“He will be greatly missed,” stated Turning Point USA in a heartfelt tribute to Jeff Webb, who passed away at the age of 76 after a freak pickleball accident. Webb suffered a severe head injury from a fall while playing the sport, leading to a two-week battle on life support before his family made the difficult decision to remove him.
Webb, who founded Varsity Spirit in 1974, was widely recognized as the father of modern cheerleading. His innovative approaches and dedication to the sport played a pivotal role in shaping cheerleading as it exists today. Webb’s influence extended beyond cheerleading; he was also a mentor to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA.
In a poignant reflection on Kirk, Webb once remarked, “Charlie Kirk had it all—charisma, faith, respect for everyone…Now in his absence, tens of thousands of new chapters are rising.” This statement underscores the deep bond they shared and the impact Webb had on nurturing young leaders.
Turning Point USA described Webb as “a visionary who helped shape generations of young leaders and believed deeply in the power of community and country.” His commitment to mentorship was evident in his support for Kirk, whom he referred to as a potential future president.
Webb’s legacy is not only defined by his contributions to cheerleading but also by his advocacy for the sport’s recognition as an Olympic event. His efforts culminated in Varsity Spirit going public in 1992 and being sold to a private equity firm for $1.5 billion in 2014, marking a significant milestone in the cheerleading industry.
Despite stepping away from Varsity Spirit in 2020, Webb’s influence continued to resonate within the community. He attended the ceremony where Kirk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, further solidifying his role as a mentor and leader.
As the cheerleading community mourns the loss of Jeff Webb, his contributions will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. “His legacy is just beginning,” Webb once stated, a sentiment that rings true even in his absence.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any upcoming tributes or memorials planned in his honor, but the impact of his life and work will be felt for years to come.
