Australian-raised dancer Faith Ward has broken a few records upon the recent announcement that she landed a spot in the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader squad.
ICYMI, Ward — who grew up in Perth after moving from New Zealand as a child — was one of only six rookies selected for the team, which is the subject of Netflix’s uber popular docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Ward’s feat makes her the first-ever NZ dancer and only the fourth Aussie to make the exclusive NFL cheer squad, and the 22-year-old reflected on her history-making status while sharing the news on social media on Friday.
“Can’t believe I’m actually writing this… I’m officially a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader!,” Ward wrote alongside images of herself in the team’s iconic blue-and-white uniform.
“I’m proud to be the first New Zealand DCC and the fourth Aussie to join the team.”
She went on to reflect on the “incredibly challenging” road taken to land a spot on the team, saying that despite mental and physical challenges, she “wouldn’t change a thing”.
“I’ve been pushed in ways I never imagined, I’ve learned and grown so much already… 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 thanked the Cowboys Organisation — whose behind-the-scenes efforts in scouting and training the team have played out across both seasons of the Netflix series — as well as her family, friends, coaches and mentors.
The cheerleader is one of only a handful of Aussies who’ve landed a spot in the coveted squad, with fellow Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader alums Jinelle Esther and Angela Nicotera — from Melbourne and Sydney, respectively — having both since hung up their pompoms.
America’s Sweethearts premiered its second season earlier this year, amid reports that the squad — whose pay became a central talking point in season one — had earned a 400 per cent pay increase between both instalments of the show.
Season two documented last year’s recruitment process for the team, and since Ward landed a spot in the 2025 squad, we will only see her journey play out in the third instalment of the show, which Netflix has yet to greenlight.
It’s welcome news for Ward, who I’ll continue cheering on from afar while I try (and fail) to emulate even a simple cartwheel.
Lead images: Faith Ward/Instagram
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