The cheer world has lost an icon. Karen Lawrence, a key figure in modern cheerleading whose career helped shape the competitive landscape of the sport, died on January 29, 2025, in North Dallas. She was 74. The cause was complications from Alzheimer’s and dementia, her family said.
Lawrence began her career in cheerleading in 1967 as a camp instructor for the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), working under its founder, Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, widely recognized as the creator of modern cheerleading. She spent three summers in that role before moving on to other professional pursuits.
In her 40s, she returned to NCA, where she ascended to senior leadership roles, including Arkansas Director, National and All Stars Judge, and ultimately, Senior Vice President of Marketing for NCA and NDA. In these positions, she played a crucial role in shaping the brand’s message while ensuring the continuation of Herkimer’s legacy.
Beyond NCA, Lawrence became a founding member of the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) Board of Directors and served on multiple industry committees, including the USASF National Advisory Board, the Cheerleading Worlds Advisory Board, and the USASF College Scholarship Committee. Recognized as the face of NCA, she was a mentor to teams and coaches across the country. She also played a key role in establishing NCA’s long-standing partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Following her retirement in 2015, Lawrence was inducted as a “Varsity Legend,” an honor akin to a Hall of Fame recognition within the industry.
In her early 60s, Lawrence began experiencing symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. After her diagnosis, she faced the illness with the same resilience she had shown throughout her career. In accordance with her wishes, her family donated her brain and medical records to support Alzheimer’s research, ensuring her impact would extend beyond cheerleading.
A memorial service will be held at J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Home in Grapevine on Monday, February 17 at 11:00 AM. The service will also be live-streamed, with a link to be provided in the coming days.
Donations in Lawrence’s honor can be made to support Alzheimer’s research at https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/other_ways_to_give.
Lawrence’s contributions to cheerleading remain foundational to the sport’s competitive growth. Her leadership within NCA, NDA, USASF, and USA Cheer shaped the industry and influenced generations of athletes and coaches.
The cheer world has lost an icon. Karen Lawrence, a key figure in modern cheerleading whose career helped shape the competitive landscape of the sport, died on January 29, 2025, in North Dallas. She was 74. The cause was complications from Alzheimer’s and dementia, her family said.
Lawrence began her career in cheerleading in 1967 as a camp instructor for the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), working under its founder, Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, widely recognized as the creator of modern cheerleading. She spent three summers in that role before moving on to other professional pursuits.
In her 40s, she returned to NCA, where she ascended to senior leadership roles, including Arkansas Director, National and All Stars Judge, and ultimately, Senior Vice President of Marketing for NCA and NDA. In these positions, she played a crucial role in shaping the brand’s message while ensuring the continuation of Herkimer’s legacy.
Beyond NCA, Lawrence became a founding member of the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) Board of Directors and served on multiple industry committees, including the USASF National Advisory Board, the Cheerleading Worlds Advisory Board, and the USASF College Scholarship Committee. Recognized as the face of NCA, she was a mentor to teams and coaches across the country. She also played a key role in establishing NCA’s long-standing partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Following her retirement in 2015, Lawrence was inducted as a “Varsity Legend,” an honor akin to a Hall of Fame recognition within the industry.
In her early 60s, Lawrence began experiencing symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. After her diagnosis, she faced the illness with the same resilience she had shown throughout her career. In accordance with her wishes, her family donated her brain and medical records to support Alzheimer’s research, ensuring her impact would extend beyond cheerleading.
A memorial service will be held at J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Home in Grapevine on Monday, February 17 at 11:00 AM. The service will also be live-streamed, with a link to be provided in the coming days.
Donations in Lawrence’s honor can be made to support Alzheimer’s research at https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/other_ways_to_give.
Lawrence’s contributions to cheerleading remain foundational to the sport’s competitive growth. Her leadership within NCA, NDA, USASF, and USA Cheer shaped the industry and influenced generations of athletes and coaches.