Faith Ward’s Ponytail Breaks Tradition, Making History with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

If you’re familiar with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team or Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts, you likely know that the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) are synonymous with big, voluminous, curly hair that’s never seen tied up in a ponytail—until now. Rookie candidate Faith Ward recently went viral when she revealed that DCC director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell had allowed her to wear her hair in a ponytail. This seemingly small change marks a significant shift in DCC history, and we dive into how this decision unfolded and who else has dared to break the hair code.

Faith Ward’s Ponytail Breaks DCC Hair Tradition

Faith Ward, a rookie candidate for the 2025-2026 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season, has already made waves as the first-ever team member from New Zealand and the fourth overall cheerleader from Oceania. Ward’s journey to joining the squad has been an inspirational one, and her pride in her heritage is evident.

“I’m proud to be the first New Zealand DCC and the fourth Aussie to join the team,” she posted on Instagram, sharing her excitement. “So beyond grateful and blessed to turn my biggest dream into a reality.”

Ward’s official announcement on July 17 was followed by a moment that quickly caught the attention of fans and fellow cheerleaders alike: Faith appeared with her hair tied up in a ponytail—a stark contrast to the signature voluminous, flowing locks that the DCC are known for. This was a first for the DCC squad, and social media was abuzz.

“I’ve broken that stereotype,” Ward told ABC Perth about the moment, acknowledging how different her ponytail was compared to the typical DCC hairstyle. “It’s crazy because obviously the DCC hairstyle is out, fluffy, voluminous, luscious, long locks. But when Kelli saw my hair tied up during a rehearsal, she wanted to see how it would look. I was sweating after doing ‘Thunderstruck’—and I was like, ‘Your girl doesn’t want to have hair in her face while dancing!'”

McGonagill Finglass’ response was glowing, and Ward couldn’t believe the positive feedback. “She goes, ‘You’re giving Ariana Grande! We need an Ariana Grande moment on the team.’ I was like, ‘Are you serious right now, Kelli?’ It was surreal,” Ward recalled. “But she wanted my ponytail to be longer and blonder, and she also wanted to see me with my hair out for cameo days.”

The excitement didn’t stop there. Ward recently posted a video to Instagram showcasing her ponytail during a cameo day, which confirmed that this new look might just be here to stay. This marked her first-ever cameo day as a team member and the first time she wore the full DCC uniform, a moment she cherished deeply.

“This journey has been incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, but I wouldn’t change a thing!” Ward shared on Instagram after making the team. “I’ve been pushed in ways I never imagined. I’ve learned and grown so much already. I’m excited to see where this wild ride takes me! I feel so privileged to stand alongside not only the most talented dancers but also some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met.”

Her gratitude towards the Cowboys organization, her family, and supporters was clear: “I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the Cowboys Organization for believing in me and giving me this life-changing opportunity. It is truly an honor. To my family, friends, coaches, and mentors who have been by my side throughout this entire journey, thank you will never be enough.”

Who Else Has Worn a Ponytail in DCC History?

Before Ward’s groundbreaking moment, there were only a few other DCC members who dared to wear their hair differently from the iconic, flowing curls. One notable example is Tami Barber, who was part of the DCC from 1977 to 1980. Barber went viral for her bold choice of wearing her hair in two very high pigtails, an image that became part of the DCC legacy. Barber’s unique style has been embraced by the organization during alumni halftime shows, cementing her place in DCC history.

While the DCC hair tradition has always been one of volume and grandeur, Ward’s decision to wear her hair in a ponytail speaks to the evolution of the squad’s standards, as well as the individuality that each new member brings to the team. Faith’s journey from rookie candidate to team member has been nothing short of remarkable, and her willingness to challenge the norm with her ponytail has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

For Ward, this is only the beginning. As she continues her DCC journey, one thing is clear: she’s breaking barriers both in how she dances and how she presents herself. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and breaking through boundaries, and if this is any indication, we’re likely to see even more moments of history from this trailblazer.

As we continue to watch the 2025-2026 season unfold, we’ll no doubt be watching Faith Ward—and her ponytail—closely, as she writes her own chapter in the storied legacy of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.