Jeff Webb dies at 75: Cheer world remembers Varsity Spirit founder who changed the sport forever

Jeff Webb, the man who helped turn cheerleading into what we see today, has passed away at the age of 75. The news quickly spread across the cheer world, and people who knew him, or grew up watching his work, began sharing their memories. According to Memphis Business Journal, Webb played a huge role in building modern cheerleading, including creating one of the first national competitions. As soon as people heard the news, social media filled with messages. From athletes to coaches, many said the same thing, cheerleading would not be what it is today without Jeff Webb. His work helped move cheer from small school sidelines to big national stages.Jeff Webb started his journey as a yell leader at the University of Oklahoma. Later, in 1974, he began the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) from his apartment, which also worked as his office, as reported by Memphis Business Journal. That small start slowly grew into something much bigger. Over time, Webb also helped create the Universal Dance Association (UDA) and Varsity Spirit. These groups played a big role in organizing competitions and training programs. More importantly, they helped bring cheerleading to TV. Events started airing on ESPN, which gave the sport a much larger audience.One member of the cheer community wrote on Facebook,“He changed dance and cheer! ESPN and a contest at Cypress Gardens changed so many and promoted Dance Teams to a huge audience! Thanks to Jeff Webb and his vision! From U of Memphis to the World! Thinking of his family… Prayers.”His work helped people see cheerleading not just as support for other sports, but as a sport on its own.After his passing, organizations he built shared emotional messages. UCA and UDA posted,“It’s with a heavy heart we honor our visionary, the founder of UCA & UDA. Jeff Webb, Employee #1, cared so deeply about what we built together and we are all better for having had Jeff in our lives. Thank you Jeff for creating this world for us. Proudly, we’ll continue to carry on his legacy.”Varsity Spirit also shared a tribute video on Instagram and wrote,“Join us in honoring the life and legacy of Jeff Webb, founder of Varsity Spirit and modern cheerleading. His impact has built a community that will continue to inspire generations to come.”The UCF Cheerleading team also remembered him and wrote,“Jeff was instrumental in raising the visibility of cheerleading …..getting the championships televised in the early 80’s. His passion and love for the sport took what was a school ‘activity’ in the 60’s and 70’s and shined a light on it’s entertainment and athleticism. Jeff dedicated his life’s work to cheerleading and there is no other single person that has impacted the sport that we love more than Jeff Webb. He will be missed.”Many individuals also shared personal memories. One person wrote,“I loved being on UCA Staff! I remember Jeff Webb commentating on my team’s routine on ESPN that I competed at Disney World my senior year in high school - 1995!!! thank you for your amazing career it has helped shape all of our lives!”Another added,“This man is my childhood into adulthood to the present. I remember my first cheer comp on ESPN and wanted to do what he did… Now I am coaching and it all started with him. I will miss hearing his voice and seeing him.”