Who is Faith Ward, aka “Flexi Faith”? Meet the Aussie cheerleader stealing the spotlight on Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts

When “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” returned for season 3 on Netflix, it didn’t take long for one name to start generating buzz: Faith Ward.

The 23-year-old rookie isn’t just another hopeful trying to make one of the most iconic cheer squads in the world. She’s already shaping up to be one of the show’s breakout stars. And it’s not hard to see why. From her international background to her instantly recognizable look, Ward stands out in a squad built on precision, uniformity, and tradition.

From New Zealand to the NFL spotlight

Ward’s journey to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is anything but typical. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, she moved to Australia as a child and built her dance career there before eventually taking a leap few international performers ever attempt, auditioning for DCC.

Even she didn’t think it was realistic. But one day, a recruiter for the DCC actually reached out to Ward personally in an Instagram message to ask if she’d be interested in trying out. Ward thought it was a scam at first, but when she realized it was real, she decided to chase what she described as a “big goal”, one that would push her both physically and mentally.

And the gamble paid off. Not only did she make the team, but she also made history as the first New Zealand-born Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and just the fourth Australian-based dancer to join the squad.

Why fans are already obsessed

Every season of America’s Sweethearts produces a few standout personalities, and Ward is quickly becoming one of them. Part of that comes down to her presence on screen. She’s confident but grounded, and ambitious but self-aware, the kind of personality reality TV audiences gravitate toward.

But there are also a few very specific reasons she’s getting attention:

• Her nickname: Known online as “Flexi Faith”, she’s built a following thanks to her extreme flexibility and dance clips
• Her backstory: A single-mother upbringing and international journey that adds emotional depth to her story
• Her work ethic: She’s been dancing since age two and competing since 10
• Her global appeal: She represents a growing international pipeline into traditionally American institutions

The ponytail that made her stand out

Then there’s the look. In a sea of signature Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders curls, Ward is the one you’ll notice immediately...because she’s not wearing them. Instead, she rocks a high ponytail.

What started as a suggestion from longtime DCC director Kelli Finglass during training camp quickly turned into Ward’s defining feature. The style, even compared to an “Ariana Grande moment”, not only set her apart visually but also became part of her identity on the team. In a system built around uniformity, standing out without breaking the mold is rare. But Ward has managed to do both.

Off the field, Ward is part of a new generation of DCC members who balance performance with personal branding. She works as a content creator, makeup artist, and professional dancer with experience on cruise lines and competitive circuits Her hybrid career path reflects the evolution of the role itself, especially after increased attention (and scrutiny) from the Netflix series led to major conversations about pay, visibility, and working conditions for cheerleaders.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.