“He will be greatly missed,” remarked 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 two weeks on life support before his family made the difficult decision to remove him.
Webb’s legacy as the father of modern cheerleading is well-established; he founded Varsity Spirit in 1974, a company that transformed the cheerleading landscape. Under his guidance, Varsity Spirit went public in 1992 and was sold to a private equity firm for an impressive $1.5 billion in 2014. His advocacy for cheerleading to be recognized as an Olympic sport further underscores his commitment to the discipline.
A mentor to many, Webb played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of young leaders, including Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Webb’s influence was evident in his reflections on Kirk, whom he described as having “charisma, faith, respect for everyone.” He noted that in Kirk’s absence, “tens of thousands of new chapters are rising,” highlighting the enduring impact of Kirk’s legacy.
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.” This sentiment echoes the profound respect and admiration he garnered throughout his life.
Webb attended the ceremony where Kirk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a testament to their close relationship and shared vision for the future. In a poignant statement, Webb referred to Kirk’s assassination as the potential loss of a “future president,” reflecting his belief in the importance of leadership and the potential of young individuals.
Despite stepping away from Varsity Spirit in 2020, Webb’s influence remains palpable in the cheerleading community and beyond. His commitment to mentoring and leadership will continue to inspire future generations.
As tributes pour in, the impact of Jeff Webb’s work and vision will undoubtedly resonate for years to come. His legacy is just beginning, as those he mentored carry forward his ideals and passion for community and leadership.
