Written by Sasha Agent
For the last two years I have managed to pull off being a mom, teacher and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. After surviving this balancing act, I must say that it has been the most enriching, beautiful and, yes, exhausting experience of my life. Yet, I would never change a thing about it.
For those who know me, I took a huge leap of faith moving from California to Texas for the sake of "Making the Team." There were many risks, particularly moving halfway across the country without a job while caring for a three-year-old. In my heart, however, I knew I could achieve what I set out to accomplish. I became a middle school teacher my first year in Dallas, and then a DCC a year later.
My dreams were coming true right before my eyes, and to top it off, I had my little girl rooting for me the whole way. Most people will have to "tell" their children about their most precious accomplishments, but my little girl got to witness it. She saw me accomplish a goal that I set for myself all while establishing a career. She may not understand the hardships that I faced now, but I hope one day she will admire me for my achievements.
My time with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders flew by, yet I made sure that I took in and enjoyed every moment. I made this team with experience dancing on other professional squads, but I auditioned for DCC knowing this would be the organization with whom I wanted to retire. And, I vowed to never take any of my time with the Cowboys for granted.
To my teammates, there is literally something unique and special about each and every one of you, and I cannot wait to see what each of you have in store for the future.
I'd like to say a special farewell to my remaining rookie class and the Wolf Pack: Nicole, Ann, Lauren and Mia. I love you all and am so thankful for our time together. You have each managed to put a smile on my face – even on my lowest of days.
I also wanted to say a special farewell to my group leaders, Brooke and Brittany. Rookie year for any DCC is crazy, but being under Brooke's watch allowed me to enjoy the games and actually breathe. And Boss Lady Brit? I could not have asked for a better way to end my time with the DCC. You made this year bright, fun and stress free, and I am so honored to have danced by your side this season.
To our fans, thank you so much for all of your kind letters and support. We love each and every one of you. And for the young ladies who are thinking of becoming a DCC, like many of you, I was also a huge DCC fan. Five years ago, if someone had flashed me a glimpse of my life now, I would have never believed what all I have accomplished. I never would have thought that I would get the opportunity to dance for the most amazing cheerleading organization in the world. So never doubt yourself and your dreams. With great effort and dedication, anything is possible.
And finally, thank you to the DCC organization. I could not have asked for a better way to end my professional cheerleading career. Being on this team was more than I ever imagined, and I am so thankful that I took my leap of faith. But most of all, I am thankful that you chose me to represent and be one of your "Sweethearts."
So what's next for me? This summer in Mexico I will be marrying my best friend. He is the one who got me through this hectic year, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him. I will also be taking over as the cheerleading coach for my middle school, passing on my performance philosophies from Kelli and Judy. And finally, I will become my daughter's biggest cheerleader as she begins her journey with sports and dancing.
Cheerleading and dance will somehow always be a part of my life. I have so many ideas, and I plan to use my summer vacations to run cheer and dance programs in my community. For now, I will be retiring my boots, but I will forever hold my pom-poms proudly for the Cowboys organization.
So I say farewell for now, but you never know … we may have a second generation DCC in the future.
Love and Cheers,
Sasha Agent
