Locked in to America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders? Saaaaaame. Getting to see the highs and lows of the grueling training camps truly has been an emotional roller coaster over the past few seasons, especially with the talented girlies who don’t get to make the cut—but we’re in luck, because a few fan-favorite faces from season 3 have already returned for training camp this year.
Here are all of the girls who didn’t make it to the DCC for the 2025-2026 season but are back and better than ever (and already locked back into training camp for the 2026-2027 season).
Brianne Lindenau
Bri was one of the few to not make it during the 2025-2026 season, and wrote an emotional, yet hopeful statement after being released from the program last year.
“Although I did not receive the outcome that I was hoping and praying for this year, I feel SO unbelievably lucky to have had the opportunity of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp candidate this summer. The past few months have been some of the most challenging of my life, but also the most rewarding and I wouldn't trade my journey for the world,” she wrote at the time. “This process has pushed me to grow in so many ways that I am so grateful for, both as a person and as a dancer. I have gained countless invaluable memories and friendships throughout this process that I will cherish forever.”
But! An update arrived in January when Brianne started attending the prep classes and in the time since, she has been invited to training camp again, as confirmed by the DCC’s 2026 rookie candidates Instagram post.
Dancer in a red costume performing a floor ballet pose indoors.
Emily Awbrey
Emily also didn’t make the cut for the 2025-2026 season but was left with some encouraging words from director Kelli Finglass, who told her that she was one of her “personal favorites in this training camp,” adding, “I hope you do consider re-auditioning. I’d be disappointed if you don’t try out again.”
She expressed her feelings about not making the cut back in 2025, noting that she wouldn’t change a thing about her experience.
“I truly cannot describe how meaningful and impactful this experience has been for me. Though I am not leaving with a uniform, I am leaving with so much more than I ever anticipated. I was challenged in ways I have never felt before,” she shared on Instagram. “The physicality and mental strength it takes to succeed in this role is unmatched, and I feel so incredibly grateful to have shared the space with these talented girls. It was by no means a perfect journey, but I truly wouldn’t change a single moment.”
She later tried out for the 2026-2027 season, sending in an audition video back in March and later attending the finals in June. Just a week into the month, she was spotted on DCC’s Instagram in a carousel of the 2026 rookie candidates.
Dancer posing in metallic costume with a beaded headpiece.
And as a bonus, she’s already getting started on posting training content, too:
Maci Quayhagen
Maci also failed to make the cut for the 2025-2026 season and took to Instagram to share her gratitude in being considered for the opportunity, in addition to thanking fans for their support.
“While this may not have been my year for Training Camp, I’m incredibly proud of the leap of faith it took to get here. Becoming a DCC has always been a dream of mine, and this journey has only deepened that passion! I’m walking away from this experience with a full heart and an even stronger calling to continue chasing the dream,” she wrote. “I want to sincerely thank every single person who has helped me and sent their prayers through this audition process. From choreo & advice to costume stoning… I am so grateful!”
But in the DCC’s roundup post of their 2026 rookies, Maci was featured, hinting at her probably getting serious face time once the next season rolls around.
Dancer in mid-air leap, wearing white, against a modern indoor background.
Savanna Dastrup
After Savanna failed to make the cut in season 3 of the show, Kelli told her, “You might just chalk this up to timing and experience and the pressure, but I think you’ve got the skills to make this team or another team.”
Of course, she took some time to be disappointed in the outcome of her time in last year’s training camp, but she remained optimistic and hoped for a bright future (one that included her getting a degree at fashion school, no less!).
“Little Savanna has been dreaming about this for so long, and I think she’d be so proud! Although things didn’t turn out how I’d hoped this year, I will be forever grateful for each and every experience I had!” she wrote at the time. “It’s hard to put into words what this journey has meant to me. For years and years I have had the ultimate dream of auditioning. Walking into finals with butterflies and big dreams, I never imagined how much love, growth, and strength I’d gain along the way. Training Camp pushed me in so many ways—not just as a dancer, but as a teammate, a woman, and someone chasing something bigger than herself.”
Savanna now joins Bri, Emily, and Maci in the 2026 rookie candidate class.
Dancer in a sparkling nude jumpsuit performs high kick indoors.
Let’s see if their dreams of securing a coveted spot on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team can become a reality!
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