Kelli Finglass: From DCC Cheerleader To Director & Beyond!

07 May, 2025

Can a former cheerleader truly shape the destiny of a legendary team and redefine its image? Kelli Finglass, the current director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and a former squad member, has not only achieved this but continues to be a pivotal figure in the evolution of the iconic organization.

From the gridiron of AT&T Stadium to the screens of the CMT reality series "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," Kelli Finglass has woven a remarkable narrative. Her journey began in 1984 when she earned a spot on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading squad. Little did anyone know, this was just the beginning of a story that would intertwine her life with the organization for decades. Her impact extends beyond the sidelines, permeating the very essence of the teams brand, image and legacy.

Category	Details
Full Name	Kelli McGonagill Finglass
Date of Birth	December 30, 1964
Place of Birth	Lindale, Texas
Education	Lindale High School, University of North Texas (Bachelor's), Texas Christian University (Dance)
Career Highlights	Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (1984-1989) Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Since 1989) Executive Producer, CMT's "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" reality series
Marital Status	Married to Joel Finglass since 1996
Children	Ryan Finglass, Samantha Finglass
Key Contributions	Shaped the modern image and standards of the DCC Oversaw the evolution of the uniform and performance style Expanded the DCC's brand through television and media
Known For	Her dedication, precision, and unwavering standards for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Reference	Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Official Website

Born and raised in Lindale, Texas, Finglass's journey to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders started with her outgoing personality and a passion for dance, which she pursued at Texas Christian University. Graduating from Lindale High School, she would later attend the University of North Texas, before joining the cheerleading squad in 1984. This role was merely a stepping stone to her future impact on the organization. By the end of her cheering career, she would be the director of the team, a role she's held for over three decades.

Finglass's impact is evident not just in her leadership but in her vision. She views the image and integrity of the squad as paramount, making thoughtful modifications to the uniform and overall presentation, all while maintaining the essence of the Dallas Cowboys. This dedication is on full display in the CMT reality series "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," of which she is the executive producer, which offers a rare glimpse into the rigorous selection and training process. The series explores the high expectations of the squad.

The world of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, however, is not confined to the football field. Finglass has masterfully utilized media platforms to further broaden their reach, becoming a household name in the world of entertainment, with her role as the director. The show has also been a mainstay for several years. The audience has become invested in the process of becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, which is a rigorous and challenging experience.

Her influence, however, does not come without its adjustments. She recognizes a changing world, as she told E! News, "I think we're better for that," as she adapts to how the squad is presented to the public. As director, she's no longer involved in dictating every detail of the squad members' bodies, and the show goes on. The evolution of the organization under her guidance reflects her deep understanding of the past and her forward-thinking approach to the future.

The core of Finglass's philosophy centers around maintaining the highest standards and promoting the team's core values, which is also highlighted on the television series. Every year brings a fresh intake of candidates, yet Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell remain constants, providing stability and continuity. The dedication is a testament to their enduring influence.

The selection of the cheerleaders is as demanding as the training itself. Finglass and Trammell are responsible for culling through countless videos, assessing the candidates' skills, and evaluating their capacity to represent the Dallas Cowboys image. The goal, from the moment she took the director role, has been to cultivate a vision for the squad. It is with this precise vision that Finglass has molded the modern version of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Her marriage to Joel Finglass in 1996, and their family life with children Ryan and Samantha, adds another layer to her narrative. She balances the demands of her career with the joys of family, demonstrating her capacity to excel in different aspects of life. Finglass is a testament to the idea that the image of the DCC is important, and will continue to be a fixture in both sports and entertainment.

Finglass's career isn't just a story of personal triumph. It's a reflection of societal change and cultural shifts. She represents the values of the Baby Boomer generation, born at the end of World War II, a generation that rejected traditional values. Her work as a director has been defined by strictness and exacting standards, and she has become an inspirational figure and brand manager.

Her journey is one of relentless dedication, continuous evolution, and a deep commitment to the organization's values. Finglass is not just a director, she is an innovator, a guardian of tradition, and a reflection of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' ongoing story.

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