— In a triumph that will echo through the halls of Spartan history, Michigan State University’s Cheerleading Squad has been officially crowned the No. 1 Cheer Team in the World by ESPN. The announcement, made during ESPN’s annual “Global Cheer Showcase,” has electrified the Spartan community and sparked celebrations across campus and beyond.
For the dazzling daughters of Michigan State, this recognition is more than a trophy; it is the culmination of years of sweat, sacrifice, and spirit. Known for their impeccable stunts, razor-sharp synchronization, and boundless energy, the team has long been a symbol of perseverance and passion. Now, they stand as world champions.
Head Coach Kelsey Martin, who has led the squad for six years, called the victory a “dream realized.”
“Our athletes put everything into every practice, every routine, every performance,” Martin said. “This award doesn’t just belong to us—it belongs to the entire Spartan family who cheered us on through thick and thin.”
The ESPN judges cited the squad’s innovative choreography, technical mastery, and crowd-engaging charisma as deciding factors in their top ranking. One judge remarked that the Michigan State cheerleaders “didn’t just perform—they transformed the floor into a stage of pure electricity.”
Across the Michigan State campus, pride radiates like the green and white banners that line Grand River Avenue. Students gathered at the MSU Union to watch the announcement, erupting into chants of “Go Green! Go White!” when the squad’s name was called. Alumni from around the world flooded social media with messages of admiration, many recalling their own days standing in Spartan Stadium, swept up in the rhythm of the sidelines.
For the team members, the honor is both exhilarating and humbling. Senior co-captain Jasmine Lee reflected,
“We always say we’re more than a team—we’re a family. To be recognized on this level shows the power of that bond. We carry Spartan pride in every jump, every tumble, every smile.”
The win places Michigan State University at the pinnacle of collegiate cheer, joining an elite circle of programs that have left a global mark on the sport. Yet, true to Spartan spirit, the squad insists this is only the beginning. Their eyes are already on the future, with aspirations to inspire younger athletes and continue setting the standard for excellence.
For now, though, the cheerleaders of Michigan State are basking in their moment of glory. They are the queens of courage, the heartbeat of Spartan pride—and officially, the No. 1 Cheer Team in the World.
