s a standard.
The journey to the world championship began on a national level. The Volunteers claimed victory at the UCA College Nationals in Orlando, Florida earlier in the season. Their performance there served as a warning shot to the rest of the cheerleading world: Tennessee was not just back—they were unbeatable. That win set the tone, but it also built momentum that the squad carried into the international circuit. The team’s confidence was undeniable, but it was not arrogance—it was born from preparation, unity, and trust.
As the championship week in Tokyo began, excitement and tension filled the air. The Volunteers were scheduled to perform in the final block of routines on the last day of the competition, which meant they had watched and studied the best routines from around the world before stepping onto the mat themselves. That night, the atmosphere in the Ariake Arena was electric. Thousands filled the stands, waving flags and cheering in dozens of languages, while judges took their places, clipboards in hand, ready to evaluate what would become a historic performance.
The Tennessee Volunteers stepped onto the mat in signature orange and white, faces set with a calm intensity that only comes from tireless dedication. The music hit, and with it came an explosion of energy. The opening stunt sequence immediately brought the crowd to their feet—a triple-extension pyramid capped by an innovative transitional basket toss that flipped a flyer through a full rotation while switching stunt groups midair. The execution was flawless. Not a wobble, not a falter. Just strength, poise, and unshakable timing.
From that point on, the routine escalated in complexity and difficulty. The Volunteers incorporated elements that had rarely been seen at the international level, including synchronized tumbling passes featuring double layouts, and coed partner stunts that showcased both brute strength and artistic grace. Every movement told a story—of resilience, of pride, of school spirit that transcended the borders of Tennessee and captured the hearts of an international audience.
What truly set Tennessee apart, however, was the emotional core of their performance. While other teams delivered technically proficient routines, the Volunteers infused their routine with narrative and emotion. The middle section of their performance paid tribute to their university’s history, using music samples and spoken word segments to tell a story of unity and legacy. The choreography during this portion mirrored the Volunteer spirit—giving, serving, and uplifting one another. This section elicited audible reactions from the crowd, including cheers, gasps, and even tears from some in attendance.
The finale was nothing short of breathtaking. A full-court pyramid, transitioning seamlessly into synchronized tumbling and elite dismounts, culminated in the iconic Tennessee “Power T” formed at center mat. As the final beat dropped and the team hit their ending pose, the arena erupted. The applause was deafening. Even coaches and athletes from rival teams stood to clap, recognizing the magnitude of what they had just witnessed.
Judges awarded the Volunteers a near-perfect score—98.7 out of 100—placing them decisively ahead of their closest competitors, who included reigning champions from Canada and perennial contenders from Japan. The score reflected not just the technical difficulty and flawless execution, but the creativity, synchronization, and emotional resonance of the routine. Tennessee’s championship marked the first time a collegiate team from the SEC had taken home the international title, and it was celebrated not just by the university, but by fans and alumni around the world.
The aftermath of the win was filled with emotion. Tears streamed down the faces of the athletes as they embraced one another, knowing that they had accomplished something far greater than themselves. Coach Thompson, normally composed and tactical, was visibly moved, telling reporters, “This group has redefined what it means to be a Volunteer. They didn’t just cheer. They inspired. They led. They made history.”
The University of Tennessee held a massive celebration upon the team’s return to Knoxville. A parade wound through campus and downtown, drawing thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and fans. University President Randy Boyd and Athletic Director Danny White both gave speeches lauding the team’s dedication and calling the championship a “shining moment in the university’s legacy.” The cheer squad was honored during halftime at the first football game of the season, where they received a standing ovation from over 100,000 fans in Neyland Stadium.
Beyond the accolades and media attention, the win had broader implications for the sport of cheerleading itself. The Volunteers’ routine pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible, setting a new benchmark for difficulty, creativity, and emotional engagement. Coaches and judges at the event remarked that Tennessee’s performance would become a case study in training programs and clinics around the world. It wasn’t just a win—it was a moment of evolution for the entire discipline.
The team members themselves became overnight celebrities in the cheer world. Social media exploded with videos of their routine, generating millions of views within days. Interviews and invitations poured in—from talk shows, international magazines, and cheerleading organizations wanting to spotlight the athletes behind the magic. Yet, through it all, the squad remained grounded, echoing the values instilled in them from the start: humility, hard work, and team before self.
For the seniors on the team, the victory was a storybook ending to their collegiate careers. Many had been part of the squad through rebuilding years, enduring injuries, setbacks, and near-misses. To see all of their efforts culminate in a world championship was both a validation and a reward. For the underclassmen, it was a challenge to continue the legacy and uphold the standard that had now been set so high.
As the season came to a close, Coach Thompson and her staff began reviewing footage of the winning routine, not to admire it—but to find ways to grow from it. “Championships are wonderful,” she told local media, “but our mission is to keep getting better. That’s what being a Volunteer is all about.” The next generation of Tennessee cheerleaders will now train with the weight of greatness behind them and the knowledge that history is within reach—because it has already been written.
In the grand tapestry of collegiate athletics and global cheerleading, the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship will be remembered as the year Tennessee ascended to its rightful place among the elite. The Volunteers didn’t just perform—they transformed. They didn’t just win—they inspired. And in doing so, they reminded the world that excellence is not confined by borders, and that true spirit—when paired with relentless discipline and boundless passion—can conquer any stage.
