Meet the Cast of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Season 2

Unveiling the Secret Recipe Behind America’s Beloved Squads: The Making of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Reveals Insights into Becoming Part of One of the World’s Top Elite Cheerleading Teams

Regardless if you’re just starting out or have been around for some time, the rule remains the same – everyone must try out annually. Your position is never automatically secure.

Once again, we’re back for round two, as the competition intensifies! Fresh faces join some familiar ones, all eager to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the team.

The second season resumes as we move beyond the final phase of the 2024-2025 player tryouts. The series follows the journey of those chosen after training camp, enduring tough eliminations, the unveiling of the official squad, and their progression through the NFL season.

To clarify identities, here are the essential individuals and their social media profiles on Instagram: Who’s who, you ask? Now you know!

The Bosses

Kelli Finglass – Director of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Instagram: @kellifinglass

Kelli Finglass is the woman who commands attention if you aspire to join the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. She firmly guides the audition and training procedure with a firm hand.

As a dedicated member of the DCC (1984-1989), I make it my mission to keep our team in check, both on and off the field.

Kelli pays close attention not only to the team’s performance, but also to their appearance, ensuring that they have a polished and stylish image when they take the field for the first time.

1991 marked the beginning of her tenure in that position, during which she transformed the cheerleading squad from a casual activity into a lucrative venture worth millions.

Judy Trammell – Head choreographer

Instagram: @dcc_judy

From 1980 to 1984, Judy was a team member within the DCC (Dance/Cheer Competition), where she oversaw the demanding choreography and rigorous dance training routine that the cheerleaders were subjected to during their high-energy performances.

Functioning as Kelli’s trusted associate, they collaborate to choose the individuals who will be part of the team, making the necessary tough decisions, which can sometimes involve harsh cutbacks, in order to arrive at her final team of 36 members.

In the documentary, Judy confides that her dancing prowess and talent have significantly increased since her time with the team, and she continually seeks to achieve flawlessness.

Like Kelli, she assumed her role in 1991 and has been one to impress ever since.

Charlotte Jones – Executive vice president and chief brand officer of Dallas Cowboys

Instagram: @cjonescowboys

Charlotte holds the decision-making authority for both the roster selection and financial matters within her family’s Dallas Cowboys organization, given that she is the daughter of the team’s owner, Jerry Jones.

She offers her suggestions about who should be included in the team and who might need to be excluded, frequently urging Kelli and Judy to take difficult choices.

The Veterans season 2

Amanda Howard – Third Year

Instagram: @movinwithmandy

In the midst of the pandemic, Amanda relocated to Texas. Her initial try at joining a team got halted during preseason practice, but ultimately, she managed to secure a spot on the team by 2022.

Apart from serving as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Amanda also works as a content creator. Her perfect day begins peacefully, savoring her morning coffee with her spouse and their beloved pets, the dogs.

Anna Kate Sundvold – Third Year

Instagram: @annakatesundvold

In the first season, Anna Kate joined the team as a newcomer, having stepped into the shoes of her retired sister, Caroline, a year prior. Now, Anna Kate has proven herself to be an experienced and seasoned member of the squad.

Outside the stadium, Anna Kate completed her studies at Texas Christian University, earning a finance degree, complemented by a minor in accounting.

Armani Latimer – Fifth Year

Instagram: @ac_latimer

Armani found the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders appealing because it offered him a platform to “impact young girls globally” and to “voice his personal concerns and causes.

Achieving membership on the team stands as one of Armani’s greatest sources of pride, and she intends to carry on pursuing her aspirations and enrolling in law school.

Chandi Dayle – Sixth Year

Instagram: @chandidayle

This year, Chandi – our longest-serving veteran at the DCC – is giving it a go, and what’s more, she juggles not just her cheerleading role, but holds down three separate jobs as well!

In her role, she is a licensed pharmacy technician for the family business, teaches at a Pilates studio, and takes on contract jobs for a sponsor of a DCC. There seems to be no task beyond her capabilities!

Jada McLean – Fifth Year

Instagram: @jadaboo0203

Jada found inspiration to be a cheerleader from her father’s fervor for the Dallas Cowboys. After this coming season, she intends to hang up her cheerleading uniform with the DCC.

KayDianna MacKenzie – Fourth Year

Instagram: @kaydiannamackenzie

KayDianna boasts a remarkable dancing history, having won three World Dance Championships and serving as captain of the Texas Christian University Showgirls for a span of two years.

Kayla Hayes – Second Year

Instagram: @_kaylahayes

Ever since she was in middle school, Kayla has harbored the dream of becoming a DCC, and her first years on the job have met her lofty expectations.

Kleine Powell – Fourth Year

Instagram: @kleinepowell

Kleine made the DCC team in 2021 and isn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon.

Megan McElaney – Fourth Year

Instagram: @megan.mcelaney

Megan initially became part of the DCC in the year 2021, eagerly anticipating a friendly get-together with her fellow DCC members on this occasion.

Reece Allman – Second Year

Instagram: @reece_christinee

Originating from Jacksonville, Florida, a deeply religious individual named Reece, harbors a fervent ambition to join the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad. To make this aspiration a reality, she has relocated to Texas.

In the previous season, she was part of the team, and this year she’s returning with experience as a veteran player. Recently, she tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend Will from college in April 2024, making her a newlywed.

She’s been practicing dance since she was just three years old, and later, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Dance from the University of Alabama. Her dream is to eventually become a dance instructor.

Sophy Laufer – Third Year

Instagram: @sophylulaufer

Sophy moved from California to Texas at just 18 years old in the hopes of becoming a DCC.

The Rookies season 2

Abby Summers

Instagram: @abbysummerss

As a passionate moviegoer and dance enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the tale of Abby’s incredible journey in the world of competitive dancing. This prodigious talent was spotted during her junior year in high school, earning her a coveted spot on the Ohio State Dance Team. From that moment on, it seemed fate had conspired to guide her to success, as her team went on to claim an astounding six Universal Dance Association National Championships. Simply put, Abby’s story is a testament to dedication, skill, and the indomitable human spirit.

Ariel Brumfield

Instagram: @arieljakyra_

Ariel aimed to join the role of Dance Committee Chairperson, as she was eager to contribute to an institution that stood for something greater than just dance.

Ava Lahey

Instagram: @avamarielahey

In 2021, Ava narrowly missed being part of the final DCC team but, having completed her education and grown in maturity, she is now eager to launch a career with DCC, returning with renewed determination.

Charly Barby

Instagram: @charlybarby

At Arizona State University, Charly earned her communications degree. With her fiery red hair, she captivated the judges during her rendition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day, which drew their immediate focus.

She’s a trained ballet dancer – which makes her perfect for those Thunderstruck high kicks.

As a passionate cinephile, I might rephrase it like this: After being the final cut from the 2023-2024 team, my determination only grew stronger. I decided to relocate permanently to Dallas, dedicating every moment to honing my skills through rigorous training.

Clare Marie Kuebler

Instagram: @cmkuebler

Following four years as a Golden Girl at the University of Missouri, Clare Marie aims to carry the same grace when representing the DCC.

Cooper Maas

Instagram: @cooper.maas

As a seasoned member of the University of Arizona Pomline with four years under my belt, I am eagerly making my way to Dallas, aiming to become part of their esteemed squad.

Dayton Bramhall

Instagram: @daytonbramhall

Shelly Bramhall’s daughter, Dayton, will be participating in this season’s tryouts under increased pressure because she had auditioned on two previous occasions without success.

Jenna Waller

Instagram: @jennawaller_

Jenna graduated from Oklahoma University, where she cheered on the OU Pom squad for four years.

Kelly Villares

Instagram: @kellyvillares

Leaving Weehawken, New Jersey, and heading to Texas to join a team, is non-negotiable for Kelly – it’s all about the DCC.

Eager to make an impact, she’s ready to make changes such as parting with her iconic blonde hairstyle if needed, following the suggestions of the judges – and indeed, during season 2, she carried out this transformation.

Now a brunette, she’s determined to be a “comeback girl”.

Madie Krueger

Instagram: @madie_krueger

Madie is one of the youngest rookie candidates and has only just graduated from high school.

Season 1 veterans

Kelcey Wetterberg – Fifth Year

Instagram: @kelcey_w

For the past five years, Kelcey has been an established team member within the squad, witnessing both the expansion of their duties and the increase in pressure that comes with it during her time at DCC.

Beyond just being part of a team, Kelcey also works as a pediatric nurse, and she shares her life with her long-term companion, Nate Crnkovich.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I find myself caught between my ambition to break into acting and my commitment to DCC, where my hectic schedule is gradually encroaching upon my personal life. The question now lingers: For how long more do I wish to be part of this dynamic team?

Victoria Kalina – Fourth Year

As I step back onto the team this season, I carry an extra burden: my mother was a cheerleader here too, and not just any cheerleader – she cheered alongside the director Kelli while she was on the squad. So, in a way, I’m following in her footsteps as a second-generation cheerleader within our family.

Following a year’s break due to exhaustion, depression, and unhealthy eating habits, Victoria confesses that she experiences a sense of detachment or alienation during the audition phase.

No matter what, she’s eager to make a good impression on Kelli and eventually secure a respected role within the dance team as a captain.

Despite any circumstances, she’s determined to win over Kelli and claim a prestigious place among the dance team’s captains.

In addition to her daughter, Tina is also a significant participant in the series, assisting her in training and providing perspectives from her time at DCC (Dance Coverage Corporation).

McKenzie Hughston – Fourth Year

Instagram: @dcc_mckenzie

By day, McKenzie works as a representative for pharmaceuticals, but she’s also got degrees in both dance and psychology. This versatile individual is well-known for her impressive performances with DCC.

In addition, she’s quite competitive and expresses this by stating before the audition that “pressure is a sign of privilege,” implying that the pressure exists because they have proven themselves worthy in the past.

This season could prove to be a sentimental one for the celebrity player, as she is considering departing from the team at the end of the year – assuming she makes it onto the roster first.

Madeline Salter – Second Year

Instagram: @_madelineggrace

For Madeline, there’s no escaping the Dallas Cowboys – her mom, Shannon, once cheered for them, and her dad, Michael, captured their games on camera as a cameraman.

Again striving to secure her position, Madeline finds significant importance in this second chance following her initial rejection during the auditions held in 2019.

Now she’s earned her position, she will do whatever it takes to keep it.

On the show, Shannon is featured discussing her professional journey, and she emphasizes that Madeline’s existence owes a great deal to their collective efforts.

Season 1 rookies

Anisha Kula

Instagram: @anishakula

During her audition, Anisha swiftly captivates Kelli and the judges with her mesmerizing blend of traditional Bhangra dance moves.

Before long, she must juggle her duties as a cheerleader along with her daily work as an orthodontist, utilizing her practice time for rehearsing her routines.

Before trying out for the Dance Corps Crew (DCC), she had been a cheerleader for the Golden State Warriors’ basketball team, based in San Francisco, California.

Ariana McClure

Instagram: @arimcclure

Petite in build and possessing a sweet demeanor, Ariana, more commonly referred to as ‘Ari’, swiftly gains recognition among the auditioning girls as a promising talent to keep an eye on.

Previously a dancer with the Los Angeles Lakers’ squad, known as the Laker Girls, Ari boasts an impressive resume even before stepping into the rehearsal studio.

Apart from her career as a professional dancer, Ari additionally works as a medical device sales representative at Profound Medical Inc., focusing on the minimally invasive Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation of the Prostate. In this role, she assists individuals affected by prostate cancer.

2025-06-20 15:07