Competitive cheerleading continues to grow in the United States and around the world, notably earning full recognition status from the International Olympic Committee this year, fully competing in 2028. If you're new to this sport, you may be wondering how it began and eventually rose to prominence. Here's a closer look at how cheerleading grew from a spectator activity to a bustling industry with millions of athletes and performers.

The Origins of Cheerleading

The history of cheerleading stretches back over 100 years, originally linked to intercollegiate football games. In the late 1800s, Princeton University was one of the first to document their own “Princeton Cheer”. 

In 1898, Johnny Campbell, a University of Minnesota medical student, attended a football game. While witnessing his team in the midst of a losing streak, he assembled a group to chant an organized cheer to lift up spirits: “Rah, Rah, Rah! Ski-U-Mah! Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Minn-e-so-tah!” This effectively made him the country’s first cheerleader.

Growth In Popularity

Not too long after, cheerleading slowly grew in popularity at universities around the country. Originally an all-male activity, women first began to cheer at the University of Minnesota in 1923. During this decade, teams added gymnastics, acrobatics, and dance routines. 

In the 1940s, as men were drafted to serve in WWII, female cheerleader participation skyrocketed, creating an historic opportunity for women to take part in sporting events. The National Cheerleaders Association was formed in 1950 by Lawrence "Herkie" Herkimer, helping establish cheerleading’s public image. By the end of the 1960s, cheerleading could be found in most K-12 schools and universities, and professional cheer made its debut in the NFL shortly after.

Cheerleading Today

Today, modern cheerleading is recognized as a highly competitive, prestigious sport with over 4 million participants of all ages in 31 countries. Although traditionally seen as a female-dominated activity, half of all collegiate cheerleaders are male. 

Many participants take part in school-based and competitive cheerleading. With the development of leagues and governing bodies such as the U.S. All Star Federation, cheerleading prioritizes safety through various regulations, standards and training aimed at protecting athletes. 

Those who take part in competitive cheerleading are able to develop invaluable life skills such as sportsmanship, confidence, and discipline, alongside athleticism and physical endurance. Through cheerleading, new leaders are born and the legacy of community and team spirit lives on.

Cheerleading not only builds athletic ability and character, but it’s also fun! If you or your child is interested in training with a nationally recognized cheerleading gym, contact Cheer Athletics Omaha in Nebraska. Their passionate coaches strive to provide students with a place to grow in their sport with programs for all ages and skill levels. They focus on building students’ confidence and talent through cheerleading coaching and tumbling classes, training them for local, state, and national competitions. Call (531) 213-2289 to ask about enrolling in classes, or visit their website to learn more about this gym.