Jeff Webb, a prominent figure widely recognized for helping shape modern competitive cheerleading, has passed away at the age of 76 following an accident. According to reports, Webb suffered a serious head injury after a fall while playing pickleball. His passing was confirmed by Varsity Spirit, the company he founded.
In a public tribute, Varsity Spirit highlighted Webb’s lasting influence on the sport and the community he helped build. Company president Bill Seely also noted that Webb sustained severe head trauma as a result of the fall. He was hospitalized, and his family later made the decision to remove him from life support.
Webb was instrumental in expanding cheerleading into a widely recognized and organized sport. Through ventures such as Varsity Brands and his involvement with the International Cheer Union, he contributed to the global growth of cheerleading, including efforts that led to its recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2021.
His involvement in cheerleading dated back to his early years, including time as a yell leader at the University of Oklahoma. He later founded the Universal Cheerleaders Association in 1974, laying the foundation for what would become a major presence in the industry. Webb is remembered for his impact on generations of athletes, coaches, and teams worldwide.