Emily Awbrey earns Dallas Cowboys cheerleader spot one year after difficult exit

Emily Awbrey went from being one of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders directors’ favorite candidates to enduring a heartbreaking cut. One year later, she completed the comeback.

Awbrey was officially introduced as a member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ 2026-27 rookie class after returning to the demanding audition process for a second consecutive year.

Her selection should be especially meaningful to fans of Netflix’s “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” Viewers watched Awbrey impress DCC director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell during her first attempt in 2025.

Finglass even described the Oregon native as “one of the strongest dance technicians in the entire audition.”

That ability came from Awbrey’s extensive dance background, which included performing on cruise ships. However, the skills that made her such an accomplished technical dancer did not immediately translate to the Cowboys’ distinctive pom style.

Awbrey was eventually cut from training camp despite being one of Finglass’ personal favorites.

“I hope you do consider re-auditioning,” Finglass told her at the time, adding that she would be “disappointed” if Awbrey did not return.

Awbrey promised that the directors would see her back at the opening round.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Savanna Dastrup completes inspiring comeback after painful cut

Emily Awbrey turns potential into a roster spot

Awbrey kept her word. She spent the next year working on the areas that prevented her from making the team during her first attempt. When auditions arrived again, she returned and proved she was ready.

This time, Awbrey survived every round and walked away as an official Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

“I’m genuinely speechless,” she wrote after the organization announced its new roster on Instagram. “No words can describe this.”

Awbrey’s story offers an interesting glimpse into what makes the Dallas audition process so difficult. Being a talented dancer is only the beginning. Candidates must adapt to a specific performance style while learning routines quickly and handling the pressure of constant evaluation. Awbrey already had the technical ability. Her challenge was learning how to reshape that talent for the DCC stage.

She now joins an eight-member rookie class that includes several other returning candidates. Savanna Dastrup, Brianne Lindenau and Kate Rogge also earned places on the team after falling short in 2025. Netflix has yet to confirm a fourth season of “America’s Sweethearts,” but Awbrey has already delivered the kind of redemption story that would be perfect for another installment.

The candidate who promised she would return has officially earned her star.

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