LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
NRL fans are rallying around Indi Carroll, daughter of Manly legend Mark Carroll, after she revealed her disappointment at not being selected for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for the second consecutive year.
The 26-year-old, who has been a cheerleader for Manly for a decade, reached the finals of the competitive auditions in Dallas.
In her statement, she expressed her pride in being among "80 phenomenal dancers" on finals day, stating, "This past weekend, I had the incredible honour...
a dream I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember." She acknowledged the challenges she faced, noting, "Coming from Australia, my journey looked different.
I didn't grow up in the same systems or with the same access, and I don't have a large social media following or a history in the American dance scene."
Indi recognized that many of the fellow auditioners had extensive training and experience, stating, "Many of the women auditioning were not only remarkable performers but showcased years of specialised training." Despite this, she persevered, saying, "I showed up anyway, as fully and authentically as I could." She poured her passion into the performance, emphasizing that "I danced with every ounce of passion I had," while also representing her community back home.
Ultimately, Indi did not advance to training camp, and she reflected on the emotional toll of her experience: "Unfortunately, my journey came to an end...
it's hard to fall short." Despite the setback, Indi maintained a positive outlook, declaring, "I walk away from this experience incredibly proud.
I left everything I had on that field.
I carried a little piece of Sydney with me to Dallas, Texas, and showed up wholeheartedly as myself."
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, known for their prominence, are recently featured in the Netflix series America's Sweethearts, with Season 2 set to premiere soon.
Indi's resilience and commitment to her dream have touched many fans, who continue to support her as she navigates this challenging experience.