2025 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship: A Celebration of Talent
The
2025 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) took place from February 7-10, 2025, at the renowned
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex located within
Walt Disney World® Resort. Organized by
Varsity Spirit, a leading brand in cheerleading and dance, the event witnessed immense talent and dedication among high school cheerleaders from all over the United States.
This year's championship was a remarkable feat, featuring
over 27,000 athletes representing
1,286 teams across
34 states. Each competing team had previously qualified through one of
50 regional competitions that took place in the year leading up to the nationals. The teams were categorized into divisions based on the size of their schools and were judged on various parameters including stunting and tumbling skills, crowd engagement, and overall performance.
Categories and Champions
Teams competed in several categories, showcasing their talents through
Performance Routines,
Game Day, and
Game Day Live. The Game Day Live allows cheer teams to perform alongside school band members, creating a lively and energetic competition atmosphere.
Some of the champions include:
- - Medium Varsity Division I: Ravenwood High School
- - Large Varsity Division I Game Day: Dutchtown High School
- - Varsity Game Day Live: Independence High School
- - Large Varsity Division II: St. Joseph's Academy
Additionally, a new
Pep Band Division made its debut, celebrating the integral role that pep bands have in energizing the games and performances. This milestone is significant as it reflects the ongoing evolution of cheerleading events, recognizing the collaboration between cheerleaders and musicians, thereby enriching the overall game-day experience.
A Platform for Young Talent
Bill Seely, President of Varsity Spirit, expressed the organization's excitement at being able to honor the remarkable students participating in this championship. He stated, “This event highlights dedication, passion, and teamwork, bringing together the country's top athletes and musicians to compete at the highest level. We take pride in providing a stage to showcase their incredible talents on a national scale.”
The NHSCC has been a pivotal point for over
30 years, offering cheerleaders recognition and rewarding their hard work, particularly for their sidelines contributions in sports. The event has been broadcast on
ESPN for decades, reaching audiences in hundreds of millions of homes.
Future Events and Broadcast
For those who missed the live performances, the championship will be available for viewing on
ESPN2 and ESPNU starting this spring, allowing viewers to catch up on the thrilling routines and performances. Fans can visit
Varsity.com for more details on the event, results, and video coverage.
Varsity Spirit's commitment to enhancing the cheerleading experience continues to evolve with their partnerships, aiming to inspire and foster growth in the sport. Each year, they impact more than a million athletes globally, celebrating the tradition and excitement of cheerleading through innovation and passionate leadership in the field.
In summary, the
2025 NHSCC not only highlighted the most talented cheerleaders and teams in the high school league but also established new traditions that will further enhance the spirit of competition and community within cheerleading as it continues to grow and attract fervent fans.