Who invented competitive cheer?

Competitive Cheerleading, as we know it today, evolved from traditional cheerleading in the late 20th century, with significant contributions from various individuals and organizations. While no single person can be credited with its invention, the formation of cheerleading squads and competitions began to gain prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly with the establishment of organizations like the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) in 1948 and the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) in 1974. These groups helped to formalize cheerleading as a competitive sport, leading to the structured competitions we see today.