Who is Ava Lahey? The breakout Dallas Cowboys cheerleader winning hearts in Netflix's hit docuseries
The second season of Netflix's America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has done more than pull back the curtain on the glitz and grind of NFL cheerleading — it's made Ava Lahey a household name.
Since the June 18, 2025 premiere, viewers have been captivated by Lahey's journey, resilience, and undeniable screen presence, turning her into an instant fan favorite.
From early rejection to national spotlight
Ava Lahey's rise didn't happen overnight. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, her first audition with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) in 2021 ended in disappointment, with Lahey being cut during the final selection stage. That moment, described in the series as 'heartbreaking,' could have ended her dream — but instead, it became the foundation of her underdog narrative.
This season, fans watched her finally make the cut and flourish as a rookie on the team. Lahey's combination of technical precision and emotional vulnerability struck a chord with audiences looking for more than just high kicks and sequins.
A trained dancer with elite experience
Lahey's performance isn't just about raw ambition — it's backed by a lifetime of training. Beginning dance at age two, she mastered a wide range of styles, from lyrical and hip-hop to classical ballet.
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She danced competitively from age nine and performed with the Springfield Ballet Company, taking on roles in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Cinderella.
She also trained with some of the most prestigious ballet programs in the country, including the Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet — a résumé few
NFL
cheerleaders can rival.
Balancing beauty, brains, and branding
Ava graduated from the University of Kentucky, where she was part of the dance team for two years, adding a collegiate athletic edge to her ballet background.
Off the field, she works as a social media manager at a local beauty school — a fitting career for someone who knows how to command attention both online and on stage.
This season of America's Sweethearts ends with an important milestone: a long-overdue pay raise for the DCC squad. The docuseries doesn't just entertain — it highlights the intense work, dedication, and underappreciated labor of NFL cheerleaders. And Ava Lahey's story is at the heart of that shift.
Also Read:
Was KayDianna Garza silenced for exposing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader scandal? Inside her shocking suspension and sudden exit
As cheerleading culture garners newfound respect and recognition, Ava Lahey represents the next generation of talent redefining what it means to be 'America's Sweetheart.'
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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