For any dancer who dreams of joining the professional cheerleading circuit, there’s no greater position to aspire to, than within the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad. Especially, when you’ve grown up as far away from Texas as you can arguably get. That’s been true for Australian Faith Ward, who’s just made history as the first ever New Zealand-born dancer to sign with the DCC.
“Can’t believe I’m actually writing this… I’m officially a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader!” Ward captioned an Instagram post announcing the news.
“I’m proud to be the first New Zealand DCC and fourth Aussie to join the team NZAU so beyond grateful and blessed to turn my biggest dream into a reality.”
Ward has just been named as one of six rookies to make it onto the 2025 squad, and for anyone confused about why she wasn’t included in the latest season of America’s Sweethearts, it’s because filming took place during the 2024 team selection process. That being said, it makes the possibility of a third season even more exciting given one of our own has made it through.
Despite the challenging path to securing her 2025 team title, Ward told fans that she “wouldn’t change a thing!”
“I’ve been pushed in ways I never imagined, I’ve learned and grown so much already. I’m excited to see where this wild ride takes me! 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,” she continued, before thanking everyone involved in helping her achieve her dreams.
So who exactly is Faith Ward and where did she come from? Below, everything you need to know about the elite squad’s newest recruit.
Who Is Faith Ward?
22-year-old Faith Ward was born in Wellington, New Zealand, where she lived until she moved to Australia when she was 10.
A keen dancer from a young age, she began working on the professional circuit at 18, performing on cruise ships and honing her skills in the hope of one day securing spot on the coveted DCC lineup.
Documenting the lead up to the audition process with her 119k Instagram followers in June, Ward revealed the level of intense preparation involved, which included everything from learning the now-famous team rules, to styling her hair so it “dances well”. After making it through the grueling trials in June this year, Ward shared her experience with a local news outlet, telling 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.”
And as it turns out, practice really does make perfect, because not only did she make it through to the final stage of auditions, but she secured the coveted uniform and place on the 2025/2026 team.
How Many Australians Have Been Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?
Faith Ward may be the first ever New Zealand born member to rise in the DCC ranks, but she’s far from the first Australian to do so.
In fact, Ward is the fourth-ever dancer from Down Under to sign onto the elite squad.
She joins a legacy comprised of local DCC alum and Melbourne-born dancer Jinelle Esther, whose first professional season was highlighted in season eight of reality show Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team. Likewise, Angela Nicotera, whose own journey to DCC stardom began learning the ropes on the Manly Seabirds squad.
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