GLOBALLY CROWNED IN GLORY: Michigan State Cheerleaders Named #1 in the World After Mind-Blowing Championship Performance
In an electrifying and emotionally charged finale that stunned the international stage, the Michigan State University cheerleading team has been officially crowned #1 in the world after a historic victory at the 2025 ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Competing against elite squads from over 40 nations, the Spartans delivered a performance that was nothing short of legendary — blending breathtaking stunts, flawless synchronization, and infectious school spirit.
With a routine themed “Rise of the Spartans,” the team took the floor clad in shimmering green and white, channeling raw power and precision with every leap, toss, and tumble. Judges and spectators alike were left in awe as the team executed a never-before-seen pyramid flip rotation, perfectly choreographed to a cinematic remix of “Eye of the Tiger” and the MSU fight song. The crowd erupted in chants of “Green! White!” as the final pose echoed like a victory salute heard across continents.
The championship panel awarded Michigan State the highest score in both the technical and artistic categories — a feat no collegiate team has achieved in over a decade at the international level. Notably, team captain Brielle Thompson, a senior kinesiology major from Detroit, received the “Global Spirit Icon” award for her leadership, resilience, and ability to rally the team through a difficult semifinal round where a slight ankle injury almost forced her to step aside.
“We didn’t just come here to compete,” said head coach Tamara Lenz, with tears of joy in her eyes. “We came to represent Michigan, to represent Spartan pride — and to make history. And we did all three.”
Back home, the Michigan State campus in East Lansing has erupted in celebration. The university announced plans for a campus-wide parade and special commendation by the governor of Michigan. Social media has exploded with hashtags like #GlobalSpartans, #CheerQueens, and #CrownedInGlory, with celebrities and alumni flooding the team with messages of congratulations.
From the mat to the world stage, the Michigan State cheerleaders have proven that courage, unity, and relentless pursuit of excellence can lift a team — and a nation — into the stars. Shine on, sweet Spartans. The world is watching, and you’ve shown them how champions rise.
