The history of cheerleading in North Carolina schools began with a focus on male leadership and formal uniforms. In the 1920s, teams at Davidson College and Wake Forest College consisted entirely of men. These early cheerleaders wore heavy wool sweaters and long trousers while using large megaphones to direct the crowd. By 1927, Guilford College maintained this tradition of all-male squads to lead chants at football games. The role was considered a high-ranking campus leadership position rather than an athletic performance.
As the 1930s arrived, the makeup of these squads began to change. East Carolina Teachers College and Appalachian State Teachers College introduced more organized routines. During this decade, women began to join the ranks in larger numbers. Greensboro College and Wingate Junior College showed a transition toward the classic sweaters and mid-length skirts. By 1940, Western Carolina University cheerleaders were a common sight on the sidelines, wearing coordinated colors that matched their school athletic uniforms.
The 1940s and 1950s brought a surge in spirit across diverse institutions. Schools like E.E. Smith Senior High and Elizabeth City State Teachers College showcased the importance of cheerleading in Black educational communities. High Point College and Asheville-Biltmore College expanded their squads to include more acrobatic stunts and jumps. By 1955, East Carolina College squads moved away from simple yelling toward more complex physical routines. The uniforms became lighter, allowing for better movement during basketball and football games.
The 1960s and 1970s marked a shift toward high-energy performances and modern styles. Shaw University and North Carolina A&T State University developed unique traditions that emphasized rhythm and precision. Pfeiffer College and Fayetteville State University adopted shorter skirts and more athletic footwear to accommodate jumping. By 1979, Campbell College cheerleaders performed stunts that required significant strength and balance. This decade solidified the transition of North Carolina cheerleading from simple crowd leading into a specialized and demanding sport.
