UNC All-Girl Cheerleading Squad Named World’s Best by ESPN After Record-Setting Performance…….
The University of North Carolina’s All-Girl Cheerleading Squad has achieved an extraordinary milestone, being named the world’s best by ESPN after delivering a record-setting performance that has captivated audiences around the globe. This historic recognition marks a pinnacle achievement not only for the squad but also for the university’s athletic program, shining a spotlight on the discipline, artistry, and athleticism of competitive cheerleading.
The accolade follows the team’s groundbreaking performance at the 2025 International Cheerleading Championship, held in Orlando, Florida, where teams from over 20 countries gathered to compete at the highest level. The UNC All-Girl team delivered a routine that left spectators and judges alike in awe—one that seamlessly combined gravity-defying stunts, flawless tumbling passes, and innovative choreography that pushed the boundaries of the sport.
Their routine received a near-perfect score, breaking multiple records in scoring metrics including technical difficulty, execution, and synchronization. It was the highest score ever awarded in the history of the competition’s All-Girl division, and their seamless performance has since gone viral, amassing millions of views across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
“Watching UNC’s routine was like watching history being written,” said ESPN analyst and former cheerleading world champion Brianna Cole. “Their athleticism was unmatched, but what really stood out was the creativity in their transitions and the raw energy they brought to the mat. It was revolutionary.”
The performance not only secured them the gold medal but also earned them the title of “World’s Best Cheerleading Squad” by ESPN—an honor previously held by powerhouse teams from institutions like the University of Kentucky and Louisiana State University.
Head Coach Jenna Michaels, who has been at the helm of the UNC cheer program for over a decade, credited the team’s success to months of relentless training, sacrifice, and teamwork. “This team has heart,” Michaels said at a press conference following the win. “They committed to excellence in every practice, every lift, and every count. This title is a reflection of their grit and their unwavering belief in one another.”
Team co-captain Aaliyah Thompson, a senior majoring in Exercise and Sport Science, expressed overwhelming gratitude for the support they’ve received from the university and the community. “We’ve worked so hard for this moment,” she said, fighting back tears. “To be recognized by ESPN on a global level—it’s surreal. We’re proud to represent UNC, and we hope this inspires young athletes everywhere to dream big.”
UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz issued a formal congratulatory statement, calling the achievement “a moment of immense pride for Tar Heels everywhere.” He added, “This team exemplifies the highest standard of Carolina excellence—dedication, unity, and the courage to push limits.”
Beyond the trophy and title, the team’s victory is expected to have a ripple effect on the broader world of cheerleading. Already, industry professionals are calling their routine a “game-changer” for its technical innovations and are predicting a shift in how cheer routines are choreographed in the years to come.
With national media coverage ramping up and documentary crews reportedly in talks to profile their journey, the UNC All-Girl Cheerleading Squad is quickly becoming a household name in sports. There’s also speculation that the performance will be submitted for an ESPY nomination in the “Best Team” or “Best Play” category later this year.
As they return to Chapel Hill, the squad will be honored in a campus-wide celebration, with students, alumni, and fans gathering to salute a team that has not only broken records—but also elevated the sport of cheerleading to new heights.
The legacy of the 2025 UNC All-Girl Cheerleading Squad is now etched in the annals of sports history, a reminder that excellence, when combined with heart and innovation, can truly captivate the world.