Manly Seabirds’ Indianna Carroll falls agonisingly short of making Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team

Australia’s Indianna Carroll, daughter of famous rugby league enforcer ‘Spudd’ Carroll, nearly pulled of the Australia’s most impressive sporting feats, falling just short of her dream gig with the Dallas Cowboys.

Australia’s Indianna Carroll has fallen short of becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.

A shattered Indianna, the daughter of former NRL star Mark Carroll, narrowly missed selection during a final-round audition in Texas on Sunday.

“I left everything I had on that field,” she said. “I carried a little piece of Sydney with me to Dallas, Texas.”

A Manly Sea Eagles cheerleading Seabird for a decade, Indianna was invited to fly to Dallas for the finals – she achieved the same accomplishment last year – but was agonisingly overlooked by judges.

In a text message from Dallas, Indianna wrote: “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.

Seabirds cheerleader Indianna Carroll falls short of spot on the Dallas Cowboys cheer squad.

“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.”

Indianna Carroll with father Mark at Sydney airport. Picture: Instagram.

A gutted Indianna missed out but claimed to be “incredibly proud.”

“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.

“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.

“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.

Manly Cheerleader and daughter of Spudd Carroll, Indianna Carroll, has been a Seabird for a decade. Picture: Instagram.

“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.”

The world-famous Dallas cheerleaders are nicknamed America’s Sweethearts.