Growing up in the South in the 70’s and 80’s you knew that the Dallas Cowboys were America’s team and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were America’s sweethearts. 

 

They showed up on the field in their white boots kicking up to their noses and off the field in a variety of tv specials like The Love Boat and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

 

They are, by the way. These aren’t just pretty faces. In addition to extensive technical dance training and performance experience, these women often hold degrees and high-demanding jobs as well. 

 

I became intimately familiar with the DCC process through 16 Seasons of CMT’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. Allowed a glimpse into the rigorous audition process and grueling training camp, we cheered alongside the vets and rookie candidates vying for a spot each year. It was bittersweet as veterans retired and heartbreaking as hopefuls returned year after year without success. 

 

But no season affected me quite like Season 13 (2018). Eighteen-year old legacy Victoria Kalina was auditioning for the first time, certain she was a shoo-in for the blue and silver pompoms. Her attitude was superior; her entitlement off-putting. Fans would’ve called out the nepotism had she made the team and I know I wasn’t the only one hoping she’d get cut. The message boards were flooded with similar sentiments. 

 

When the day came that she was called into Director Kelli Finglass’ office, Victoria was devastated. When the usually stoic Finglass, along with Choreographer Judy Trammell, became emotional as well, a different Victoria emerged. Immediately jumping up to comfort those who’d kindly but effectively just crushed her dreams, she showed a poise and maturity that belied her years. I became an instant fan and immediately began rooting for her return. 

 

I worried she wouldn’t come back. I was in my fifties and had far more to be concerned about but this had become much bigger than a final squad announcement. This was about overcoming mental health struggles. If Victoria showed up the following year and tried again, I could overcome my own past failures. I wanted her to return for her. I needed her to return for me.  

 

I wasn’t alone. The fans instantly rallied and anxiously awaited the next season. We discussed it in chat rooms. Victoria Kalina had become the epitome of grace under pressure and we hoped she was back home training to come back with a vengeance. I said more than a few prayers for her that year. I’d not yet reached the point where I would overcome my own past so pulling for Victoria was the next best thing. Her return could give me some much-needed hope. 

 

She did and easily made the squad. Her cut scene remains one of my top 10 favorite TV moments ever. I’d never before witnessed someone so quickly pull it together. I vowed to do the same one day. I’ve often wondered if she realized the impact she had on women everywhere who struggle with mental health issues. 

 

CMT canceled the popular series in 2021 right after Covid altered the audition process. Now the first few rounds are conducted virtually with the final round and training camp still conducted in person. 

 

A new Netflix series, America’s Sweethearts: DCC, has once again given us a front row seat into the lives of the often imitated, never equaled Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The full seven-episode season dropped on June 20 and covers the 2023-2024 season. 

 

Welcome back, DCC, we’ve missed you!