Ward, who was born in New Zealand but grew up in Perth, Australia, expressed hesitation in her response to the recruiter\u2019s introductory message, especially given the famed DCC squad had never had a cheerleader from her native country. But the recruiter reassured Ward: \u201cNo, we’re looking for international candidates.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old flew to the United States and went through the DCC\u2019s rigorous tryouts, eventually becoming one of six new rookies to join the 36-member squad, out of thousands who auditioned.<\/p>\n
![\"Faith](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/70036a85da2c439212860cb030779e1b.jpeg\"\/)
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Faith Ward\/Instagram<\/p>\n
Faith Ward<\/p>\n
“I think those athletes are hands-down some of the most hard-working people I’ve ever seen,” Ward told ABC News Breakfast, describing the tryouts as \u201ccutthroat\u201d and \u201cbrutal\u201d at times.<\/p>\n
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The tryout process has been documented in recent years with the popular Netflix series America\u2019s Sweethearts, which recently released its second season ahead of the 2025-26 NFL season, which kicks off in September.<\/p>\n
The series, which provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the squad from auditions to game day, has also made headlines for revealing the many the strict rules and guidelines<\/a>\u00a0the cheerleaders must follow, and spurred a controversy over their salaries. The show has also led many of the DCC members to create social media platforms which share even more insight into their day-to-day lives.<\/p>\n “It’s a hard industry to make it in and everyone wants to do it, so you’ve just got to push through,\u201d Ward said, noting that as \u201cbrutal\u201d as the process is, she understands the coaches are \u201creally just wanting to see the best potential for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Faith Ward\/Instagram<\/p>\n Faith Ward<\/p>\n![\"Faith](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/4d5f8eb42e1071b9786bac992768957e.jpeg\"\/)
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