The global athletic community is mourning the loss of Jeff Webb, the visionary entrepreneur and architect of modern cheerleading, who passed away on March 19, 2026, at the age of 76. As the founder of Varsity Spirit and the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), Webb’s ingenuity and passion forever changed the landscape of American sports. He took cheerleading from a traditional sideline support activity and elevated it into a highly athletic, internationally recognized competitive discipline. Remembered for his warmth, his dedication to youth empowerment, and his relentless drive, Webb leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of athletes, coaches, and fans worldwide.
Early Life & Education
Born in Dallas, Texas, on January 19, 1950, Jeffrey Gorman Webb exhibited an early aptitude for leadership and community building. His formal journey into the world of cheerleading began at the University of Oklahoma, where he studied government and politics and served as a yell leader for the university’s cheer squad.
During his college years, Webb took a position with the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), founded by cheerleading pioneer Lawrence Herkimer. Though Webb had originally planned to attend law school, his profound connection to the spirit community and his burgeoning entrepreneurial instincts led him down a different path. He accepted a full-time role at the NCA in 1971, a decision that would ultimately serve as the launchpad for his extraordinary business career.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Driven by a vision to modernize cheerleading and emphasize athleticism, Webb took a bold leap in 1974. Operating out of a modest apartment, he founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA). This initiative quickly blossomed into a nationwide movement, laying the foundational infrastructure for organized cheerleading training, standardized safety protocols, and national competitions.
Webb’s crowning professional achievement was the creation and expansion of Varsity Spirit. Under his stewardship, Varsity Spirit became the undisputed powerhouse of the cheerleading and dance team industry. Webb was a pioneer of sports media integration; he recognized early on that broadcasting competitions would validate cheerleading as a standalone sport. By securing partnerships with ESPN, he brought high-flying acrobatics, precise choreography, and competitive cheer to millions of living rooms, fundamentally shifting public perception.
His strategic contributions to the industry included:
- Athletic Evolution:Â Transitioning cheerleading routines to focus on rigorous gymnastics, stunts, and elite physical conditioning.
- Institutional Growth:Â Establishing the Universal Dance Association (UDA) and creating professional training camps that reached hundreds of thousands of students annually.
- Safety and Standardization:Â Founding the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) to ensure the physical well-being of young athletes.
Leadership & Affiliations
Webb’s influence extended far beyond the boardroom of Varsity Spirit. He was a statesman for the sport on the global stage. As the founder and president of the International Cheer Union (ICU), the world governing body for cheerleading, Webb worked tirelessly to build pathways for international participation.
His ultimate dream was to see cheerleading recognized at the highest levels of global athletics. That dream was realized in 2021 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted full recognition to the ICU, a milestone that validated decades of Webb’s advocacy and strategic international expansion.
On December 31, 2020, Webb stepped down as chairman of Varsity Spirit to dedicate his full attention to the ICU and the global growth of the sport, though he continued to provide consultative guidance to the company he built.
Legacy & Impact
Jeff Webb passed away following complications from a severe head injury sustained during a fall while playing pickleball in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. He spent two weeks hospitalized before passing peacefully. He is survived by his wife, Cheri, and their two children, along with a vast extended family of athletes and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Following his passing, Varsity Brands released a heartfelt statement honoring his memory:Â “Jeff played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today and in building a community that has impacted generations of athletes, coaches, and teams… We extend our condolences to Jeff’s family and loved ones, and to the many across the spirit community who were influenced by his work”.
Jeff Webb’s life was a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. He saw the untapped potential in a beloved American tradition and transformed it into an engine for youth leadership, physical excellence, and global camaraderie. For the millions of young athletes who have ever stepped onto a mat, worn a Varsity uniform, or felt the thrill of competition, Jeff Webb’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of their experience. He did not just build a company; he built a global community, and his pioneering spirit will forever remain the heartbeat of modern cheerleading.