NRL legend’s daughter’s dream crushed after missing out on prestigious job

The daughter of a Manly Sea Eagles icon has had her dream of joining America’s most prestigious cheerleading group crushed.

A homegrown NRL cheerleader has narrowly missed out on her “dream” to join the most prestigious cheerleading outfit in America.

Indianna Carroll, the daughter of Manly legend Mark ‘Spud’ Carroll, was among 79 other finalists from across the world who applied for the NFL Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders try outs.

Carroll, who has cheered for the Manly Sea Eagles Seabirds for a decade, flew out for the prestigious opportunity last week.

But despite coming close, Carroll fell agonisingly short at the same stage of auditions for a second year running.

A disappointed but determined Carroll issued a sad statement following the news.

“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.

Manly Cheerleader and daughter of Spud Carroll, Indianna Carroll, narrowly missed out on the chance to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Pic: Instagram.

Carroll, left for the auditions last Monday, but was unsuccessful. Pic: Instagram.

“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.”

The Dallas cheerleaders, are described as “the epitome of cheerleading in the world” and most recently became the subject of their own hit Netflix series called ‘America’s Sweethearts.’

“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,” Carroll said.

It was Carroll’s third attempt to become part of the elite group. Pic: Supplied.

From 4000 applicants, Carroll made it to the final 80 before missing out on one of 10 spots up for grabs. Pic: Supplied.

“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.”

As many as 4000 women applied for only 10 open spots this year among the 36 overall sports with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.

It was the third time Carroll had auditioned.

Originally published as NRL legend’s daughter’s dream crushed after missing out on prestigious job