Aussie legend's daughter has heart broken in crushing decision

Perth Now

5 hours ago

Indianna Carroll, the daughter of NRL legend Mark 'Spudd' Carroll, has issued a sad statement after having her American dream crushed.
Indianna has been attempting to join the hugely popular Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders outfit (aka America's Sweethearts) but has failed to progress in the gruelling auditioning progress.
It is a different story for West Australian Faith Ward, with the 22-year-old dancer/acrobat/model making it through to the training camp.
But for Indianna, who also attempted to join the famous cheerleading team last year, it is heartbreak.
'This past weekend, I had the incredible honour of standing among 80 phenomenal dancers on finals day for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders — a dream I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember,' she said.
'Coming from Australia, my journey looked different. I didn't grow up in the same systems or with the same access, and I don't have a large social media following or a history in the American dance scene. Indianna Carroll's dream of joining the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team is over. Credit: Instagram
'Many of the women auditioning were not only remarkable performers but showcased years of specialised training, gymnastic foundations, and performance experience in styles I simply didn't invest in growing up in Australia, however I showed up anyway, as fully and authentically as I could.
'I brought everything I had — my heart, my training and my deep love for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader's legacy. I danced with every ounce of passion I had, knowing I was representing not only myself, but also the community back home who dared to dream with me.
'Unfortunately, my journey came to an end (on Sunday). I didn't advance to training camp for a second attempt, and yes, that's hard to say because when you want something so deeply, it's hard to fall short,' she said.
Indianna has been a cheerleader for the Manly Sea Eagles' Seabirds for 10 years. And her mother, Monique, is the director of the Seabirds.
But the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are next level.
They have been the subject of a hit Netflix series (also called America's Sweethearts) and season 2 is set to be released in the coming days.
Their routine to AC/DC's Thunderstruck is viral and universally popular. West Australian Faith Ward is still hoping to make the team. Credit: Instagram Ward is also known as as 'Flexi Faith'. Credit: Instagram
'At this level you're up against the absolute best of the best, dancers who are not just technically excellent but dynamic, seasoned performers with the kind of all-round versatility – flips, tricks, and showmanship that this elite team demands,' Indianna said.
'Still, I walk away from this experience incredibly proud. I left everything I had on that field. I carried a little piece of Sydney with me to Dallas, Texas, and showed up wholeheartedly as myself.
'To be in that room, to be considered among the top 80 across the world, and to have represented where I'm from on such a world-class stage, that's something I will carry with pride forever.
'This journey teaches you to embrace your most vulnerable self, stand proud in a place that once felt impossible to reach and be proud of yourself regardless of the outcome.
'Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey. I'm not sure what next now, but I'm excited to find out.'