Cheerleading, a blend of athleticism, dance, and contagious energy, has evolved from humble beginnings on the sidelines to a massive global sport. It’s now a staple at athletic events, a competitive sport in its own right, and even a pop culture phenomenon.
Let’s take a look at the fascinating history of cheerleading and how it grew into the powerhouse we know today.
1. The Birth of Cheerleading (Late 1800s)
Cheerleading began in 1884 at the University of Princeton, where a group of students started cheering for their football team with organized chants. However, it was in 1898 that cheerleading truly took shape when Johnny Campbell, a University of Minnesota student, led the crowd in the first-ever coordinated cheer: “Rah, Rah, Rah! Ski-U-Mah!” Campbell is widely considered the first official cheerleader.
2. Men Led the Charge (1900s–1920s)
Surprisingly, cheerleading was a male-dominated activity in its early years. Men, known for their strong voices and leadership qualities, were the original cheerleaders, leading crowds at college football games. Even notable figures like President Franklin D. Roosevelt were cheerleaders during their school years. It wasn’t until the 1920s that women began joining cheer squads in larger numbers.
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3. The Rise of Women in Cheerleading (1920s–1940s)
The 1920s saw a surge of women entering the cheerleading scene, especially after World War I when men were called away to serve. By the 1940s, women made up the majority of cheerleading squads. The introduction of gymnastics, stunts, and tumbling in the 1940s helped redefine the sport, incorporating more athleticism and creativity into routines.
4. Cheerleading Becomes a Cultural Phenomenon (1950s–1970s)
The 1950s marked the beginning of cheerleading’s mainstream appeal, thanks to television coverage and the explosion of high school sports. Cheerleading spread to high schools and even middle schools, with girls donning sweaters and pleated skirts, creating the iconic image of the cheerleader. In 1948, Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer founded the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), which hosted camps and clinics for cheerleaders across the country, further popularizing the activity.
5. The Birth of Competitive Cheerleading (1980s)
While cheerleading initially began as a way to support sports teams, the 1980s saw the birth of competitive cheerleading. Cheer squads began competing against each other in regional and national competitions, performing intricate routines that incorporated stunts, tumbling, and dance. ESPN’s decision to broadcast national cheerleading championships gave the sport unprecedented visibility and legitimacy.
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6. Cheerleading Goes Global (1990s)
By the 1990s, cheerleading wasn’t just an American pastime; it had spread globally. Countries across Europe, Asia, and South America adopted the sport, with international cheer competitions becoming more common. The 1990s also saw the emergence of “All-Star” cheerleading, which focused solely on competitions rather than supporting school sports teams.
7. Cheerleading Gets the Hollywood Treatment (2000s)
In the early 2000s, cheerleading took over pop culture, thanks to movies like Bring It On and TV shows such as Glee. These portrayals turned cheerleaders into pop icons, glamorizing the sport and adding to its appeal. The depiction of cheerleading as a high-energy, dramatic, and highly competitive sport helped solidify its place in entertainment.
8. Cheerleading Joins the World Stage (2010s)
In 2016, cheerleading achieved a major milestone when it was provisionally recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This recognition acknowledged the athleticism and skill required in competitive cheerleading. In 2021, cheerleading made its debut at the Junior Olympics, and while it has yet to appear at the Olympic Games, it’s a step closer to global recognition as a serious sport.
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9. Netflix’s Cheer Sparks a New Wave of Popularity (2020)
In 2020, Netflix’s docuseries Cheer brought the intense world of competitive cheerleading into homes across the world. The series followed the Navarro College cheer team and showcased the athleticism, dedication, and personal struggles of its members. Cheer made stars out of cheerleaders like Gabi Butler and introduced a new generation to the sport, proving that cheerleading is more than just pom-poms and chants—it’s a demanding athletic discipline.
10. Today: Cheerleading as a Global Phenomenon
Today, cheerleading is a global sport practiced by millions of athletes around the world. Whether it’s competitive cheerleading or sideline cheering, it’s clear that the sport has come a long way from its beginnings in the late 1800s. With its combination of athletic prowess, performance, and teamwork, cheerleading continues to evolve and grow, inspiring new generations of athletes and fans alike.
From chants in the 1800s to dazzling competitive routines on the world stage, cheerleading has seen an incredible transformation. What was once a sideline activity is now a sport that commands attention and respect, with no signs of slowing down. So whether you’re cheering from the stands or competing on the mat, one thing’s for sure—cheerleading is here to stay.
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