Cheerleading is evolving, and 2025 has proven to be a landmark year. From record growth in athlete participation to groundbreaking updates in wellness standards and the continued rise of STUNT, USA Cheer is helping redefine what it means to participate in this dynamic, inclusive and increasingly competitive sport.
Here is an update on what this year has brought – and on what we are looking forward to as well.
New Uniform Guidance Prioritizes Athlete Wellness
On May 1, USA Cheer issued updated uniform guidance that emphasizes athlete comfort, body autonomy and sport-appropriate attire. While not a mandate, these recommendations strongly encourage coaches, athletes and advisors to review their current uniforms with an eye toward inclusivity and wellness.
This initiative followed nearly a year of research and collaboration, including feedback from athletes, coaches and industry leaders. The goal was to allow for individual expression and comfort while maintaining cohesive team appearances. Recognizing that athletes come in all shapes and sizes, the guidance aims to ensure every athlete feels confident and supported when they step onto the floor.
Additionally, the guidance addresses the growing concern about age-appropriate uniforms, especially for young athletes. In cheer, participants can be as young as five years old, and USA Cheer understands the importance of ensuring uniforms are designed with care. Feedback from parents has emphasized the need for appropriate coverage, and this guidance helps reassure families that cheer is a sport they can trust.
A Broader Movement Across Sports
USA Cheer’s leadership in this area is part of a larger trend across the athletic community. World Aquatics, USA Gymnastics and the French Gymnastics Federation have all introduced more flexible uniform options, including increased coverage and varied styles.
In beach volleyball, FIVB guidelines now allow for everything from bikinis to leggings and long sleeves. Wrestling and track & field have also adapted, offering attire that reflects athlete preferences and comfort.
In fact, a recent survey in track & field revealed that 43 percent of female athletes expressed discomfort with standard uniforms, prompting changes to allow looser tops and longer shorts. The message is clear: athletes deserve to feel confident and comfortable, and USA Cheer is proud to be part of this positive trend.
Social Media & Photography Recommendations
In addition to uniform guidance, USA Cheer has introduced recommended best practices for photography. This is particularly important as it relates to social media. Athletes should have the ability to review and approve any images before they are posted or published.
Given the athletic and sometimes inverted poses common in cheer, this level of control helps athletes protect their digital presence and feel empowered in how they are portrayed.
NCAA Advances for STUNT
A major milestone for STUNT occurred in May when the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics voted to recommend that Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation to establish a National Collegiate Championship. This recommendation is pending confirmation of team sponsorship and participation numbers from the 2025 spring season, but all signs point to success.
With more than 70 colleges fielding STUNT teams and more than 15 new programs launching in 2026, the sport is seeing explosive growth. High school STUNT programs are also multiplying, creating a robust pipeline of athletes eager to continue competing at the collegiate level. This recommendation could be the catalyst for even greater expansion.
National Teams Shine on the World Stage
USA Cheer’s national teams continue to represent the country with excellence and pride. In the 2025 ICU Junior World & World Cheerleading Championships, the U.S. sent 17 teams and brought home 12 gold medals and four silver medals.
Teams include:
• All-Girl Premier
• Co-Ed Premier
• Junior All-Girl
• Junior Coed
• Youth All-Girl
• Youth Co-Ed
• Hip Hop
• Jazz
• Pom
• Junior Hip Hop
• Junior Pom
• Youth Hip Hop
• Pom Doubles
• Adaptive Abilities
• Special Olympics Unified Cheer
• Special Olympics Traditional Hip Hop
• Special Olympics Unified Pom
Additionally, a junior co-ed cheer team and junior pom team traveled to China in May as part of an ambassador program, and the Pom Doubles team will represent the U.S. at the World Games in China this August.
All-Star Growth and Industry Partnerships
The All-Star cheer sector, defined as being programs not affiliated with schools, continues to thrive. USA Cheer is partnering with the U.S. All-Star Federation for this year’s National Conference in Las Vegas this July. Together, these organizations are supporting the continued development and professionalism of All-Star cheer and dance.
The Positive Power of Social Media
While USA Cheer has provided recommendations for responsible social media use, we also recognize its power to positively impact the sport. Platforms like TikTok, as well as Instagram and Facebook Reels, are instrumental in providing video clips that showcase the strength, skill and athleticism of cheer athletes.
These clips serve not only to entertain but to create awareness and inspire young athletes to get involved. Particularly effective are videos showing the trial-and-error nature of learning new skills, reminding viewers that persistence and practice are at the core of every athletic achievement.
Leadership Changes and a Look Ahead
Internally, USA Cheer recently welcomed a new board president following the retirement of our long-serving leader. The new president, a former athlete and coach, steps into the role with deep roots in the cheer community and a passion for advancing the sport.
The theme of giving back runs deep in cheer. Many athletes continue their journey post-college by coaching at the high school, college or All-Star levels. Their passion and dedication help fuel the continued success and growth of cheer nationwide.
Why Cheer Has a Place for Everyone
Cheer is a sport that welcomes athletes of all body types, backgrounds and skill levels. Whether an athlete is a strong base, an agile flyer or a rhythmic dancer, there is a role for them. It’s a team sport built on camaraderie, leadership, discipline and mutual trust, values that resonate far beyond the mat.
At its core, cheer exists to uplift. It’s only fitting that the sport continues to grow and evolve in ways that uplift its athletes, its programs and the broader community. At USA Cheer, we’re proud to be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of sport for the better. SDM
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