The third season of Netflix’s wildly popular America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders introduced audiences to exciting fresh rookie faces like Faith Ward, Emily Aubrey and Parker Kilpatrick. The series also focused on returning veterans like Kleine Powell, Megan Mcelaney, Anna Kate Sundvold as they continued their journeys within the organization. These amazing women were committed to opening up about their lives and struggles , hoping their stories would make an impact.
One cheerleader who has endeared herself to Netflix viewers (and the rest of the world) is Reece Weaver. Thanks to her bubbly personality, sweet face, kind nature, and devotion to Christ, the 24-year-old Florida native quickly became one on the brightest stars of the squad since earning her spot. Married to Will Altman—whom she met at the University of Alabama—Weaver found herself at a crossroads this season. Weaver wasn’t shy about sharing her struggles with the pressures of being a public figure, the physical demands of the DCC, the impacts of social media commentary, and her desire to be good wife.
It wasn’t a surprise to fans when Weaver decided in the Season 3 finale to retire from the squad after just three years. In her exit interview with DCC Director Kelli Finglass and DCC Head choreographer Judy Trammell, Weaver explained through tears: “This is a hard day, but I think I’m going to move on to a new chapter. I’m emotional because of how grateful I am, truly. I owe a lot to you guys because y’all trusted me with this position, and it’s been everything and more than I could imagine.”
After Weaver hung her uniform on the rack, she hugged both Finglass and Trammell. “You’ve done a great job and left your mark here,” said Trammell as she embraced Weaver. “Thank you, that’s such an honor,” replied Weaver. After Weaver left the room, Finglass marked her as one of the girls not returning next year. “Reece is a hard one to put an X through,” said Finglass. “They all are.” “Her life is further along, and I think she knows how and why her life has changed so much,” pointed out Trammell. “And I appreciate that. She’s grateful,” said Finglass with emotion. “A grateful heart.”
Finglass and Trammell weren’t the only ones who were sad to see Weaver retire. Charly Barby first tried out for the DCC with Weaver back in the 2023. While Barby didn’t make the squad that year, she remained close with Weaver and made the team successfully in 2024. Over Zoom, Barby shared with DECIDER that she has been with Weaver “throughout every part of her decision” to retire.
“Every part of my journey through DCC has been with her,” said Barby, noting it was “hard” to think of continuing on without her. “She’s just been the most incredible role model.” However, Barby knows Weaver is destined for great things and has “many goals” she wants to achieve.
“I literally get chills talking about Reece because I’m so proud of her,” said Barby. “She’s one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met.” As Weaver enters her next path in life, Barby confirms that Reece will always have her fellow cheerleaders on the sidelines for support. “I’m excited to watch her grow her wings and fly, but I know she’ll always come back to us because that’s just who she is.”
Once a DCC girl, always a DCC girl!
