Ever wondered who soars highest in the cheer world?
From breathtaking stunts to fierce routines, these cheer icons set the bar sky-high.
Buckle up as we flip through the pages of cheer legends, one gravity-defying tale at a time.
Best Cheerleaders:
- Gabi Butler
- Maddie Gardner
- Jenee Cruise
- Angel Rice
- Kiara Nowlin
- Ryan Cummings
- Peyton Mabry
- Annette Hill
- Karolyne Day
- Cami Branson
- Jamie Andries
- Morgan Simianer
- Lexi Brumback
- Jerry Harris
- Monica Aldama (Coach)
Table of Contents
#1 Gabi Butler
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 16, 1998
- 📣 Position/Role: Flyer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time National Champion, Star of Netflix’s “Cheer”, Performances with Top Gun and California All Stars
Gabi Butler is recognized as one of cheerleading’s most charismatic athletes. Her acrobatic skills and infectious energy have made her a standout flyer in competitive cheer. Rising to fame through the Netflix docuseries “Cheer,” Butler showcases not only her athletic abilities but also her personal journey within the sport.
Her reach extends beyond cheerleading; Gabi influences her extensive social media following with messages on positivity and perseverance. Despite facing public scrutiny over her family’s intense involvement in her career, her legacy within cheerleading remains untarnished. Gabi continues to inspire young athletes and has also ventured into business, launching her own merchandise and apparel.
#2 Maddie Gardner
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 13, 1993
- 📣 Position/Role: Flyer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: CHEERSPORT National Champion, World Champion with Cheer Extreme
Maddie Gardner is celebrated for her poise and innovative stunts, becoming an iconic flyer in the cheerleading world. She gained fame for performing the “Ball-Up 360,” a foray into stunts that had never been competed before, which she executed flawlessly with Cheer Extreme.
Gardner’s athletic achievements carved a pathway for future cheer athletes to push the boundaries of the sport. After retiring from competitive cheerleading, Maddie has used her platform to educate and inspire, becoming a coach and motivational figure. While details about personal adversities are not public, her focus on mental health and positivity contributes to her respected status in the community.
#3 Jenee Cruise
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: May 19, 1997
- 📣 Position/Role: Base/All-Around Athlete
- 🏆 Career Highlights: NCA All-Star National Champion, UCA International All Star Champion
Jenee Cruise is known for her strength and versatility as a base and all-around athlete in competitive cheerleading. She has been pivotal in leading her teams to multiple national titles and is admired for her dynamic performances and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Off the mat, Cruise has become a role model as an advocate for body positivity within an industry often scrutinized for its demanding physical standards. Despite the challenges, Jenee’s influence in the cheerleading community is significant, helping to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. Her personal life and endeavors beyond cheerleading contribute to her comprehensive legacy as an athlete and influencer.
#4 Angel Rice
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 4, 1998
- 📣 Position/Role: Tumbler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 5-Time World Champion Tumbler, Guinness World Record Holder
Angel Rice is a powerhouse in the world of cheerleading, particularly known for her unmatched tumbling abilities. Holding multiple world championship titles and Guinness World Records, she has been referred to as the “Serena Williams of Tumbling,” a testament to her dominance and skill in the sport.
Beyond her competitive success, Angel’s impact on cheerleading can be seen in the way she’s raised the bar for tumbling difficulty and execution. She has overcome the lack of mainstream recognition often given to tumblers and represents the epitome of athletic excellence. Her work ethic and determination resonate with many, making her an inspirational figure to aspiring gymnasts and cheer athletes alike.
#5 Kiara Nowlin
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: November 27, 1995
- 📣 Position/Role: Tumbler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple World Champion in Power Tumbling, National Champion in Acrobatic Gymnastics
Kiara Nowlin stands out in the cheer and tumbling community, acclaimed for her power tumbling prowess and graceful execution. A multiple-time World Champion, she has consistently landed at the top of her class in national and international competitions.
Nowlin’s emphasis on technique and precision has earned her a respected place in the pantheon of tumbling athletes. Transitioning her competitive drive into a coaching role, she seeks to guide the next generation to greatness, shaping the future of the sport. Off the stage, Kiara embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and dedication, making her a beloved figure within the gymnastics and cheerleading communities.
#6 Ryan Cummings
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 26, 2004
- 📣 Position/Role: Base/Stunt Group
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2x Triple Crown Championships, 2x Majors Championships, and 4x summit championships
Ryan Cummings, an American cheerleader with multiple championships from Cheer Extreme Allstars in North Carolina, gained fame in early 2018 as the ‘Smug Cheerleader’ and ‘the sassy girl from Twitter.’ A viral clip from her performance at the ‘Spirit of Hope National Championship’ in Charlotte turned her sassy expression into a widely shared meme, representing various humorous moods.
She is a social media star and runs her own YouTube channel. Additionally, she has appeared on episodes of ‘Sr Elite Beneath The Crown’ on the official ‘Cheer Extreme’ YouTube channel.
#7 Peyton Mabry
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: May 20, 1995
- 📣 Position/Role: Flyer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: NCA National Champion, prominent athlete with Cheer Athletics
Peyton Mabry is known for her exquisite flying technique and unwavering spirit, shining as a leader on the mat. Her performances with Cheer Athletics have helped secure national championships and have put her among the sport’s top flyers.
As a social media influencer, Mabry advocates for mental health and leverages her platform to inspire a positive self-image. While the cheer world can be demanding, Peyton has managed to resonate with her audience, sharing the values of dedication and empowerment. In her personal life, she’s focused on mentorship and continues to contribute to the cheer community.
#8 Annette Hill
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 31, 1959
- 📣 Position/Role: Coach/Choreographer
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Founder of Woodlands Elite Cheer Company, Influential Cheer Coach
Annette Hill is revered not only for her coaching accomplishments but also for her influence on the sport of cheerleading. As the founder of Woodlands Elite Cheer Company, she’s shaped countless athletes, with teams under her guidance consistently earning recognition on both national and international stages.
Her innovative choreography and commitment to the development of young athletes have been significant in elevating cheerleading’s competitive standards. Though details of personal challenges may not be well-documented, Hill’s impact as a mentor and leader in the cheer community speaks volumes. Her passion and dedication contribute profoundly to the legacy and evolution of cheerleading as a disciplined sport.
#9 Karolyne Day
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 15, 2001
- 📣 Position/Role: Cheerleader
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Multiple-time National Cheerleading Association Champion and World Championship with Woodlands (2015)
Karolyne Day has established herself as a significant cheerleader in her field, but information about her specific career highlights, date of birth, and other accolades isn’t widely available in public records. We recognize her among the top cheerleaders but must acknowledge the lack of detailed accessible data to provide a comprehensive career overview.
Karolyne Day’s efforts contribute to the recognition and growth of cheerleading as a competitive and athletic discipline. Her personal contributions to the community and additional achievements may be celebrated within her circle and among those who have witnessed her skills and dedication firsthand.
#10 Cami Branson
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 16, 1996
- 📣 Position/Role: Cheerleader
- 🏆 Career Highlights: NCA National Champion and World Champion
Cami Branson is known in the cheerleading community but specific detailed information about her achievements, national accolades, or career milestones is not readily available. Nonetheless, her position among the top cheerleaders suggests notable skill and influence within the sport.
Her impact on the sport, though not quantified in this entry, is nonetheless significant in promoting cheerleading’s athletic and competitive elements. Personal achievements and community work off the field may also comprise part of her legacy within the cheerleading sphere.
#11 Jamie Andries
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 18, 1997
- 📣 Position/Role: Cheerleader
- 🏆 Career Highlights: World Champion and NCA Champion (2012), 3rd place at Worlds (2011)
Jamie Andries is a celebrated cheerleader whose career highlights and position in the sport are known to those within the cheerleading community, but broader public documentation is limited. Her reputation as a top cheerleader attests to her ability and dedication to the sport.
The impact Jamie Andries has had on cheerleading is evident by her recognition among the best in the field. The influence she wields in driving the sport forward and inspiring young athletes likely reflects her own commitment and passion for cheerleading. While specific details of her career and accolades remain unspecified here, her inclusion is a testament to her stature in cheerleading.
#12 Morgan Simianer
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 9, 1997
- 📣 Position/Role: Cheerleader
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Star of Netflix’s “Cheer”, Navarro College National Championships (2018, 2019)
Morgan Simianer achieved fame as a central figure in the hit Netflix docuseries “Cheer,” which showcases the competitive world of collegiate cheerleading. Her participation on the Navarro College cheer team, leading them to national championships, thrust her into the spotlight and made her a household name in cheerleading circles.
Simianer’s heartfelt story and resilience contributed to her widespread appeal, as “Cheer” fans witnessed her overcome personal challenges to excel in the sport. Her fame has opened doors to greater conversations about the athleticism and hard work required of cheerleaders. Beyond the mat, her influence has extended into advocating for mental health and using her platform to inspire young athletes.
#13 Lexi Brumback
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 11, 2000
- 📣 Position/Role: Tumbler on Cheerleading Squad
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Featured on Netflix’s “Cheer”
Lexi Brumback gained recognition as a standout tumbler in the Netflix series “Cheer,” which gave audiences an inside look at the lives of competitive cheerleaders. Brumback impressed viewers with her stunning tumbling skills and unique personality, becoming a favorite among fans for her performances and backstory.
The series highlighted her struggles and her eventual triumph as a key member of the award-winning Navarro College cheerleading team. Her journey captured the hearts of many, showcasing the realities of the sport and the tenacity required to succeed. Brumback’s story is not only inspiring to aspiring cheerleaders but also shines a light on the dedication and athleticism that define competitive cheerleading.
#14 Jerry Harris
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 14, 1999
- 📣 Position/Role: Cheerleader
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Featured on Netflix’s “Cheer”, Navarro College National Championships
Jerry Harris, another star of Netflix’s “Cheer,” is known for his positive attitude and distinctive “mat talk” — motivational cheering from the sidelines. His vibrant energy and supportive nature made him a beloved figure on the show and within the cheerleading community.
However, Harris’s career took a downturn following allegations and legal issues related to misconduct, overshadowing his achievements in cheerleading. His story serves as a reminder that while talent and charisma can bring fame, personal conduct has a significant impact on legacy. Despite the controversies, his time on the Navarro College team highlighted both the pressures and the camaraderie inherent in competitive cheerleading.
#15 Monica Aldama (Coach)
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: February 9, 1972
- 📣 Position/Role: Head Cheerleading Coach
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 14x NCA National Championships with Navarro College
Monica Aldama rose to fame as the determined and highly successful head cheerleading coach at Navarro College, well documented in Netflix’s “Cheer.” Her rigorous coaching style and ability to lead her team to numerous national championships have made her a respected figure in the sport.
Aldama’s influence extends into transforming cheerleading into a recognized competitive athletic endeavor, setting high standards for performance excellence. Through her coaching, she has shaped countless lives, emphasizing the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. Outside of cheerleading, she acts as a mentor and role model, proving that with dedication and strong leadership, individuals can reach their highest potential. Her legacy continues to evolve and inspire both within the cheerleading world and beyond.
To better understand how these legendary players excelled in their roles, check out our detailed guide on the different positions in cheerleading.
FAQ
Who is the best Cheerleading player of all time?
Gabi Butler is often considered the best Cheerleading player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Gabi Butler is the best Cheerleading player of all time. She has gained fame for her skills and presence on the Netflix series “Cheer.”
Who are the top 10 greatest Cheerleading players of all time?
Gabi Butler, Maddie Gardner, Jenee Cruise, Angel Rice, Kiara Nowlin, Ryan Cummings, Peyton Mabry, Annette Hill, Karolyne Day, and Cami Branson are the top 10 greatest Cheerleading players of all time. These athletes have achieved remarkable success and have influenced the sport tremendously.
Who is the most famous female Cheerleading player?
Gabi Butler is the most famous female Cheerleading player. As a standout on “Cheer,” her athletic prowess and dynamic personality have catapulted her to international fame.
