After watching “America’s Sweethearts,” Netflix viewers already know that the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are known for their rigorous audition process and flawless choreography. But this season, the team is hoping to level up even more.
"That's why I don't sleep at night. I'm a chronic improver," DCC Director Kelli Finglass told TODAY's Kaylee Hartung in a segment that aired on Aug. 19. "One of our main goals is performance excellence and if it's wrong, we want it right."
Hartung caught up with Finglass and the newly selected 2024 squad one week before their first pre-season game and got a firsthand look at what it takes to be a DCC cheerleader.
Finglass said the squad is still getting used to this newfound level of fame after the popular docuseries premiered earlier this summer.
"This is still all real new to us. We don’t know what the Netflix effect can do. People might see the cheerleaders at a football gameand it’s just a very small part of the show. Now it’s like, ‘Wow, I know that girl. I know her journey.’ And people really identify with those stories of success,” she said.
Hartung got a look inside the DCC locker room and caught up with two veteran cheerleaders: Karley Swindel, who has been with the squad for three seasons, and Chandi Dayle, who has been a member for six seasons.
They've both secured their spots on the 2024 squad, but as they told Hartung, there are still challenges that lie ahead — even if they're not new to the squad.
"Its a four-hour game and we have a practice before so you really have to be fueling and preparing your body for that amount of time," Dayle explained.
There are 36 spots on the squad and former members have to audition each season to secure their spot. This year, the squad includes many veterans, some of whom were featured in the Netflix docuseries, and a few rookies.
Curious to see who made the 2024 squad? Read on for the list.
Which veterans are returning to the squad in 2024?
Here's a look at some of the familiar faces "America's Sweethearts" viewers will recognize.
Reece Weaver
Fan favorite Reece Weaver will be stepping into those iconic white cowboy boots once again. In "America's Sweethearts," the rookie cheerleader won the hearts of viewers and gave a glimpse into her personal life with her then fiancé Will Allman. The couple has since gotten married.
AnnaKate Sundvold
After appearing as a rookie cheerleader in the docuseries, AnnaKate Sundvold is back as a veteran for the 2024 season. In an Instagram post, she expressed her excitement for the journey ahead, writing, "Blessed is an understatement! I am so honored to be back, cheering for the Cowboys, for year two." Her sister Caroline Sundvold is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
Sophy Laufer
Sophy Laufer will be back for a third season this year. In “America’s Sweethearts,” she spoke openly about her experience with a photographer who allegedly touched her inappropriately while she was dancing during a game. While reflecting on her upcoming third year on the squad, Laufer shared the following message on Instagram: "Feeling SO lucky & blessed to wear these boots for a 3rd season!"
Camille Sturdivant
Camille Sturdivant will be back for her second year with DCC. On Instagram, she celebrated her achievement, writing, "I couldn’t be more excited and honored to be returning to@dccheerleadersfor my second season! Here’s to another year of doing what I love, surrounded by people that I love. Go Cowboys!!"
Madeline Salter
Madeline Salter, whose mother Shannon Hall Salter cheered for the squad in the '80s, will return for her fourth year as a DCC. She called the news "a blessing" and congratulated all the veterans and rookies on the team in an Instagram post.
Chandi Dayle
Chandi Dayle will be back for her sixth year as a DCC. After making the squad for another season, Dayle recently shared a photo of herself with some of her fellow cheerleaders, captioning the post, "Smiles & kisses because football is back."
Brooklyn Davis
Brooklyn Davis is back for her second year as a DCC. "Blessed with another year of doing what I love most with the girls I love most!!! Thank you Jesus!!" she captioned an Instagram post.
Kennedy Hannan
After making the squad for a second year, Kennedy Hannan shard the following reflection on Instagram: "Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to continue living out my dream with the people I love most! This organization is truly like none other and I’m honored to be a part of it. My heart is SO full & I can’t wait to see what this season has in store."
Kayla Hayes
Hayes was cut from the squad in 2023, as seen in "America's Sweethearts," but returned to the squad in 2024. "I cannot even put into words how I happy and grateful I am to be back as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader! This journey reminded me you never know what God has planned," she wrote.
Read on for a list of other returning dancers, with a complete list to come.
- McKenna Gehrke
- Zoë Dale
- Taylor Altieri
- Lea Tunnell
- Kleine Powell
- KayDianna MacKenzie
- Armani Latimer
- Amanda Howard
- Kylie Dickson
- Jada Mclean
- Megan McElaney
- Karley Swindel
- Marissa Phillips
- Tori Skillings
- Kelee Norris
Which rookies are joining the squad in 2024?
Twelve rookies are joining the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders for the 2024-2025 season.
The rookie lineup includes two familiar faces: Charly Barby and Kelly Villares, who were cut in "America's Sweethearts."
“I still cannot believe this is real life,” Barby wrote on her Instagram. In the post she wrote announcing she had made the squad, she included an inspiring message: “NEVER EVER give up!!!”
Villares wrote, "I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to process the fact that my lifelong dream has come true."
Read on for a list of the rest of the rookies joining the squad in 2024.
- Abby Summers
- Allison Khong
- Darah Haidet
- Ariel Brumfield
- Ava Lahey
- Julissa Garcia
- Madie Krueger
- Michelle Siemienowski
- Sophia Brown
- Trinity Miles
"America's Sweethearts" hasn't been confirmed for a second season, but a more episodes would be sure to spotlight rookies' journeys.
More 'America's Sweethearts' and DCC
- What ‘America’s Sweethearts’ star Victoria Kalina has been up to since leaving the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders
- Who are the Cowboys cheerleaders on ‘America’s Sweethearts’? Where to follow them on Instagram
- Why ‘America’s Sweethearts’ is provoking such a strong reaction: ‘Just sad’
Chrissy Callahan
Chrissy Callahan covers a range of topics for TODAY.com, including fashion, beauty, pop culture and food. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching bad reality TV and consuming copious amounts of cookiedough.
