Jeff Webb, the founder of Varsity Spirit and a central figure in modern competitive cheerleading, has died. Varsity Spirit announced on March 19 that Webb, 76, died after suffering a head injury in a pickleball fall. The company and allied organizations have released tributes to his influence on the sport and on younger leaders he mentored.

Career and impact on cheerleading

Webb founded Varsity Spirit in 1974 and is widely credited by the company and its spokespeople with transforming cheerleading into a prominent, organized sport and a business enterprise valued in the billions. He served as president of the International Cheer Union and helped expand competitive cheerleading both in the United States and internationally.

Beyond the business of cheer, Webb was noted for mentoring young leaders, including Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Turning Point USA said Webb was “a visionary who, by his leadership, guided and shaped generations of young leaders and who deeply believed in the power of community and country.”

Circumstances of his death and responses

According to an email to Cheer Daily from Varsity Spirit President Bill Seely, Webb suffered a fall during a pickleball game that resulted in a severe head injury. He died two weeks after the injury; his family later made the decision to remove him from life support, the statement said.

Varsity Spirit posted a tribute video and asked supporters to “help us celebrate the life and work of Jeff Webb, founder of Varsity Spirit and modern cheerleading,” saying his influence created a community that will continue to inspire athletes, coaches and teams.

Turning Point USA released a tribute video on March 20, calling Webb a “visionary” and “a great friend to Turning Point USA and Charlie.” Those organizations and colleagues offered remembrances of his role in growing the sport and mentoring younger figures.

Family and personal remembrances

Webb is survived by his wife, Gina; his children, Jeffrey and Caroline; his brother, Greg; his sister, Jenna; and two grandchildren. In an interview with PEOPLE, Webb’s children described him as more than an iconic businessman: “He was our soccer coach and comedian at any time, our counselor, and dance partner at father-daughter dances, our refuge, and our source of strength,” they said.

Varsity Spirit and other groups have asked those who knew Webb to remember his contributions to the sport and the communities he helped build.

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