03/24/26 01:18:00
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03/24 13:16 CDT Charlie Kirk's mentor and cheerleading pioneer Jeff Webb dies
at 76 after a 'tragic accident'
Charlie Kirk's mentor and cheerleading pioneer Jeff Webb dies at 76 after a
'tragic accident'
By The Associated Press
Jeff Webb, the founder of Varsity Spirit who helped transform cheerleading into
an International Olympic Committee-recognized sport and mentored late
right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has died. He was 76.
A family spokesperson said Webb died Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee, following
a "tragic accident." The family has declined to comment on specifics.
Webb founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) in 1974 with the
mission of changing the narrative around cheerleading, boosting its visibility
and turning it into a globally recognized sport. His efforts included new
uniform concepts, educational camps, training programs and the creation of the
first national cheerleading competition. These efforts evolved into Varsity
Spirit.
"He helped pioneer the use of advanced gymnastics and stunts in cheer routines,
launched the first national cheerleading championships, and brought the sport
to national audiences through televised broadcasts on ESPN," the spokesperson
said in a statement. "He also played a central role in developing the first
safety guidelines and helped establish key governing bodies, including the U.S.
All Star Federation and USA Cheer."
Webb is survived by his wife, Gina, and his children, Jeffery and Caroline.
"Our father was, at his core, a man of inexhaustible energy, and he poured that
energy into everything he did, from revolutionizing cheerleading to his
never-ending --- and constantly growing --- list of activities," Webb's
children wrote in a statement. "He brought that same spirit of dedication and
encouragement to being a father and grandfather. To most people, he is a
legendary entrepreneur --- to us, he was our soccer coach and on-demand
comedian, our mentor and father-daughter dance partner, our solace and our
source of strength."
He was also a conservative activist who was described as a mentor to Kirk, who
was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
Kirk's company, Turning Point USA, posted a video in memory of Webb on social
media.
"In memory of Jeff Webb," the post reads. "A visionary who helped shape
generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the power of community and
country. A dear friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie. He will be greatly
missed."
___
AP Sports: https://apnews.com/sports
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