Aussie makes history, selected to Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad
The Cowboys cheerleading squad is one of the most competitive cheerleading squads in the world and has grown to be just as popular as the NFL team they support.
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Two seasons of the Netflix documentary America's Sweethearts have given sport fans, and dance enthusiasts an insight into the brutal multistage audition process to get selected to the squad.
Ward, a dancer from Perth, has achieved the incredible accomplishment of being selected to the squad of 36 cheerleaders for the 2025-26 NFL season.
She was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia as a child — the 22-year-old is one of just six rookies selected to the team of 36, which is traditionally comprised mostly of returning 'veterans'.
'This journey has been incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, but I wouldn't change a thing,' Ward wrote in an emotional announcement.
'I've been pushed in ways I never imagined, I've learned and grown so much already.
'I'm excited to see where this wild ride takes me. I feel so privileged to stand alongside not only the most talented dancers but also some of the most amazing women I've ever met.'
Ward posted a heartwarming video of her sharing the news of her selection with her loved ones, showing off the iconic uniform.
'So beyond grateful and blessed to turn my biggest dream into a reality,' she said.
'I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the Cowboys Organisation for believing in me and giving me this life-changing opportunity. It is truly an honour.
'To my family, friends, coaches, and mentors who have been by my side throughout this entire journey, thank you will never be enough. I wouldn't be where I am today without you.'
The Daily Telegraph reports Ward has previously performed on cruise ships.
The Dallas Cowboys are renowned for their iconic blue and white uniforms and their signature pre-game routine to the AC/DC classic hit Thunderstruck.
Ward wrote on Instagram: 'The best day of my life. STILL CRYING. So beyond grateful words can't describe this feeling.'
The Cowboys were adopted as America's team in the 20th century, but the historic franchise haven't won a Super Bowl since 1996, so the dance troupe is arguably more successful than the football team these days.
Veteran dancers successfully campaigned for a renumeration increase, and the Cowboys finally agreed to a 400 per cent pay rise last year — a welcome relief for dancers, many of whom work several jobs on top of their cheerleading commitments.
The selection means Ward is the first Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC) from New Zealand and the third from Australia after Jinelle Esther and Angela Nicotera.
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