Indianna Carroll, daughter of NRL legend Mark ‘Spudd' Carroll, cut from Dallas Cowboys cheerleader squad

Indianna Carroll, the daughter of NRL legend Mark 'Spudd' Carroll, has issued a sad statement after having her American dream crushed.
Indianna has been attempting to join the hugely popular Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders outfit (aka America's Sweethearts) but has failed to progress in the gruelling auditioning progress.
It is a different story for West Australian Faith Ward, with the 22-year-old dancer/acrobat/model making it through to the training camp.
But for Indianna, who also attempted to join the famous cheerleading team last year, it is heartbreak.
'This past weekend, I had the incredible honour of standing among 80 phenomenal dancers on finals day for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders — a dream I've held close to my heart for as long as I can remember,' she said.
'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.
'Many of the women auditioning were not only remarkable performers but showcased years of specialised training, gymnastic foundations, and performance experience in styles I simply didn't invest in growing up in Australia, however I showed up anyway, as fully and authentically as I could.
'I brought everything I had — my heart, my training and my deep love for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleader's legacy. I danced with every ounce of passion I had, knowing I was representing not only myself, but also the community back home who dared to dream with me.
'Unfortunately, my journey came to an end (on Sunday). I didn't advance to training camp for a second attempt, and yes, that's hard to say because when you want something so deeply, it's hard to fall short,' she said.
Indianna has been a cheerleader for the Manly Sea Eagles' Seabirds for 10 years. And her mother, Monique, is the director of the Seabirds.
But the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are next level.
They have been the subject of a hit Netflix series (also called America's Sweethearts) and season 2 is set to be released in the coming days.
Their routine to AC/DC's Thunderstruck is viral and universally popular.
'At this level you're up against the absolute best of the best, dancers who are not just technically excellent but dynamic, seasoned performers with the kind of all-round versatility – flips, tricks, and showmanship that this elite team demands,' Indianna said.
'Still, 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.
'To be in that room, to be considered among the top 80 across the world, and to have represented where I'm from on such a world-class stage, that's something I will carry with pride forever.
'This journey teaches you to embrace your most vulnerable self, stand proud in a place that once felt impossible to reach and be proud of yourself regardless of the outcome.
'Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey. I'm not sure what next now, but I'm excited to find out.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Courier-Mail

2 hours ago

• Courier-Mail

State of Origin move sparks mass uproar as Ashley Klein set to be named for decider despite controversial showing in Game 2, NSW Blues, Queensland Maroons

Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Ashley Klein is set to be handed the officiating reins for the State of Origin decider despite his controversial performance in Perth which left New South Wales fans and players outraged. The Blues were on the wrong end of an 8-0 first half penalty count in Game 2, which turned into 9-0 after 45 minutes. By that stage, Queensland were up 26-6. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. In the end, Queensland won 26-24, but the NSW camp felt they were officiated out of the game and scheduled a meeting with NRL management to seek an explanation for several of Klein's controversial calls. The Blues' main gripe was why Klein chose to ignore numerous clear indiscretions by Maroons players while penalising the Blues for similar offences. However, despite the Blues' protests, Code Sports reports Klein will again be in charge of the series decider. Ashley Klein is set to be named as the referee for the State of Origin series decider. Image: Getty That is because the NRL referees are rated under a KPI system by the league and by the numbers Klein is at the top of the list. Categories measured include play-the-ball speed, decision-making, communication, game understanding, accuracy, communication with other officials, consistency, identifying infringements, positioning, game management, ruck communication, positioning, fitness and endurance. His appointment in Sydney will be under heavy scrutiny and will undoubtedly be met with fierce backlash. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Speaking about his Game 2 performance earlier this week Buzz Rothfield tore into the veteran ref, saying his calls cost the Blues the game and series win in Perth. 'I think NSW were ill-disciplined and I don't have too many problems with the nine penalties they conceded. The problem I do have is that anyone can look at a replay of that first half and find 4-5 areas of the game where Queensland could quite easily have been penalised as well,' Rothfield said. 'In my eyes, he was refereeing one side for the majority of the first half. According to the NRL's performance metrics Ashley Klein is the top ref in the game. (Photo by) 'I know we were ill-disciplined and I'm not blaming it for the loss … but Gordie you cannot be perfect in Origin for 45 minutes. Impossible.' 'It's outrageous that Queensland can play 45 minutes in State of Origin and that intensity, mistakes are made, high speed, high intensity and not one penalty. That cannot happen.' × He also went on to say NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley – who refused to answer any question on the officiating after the Game 2 defeat – was privately furious at Klein. 'Laurie will look at the video and find out what he wants to talk to the NRL about and then take it to adjudication,' Rothfield continued. 'He was furious after the game. Privately furious, but he knows he can't come out and say anything. Not just for the fine, but because it'll look like poor sportsmanship.' And as news of Klein's Game 3 appointment spread NSW fans were unsurprisingly annoyed. 'You've got to be kidding,' one fan wrote. 'What an absolute joke!' another added. While a third commented: 'Surely he's not the best ref we have.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9. Originally published as 'Outrageous': State of Origin move sparks furore as Ashley Klein set to be named for series decider

News.com.au

5 hours ago

• News.com.au

‘Outrageous': State of Origin move sparks furore as Ashley Klein set to be named for series decider

Ashley Klein is set to be handed the officiating reins for the State of Origin decider despite his controversial performance in Perth which left New South Wales fans and players outraged. The Blues were on the wrong end of an 8-0 first half penalty count in Game 2, which turned into 9-0 after 45 minutes. By that stage, Queensland were up 26-6. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. In the end, Queensland won 26-24, but the NSW camp felt they were officiated out of the game and scheduled a meeting with NRL management to seek an explanation for several of Klein's controversial calls. The Blues' main gripe was why Klein chose to ignore numerous clear indiscretions by Maroons players while penalising the Blues for similar offences. However, despite the Blues' protests, Code Sports reports Klein will again be in charge of the series decider. That is because the NRL referees are rated under a KPI system by the league and by the numbers Klein is at the top of the list. Categories measured include play-the-ball speed, decision-making, communication, game understanding, accuracy, communication with other officials, consistency, identifying infringements, positioning, game management, ruck communication, positioning, fitness and endurance. His appointment in Sydney will be under heavy scrutiny and will undoubtedly be met with fierce backlash. Speaking about his Game 2 performance earlier this week Buzz Rothfield tore into the veteran ref, saying his calls cost the Blues the game and series win in Perth. 'I think NSW were ill-disciplined and I don't have too many problems with the nine penalties they conceded. The problem I do have is that anyone can look at a replay of that first half and find 4-5 areas of the game where Queensland could quite easily have been penalised as well,' Rothfield said. 'In my eyes, he was refereeing one side for the majority of the first half. 'I know we were ill-disciplined and I'm not blaming it for the loss … but Gordie you cannot be perfect in Origin for 45 minutes. Impossible.' 'It's outrageous that Queensland can play 45 minutes in State of Origin and that intensity, mistakes are made, high speed, high intensity and not one penalty. That cannot happen.' He also went on to say NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley – who refused to answer any question on the officiating after the Game 2 defeat – was privately furious at Klein. 'Laurie will look at the video and find out what he wants to talk to the NRL about and then take it to adjudication,' Rothfield continued. 'He was furious after the game. Privately furious, but he knows he can't come out and say anything. Not just for the fine, but because it'll look like poor sportsmanship.' And as news of Klein's Game 3 appointment spread NSW fans were unsurprisingly annoyed. 'You've got to be kidding,' one fan wrote. 'What an absolute joke!' another added. While a third commented: 'Surely he's not the best ref we have.' NSW will have a home-ground advantage for the series decider, which will take place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.

West Australian

6 hours ago

• West Australian

Western Bulldogs recruit Michael Sellwood concussed in Footscray's VFL clash with Richmond

Western Bulldogs recruit Michael Sellwood has been concussed in a sickening incident while playing for Footscray in the VFL on Sunday. The Peel Thunder product was running back with the flight of the ball, taking a strong grab before colliding with Richmond forward Jacob Bauer in the opening minutes at Marvel Stadium. The pair clashed heads before Sellwood hit the turf hard. The 21-year-old stumbled to his feet but barely made contact with the ball as he registered his only disposal, an uneasy kick that landed just metres away. Bauer held onto Sellwood, as he remained wobbly on his feet, before he was ordered off the ground with a blood rule. He played no further part in the game against the Tigers, which Footscray won by 45 points. Fellow West Australian products Riley Garcia (37 diposals, 10 clearances) and Jedd Busslinger (29 disposals, eight marks) starred. Sellwood only played his first game for the Bulldogs' VFL affiliate last week, notching up 20 disposals, five marks and three tackles. The WAFL premiership-winning defender was the first player taken out of Western Australia in the AFL's mid-season rookie draft last month, taken with pick five.