Latest news with #DallasCowboysCheerleaders
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Netflix fan-favorite Jenna Waller makes the cut as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders announces 2025 rookie cheerleaders
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have announced their 2025-2026 team, featuring six new rookies including Jenna Waller (Image via IG) The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have revealed their 2025–2026 team, and it's already making headlines. With six new rookies officially earning their spots, the announcement not only thrilled fans of the iconic squad but also brought redemption, surprises, and a whole lot of heart. From familiar faces seen on Netflix's America's Sweethearts to brand-new breakthroughs, this rookie class is turning heads — and rewriting stories. Jenna Waller 's redemption arc finally becomes reality Fans who followed America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 will instantly recognize Jenna Waller. The Oklahoma University grad and former OU Pom dancer was the final cut in training camp last season — a heart-wrenching moment captured on screen. DCC director Kelli Finglass had told her at the time, 'You peaked at the right time for a strong impression for the next time,' but it came 'a little too late. ' In 2025, Waller returned stronger and secured her place on the team. 'Still in absolute shock!!!' she wrote on Instagram, while former rookie Charly Barby praised her comeback with a touching TikTok tribute, calling her, 'my comeback girl.' Global, talented, and fiercely determined — meet the new rookies The rookie class also includes Madeline 'Maddy' Unger, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate and former Husker Scarlets dancer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Unger called her selection 'an honor' and expressed gratitude for those who supported her along the way. Then there's Brenley Herrera, a Fort Worth native and Texas Tech Pom alum, who posted simply and joyfully, 'THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!' as she celebrated making the team. Parker Kilpatrick, another Texas native, brings experience from the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue dance crew and expressed her excitement by calling the team announcement 'THE MOST AMAZING SURPRISE!!!' Meanwhile, international representation arrived with Faith Ward from New Zealand. Ward had previously performed on Quantum of the Seas and is now the first New Zealander and third Australian ever to make the DCC. 'Will never recover from this moment,' she wrote, holding her uniform in a viral TikTok. Rounding out the team is Morgan Perschy, a former Arizona State dancer who attended the DCC prep intensive in early 2025. She described her tailoring day as 'a dream.' Also Read: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Chandi Dayle opens up about abuse, mental health, and her decision to leave DCC in an emotional farewell From emotional second chances to first-time triumphs, this rookie class reminds fans exactly why the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders remain America's Sweethearts — one high kick at a time. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
First ever Kiwi makes Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad
Wellington-born dancer Faith Ward has been named in the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) squad - the first time a New Zealander has made the crew. The 22-year-old, who lives in Perth and goes by the nickname Flexi Faith, was announced as one of six rookies that will join the team of 36 who will perform in this season of the NFL. Thousands of women audition to make the squad each season, with very few spots to fill with fresh faces, or rookies as they are called. Ward's audition began with sending through dance videos and photos and learning specific choreography before being flown to Texas. After making it through the first trials in June, Ward told Perth Now: 'No matter the outcome, it'll be amazing to be part of the experience, and making it this far is already just incredible". This week she shared on her fast-growing social media platforms that she had been selected, posting emotional videos showing family and friends her new uniform: "telling people I got my dream job". Born with double-jointed hips, Ward moved to Australia when she was 10 and began working as a professional dancer at 18, performing on cruise ships, Perth Now reported. The iconic cheerleaders in their white-hot pants, cowboy boots and dazzling blue crop top have been performing at Dallas Cowboys' games since 1961. They became world famous when the Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders came out last year, shining a light on what goes on behind the scenes. The series showed the torturous toll the routines take on the womens' bodies (they jump from the air and land on the ground in the splits) - with injured necks, backs, hips and surgeries not uncommon. It exposed the long hours of work for little pay (reportedly as little as US$400 a game) and the objectification of the women. However, the series also captured the pride of making the grade and the impressive physical skills required. Season 2 of the show dropped on Netflix in June. There's no word yet of season 3, which will be the one featuring Ward. The cheerleaders have just entered training camp ahead of the NFL season. The first home pre-season game for the Cowboys is set for 17 August before their season officially kicks off at their home turf in Arlington, Texas on 15 September. Ward is the first New Zealander to make the squad, but two Australians are among the esteemed alumni - Angela Nicotera Brown and Jinelle Esther.
7NEWS
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Perth dancer Faith Ward lands ‘dream job' with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Perth dancer, acrobat and model Faith Ward is the envy of cheerleaders around the world after securing her position on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader roster. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are world famous and the Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts, which features the auditioning process and goes behind the scenes of the squad for an entire NFL season, is a global sensation. The dance troop is particularly famous for its showstopping, high-octane routine to AC/DC's Thunderstruck. The double-jointed Ward — who hails from New Zealand but moved to Australia when she was 10 — has been part of the brutal auditioning steps and yesterday revealed that she was one of six rookies that will join the team of 36. After she was presented with her iconic blue crop top, Ward then proceeded to tell her friends and family who were all blown away by the news. Loading Instagram Post 'Telling people I got my dream job,' was the caption on Ward's video, which showed the reactions of her overwhelmed friend. 'The best day of my life 😭😭,' she added. Ward, who has more than 200,000 followers on TikTok, competed against thousands of aspiring cheerleaders that were vying for just six spots on the 36-woman squad, after she successfully made it through a rigorous application process. It began with the wide-eyed dancer sending through dance photos and videos, with each applicant required to learn specific choreography in their auditions before being invited to Texas. After making it through the first trials in June, Ward said, 'no matter the outcome, it'll be amazing to be part of the experience, and making it this far is already just incredible.' Now the hard work has paid off ... fulfilling 'long-term dream' after reaching the pinnacle of the cheerleading world. Born with double-jointed hips, Ward began working as a professional dancer at 18, performing on cruise ships — but now she will be on the big stage, in front of more than 90,000 people every game. The cheerleaders that are affectionately called 'America's Sweethearts', support the American Football team the Dallas Cowboys, undoubtedly the biggest sports franchise in the world. Despite the national pride the group carry for America, Ward isn't the first from Down Under to don the Lone Star — with the past DCC alumni including Aussies Angela Nicotera Brown and Jinelle Esther. The hard work for Ward has only just begun, as members of the squad are required to put in hours equivalent to that of a full-time job — but she comes in at a golden time after the squad received a significant pay rise this off season. Following heavy public scrutiny, the Cowboys franchise — which is worth more than $15b — has given the cheerleaders a 400 per cent pay rise, meaning Ward will pocket a salary of around $77,000. But many argue the cheerleaders deserve more considering the time and effort they put in to keep up with the physical requirements of the role. As the football team enters training camp, the cheerleaders will be entering their own with the first home preseason game for the Cowboys scheduled for August 17, before their season officially kicks off at their home turf in Arlington, Texas on September 15.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who are the 6 rookies that beat hundreds to join the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 2025 team?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 2025-2026 team. (Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders/Instagram) As the Dallas Cowboys gear up to kick off training camp in Oxnard, California, their iconic cheerleading squad has already completed its own intense preseason journey. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), known as 'America's Sweethearts,' recently finalized their 2025-2026 team, unveiling a mix of seasoned veterans and six inspiring rookies who are set to represent the blue and white this year. Meet the 6 new cheerleaders bringing fresh energy to the Dallas Cowboys 2025 season This season, 30 returning veterans will be joined by six rookies— Brenley Herrera, Faith Ward, Jenna Waller, Madeline "Maddy" Unger, Morgan Perschy, and Parker Kilpatrick—who have successfully passed the notoriously challenging audition process. The journey culminated in a special moment at The Star in Frisco, Texas, where the rookies were officially handed their uniforms, a rite of passage that signifies full membership in the DCC family. Among the rookies, one story in particular has captured hearts. Jenna Waller, an Oklahoma University graduate and former Pom squad dancer, was the last cut in America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2. Despite her elimination, DCC director Kelli Finglass had told her she had "peaked at the right time for a strong impression for the next time," though it was "a little too late for the decision at hand for this season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo " Jenna returned stronger in 2025, earning her redemption and a coveted spot on the team. "Still in absolute shock!!!" she wrote on Instagram Stories after the announcement. Madeline 'Maddy' Unger, another standout rookie, is a recent University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate and a former Husker Scarlets Dance Team member. In March, she attended the DCC Prep Intensive, describing the weekend as 'amazing + inspiring.' After making the final team in July, she expressed her emotions on Instagram: 'I am so honored to say that I'm officially a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader… so blessed to be chosen to represent this incredible organization. ' Texas native Brenley Herrera also joins the rookie lineup after four years as a pom dancer at Texas Tech University. With a humble yet grateful post, she shared: 'THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!' after reposting the official announcement. Her joyful energy and roots in Fort Worth make her a hometown favorite. A diverse DCC squad for 2025 This year's DCC class isn't just about dancing talent—it's also about international representation. Faith Ward, originally from Wellington, New Zealand, brings global flavor to the roster. Previously a dancer aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas, Ward became emotional after becoming the '1st New Zealand & 3rd Australian to make DCC.' She shared a heartfelt TikTok holding her uniform with the caption, 'So incredibly honoured 😭🩷🇦🇺🇳🇿. ' Joining her is Morgan Perschy, a former Arizona State University dance team member who also attended the Prep Intensive. 'So grateful for this experience! Feeling so inspired,' she wrote after the session. Her dedication clearly paid off. Rounding out the rookies is Parker Kilpatrick, a familiar face to the Cowboys organization. From College Station, Texas, and a former member of the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue co-ed dance crew, Parker is no stranger to the stage. She called her selection 'THE MOST AMAZING SURPRISE!!!🤩🤩🤩.' The 2025 DCC squad also features a powerful lineup of group leaders, including Karley (4th year), Anna Kate (3rd year), Marissa (4th year), Kleine (5th year), Megan (5th year), Lea (5th year), Tori (5th year) and Kelee (5th year) -- all of whom bring multi-year experience and leadership to the team. As fans eagerly await news on Season 3 of America's Sweethearts, this newly minted rookie class has already ignited excitement and pride across the DCC community. From redemption stories to international firsts, the 2025 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders lineup is shaping up to be one of the most inspiring in recent memory. Also Read: 'Non-p***y getting male lonelies': Joy Taylor, Fox Sports now fired host once called for legalized prostitution Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Giddy Up: Perth dancer the newest Dallas Cowboys cheerleader
Perth dancer Faith Ward is ready to saddle up as the newest member of the illustrious Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. The 22-year-old, known as Flexi Faith, was announced today as one of six rookies that will join the team of 36 after being presented her iconic blue crop top. She is the latest member of the team that dates back to 1961 that have donned the recognisable crop top, white hot pants, cowboy boots and pom poms who will live on the sidelines at AT&T stadium this NFL season. Ms Ward, who has more than 200,000 followers on TikTok, competed against thousands of aspiring cheerleaders that were vying for just six spots on the 36-woman squad, after she successfully made it through a rigorous application process. It began with the wide-eyed dancer sending through dance photos and videos, with each applicant required to learn specific choreography in their auditions before being invited to Texas. After making it through the first trials in June, Ms Ward said, 'no matter the outcome, it'll be amazing to be part of the experience, and making it this far is already just incredible.' Perth's Faith Ward is the newest Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Credit: Instagram / dccherleaders / dccherleaders Now the hard work has paid off for the New Zealand export who moved to Australia when she was 10, with aspirations of becoming a dancer, and now she has fulfilled a 'long-term dream' after reaching the pinnacle of the cheerleading world. Born with double-jointed hips, Ms Ward began working as a professional dancer at 18, performing on cruise ships - but now she will be on the big stage, in front of more than 90,000 people every game. The cheerleaders that are affectionately called 'America's Sweethearts', support the American Football team the Dallas Cowboys, undoubtedly the biggest sports franchise in the world. The squad has long been adored across the United States, but they recently gained global popularity thanks to the Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which went behind the scenes of the squad for an entire NFL season. Despite the national pride the group carry for America, Ms Ward isn't the first from Down Under to don the Lone Star - with the past DCC alumni including Aussies Angela Nicotera Brown and Jinelle Esther. The hard work for Ms Ward has only just begun, as members of the squad are required to put in hours equivalent to that of a full time job - but she comes in at a golden time after the squad received a significant pay rise this off season. Following heavy public scrutiny, the Cowboys franchise - which is worth more than $15b - has given the cheerleaders a 400 per cent pay rise, meaning Ms Ward will pocket a salary of around $77,000. Which many argue still feels like under's considering the time and effort they put in to keep up with the physical requirements. As the football team enters training camp, the cheerleaders will be entering their own with the first home preseason game for the Cowboys scheduled for August 17, before their season officially kicks off at their home turf in Arlington, Texas on September 15.
