Jeff Webb, renowned as the modern competitive cheerleading architect, tragically died at 76 after a freak fall while playing pickleball.
The organization he founded, Varsity Spirit, announced his death in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“Join us in honoring the life and legacy of Jeff Webb, founder of Varsity Spirit and modern cheerleading,” the tribute stated. “His impact has built a community that will continue to inspire generations to come.”
According to Bill Seely, president of Varsity Spirit, Webb suffered severe head trauma from the fall.
Webb had connections to conservative politics and was referred to as a “mentor” by Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk. Following Kirk’s tragic assassination, Webb reminisced about Kirk’s potential.
“We may have lost a future president. Charlie Kirk had it all—charisma, faith, respect for everyone… Now, in his absence, tens of thousands of new chapters are rising. His legacy is just beginning,” Webb shared with Real America’s Voice shortly after the incident. Webb attended a White House ceremony honoring Kirk with a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Reports indicate that Webb was hospitalized due to severe head injuries from the accident, and his family ultimately decided to discontinue life support, according to Cheer Daily.
Lamenting his loss, a Varsity Brands spokesperson expressed sadness over Webb’s passing.
“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,” they said.
The spokesperson highlighted that Webb’s recent efforts significantly expanded the sport both in the U.S. and globally, partnering with the International Cheer Union, which gained full recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 2021.
“We extend our condolences to Jeff’s family, loved ones, and the countless individuals in the spirit community he influenced,” they concluded.
Webb’s journey in cheerleading began decades ago when he served as a yell leader at the University of Oklahoma and started his involvement in the sport during high school.
During his college years, Webb worked with the National Cheerleaders Association, ultimately choosing to pursue a career in cheerleading over attending law school.
He founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 1974, which would later become part of the Varsity Spirit empire he developed into a national powerhouse.
