DCC Alumni Spotlight – Amy Trader

For as long as I can remember, I have looked up to Amy as a big sister and role model. Being from the same hometown in Missouri, it has been a blessing to follow in her footsteps to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organization. She truly exemplifies all it means to be a DCC and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to interview her on her experiences with the Cowboys. Before becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Amy danced with the University of Missouri Golden Girls dance team for four years and immediately following her college years, she became a Knick’s City Dancer for the New York Knicks basketball team. Dancing in New York was a huge accomplishment for Amy, but she also dreamed of being part of the most prestigious NFL team in the league.  This dream led her to Dallas where she became a member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organization for four years, two as a cheerleader and two as an All-Star.

Growing up watching ‘DCC: Making the Team’ on CMT, Amy thinks back to her time auditioning for DCC as very “true to the process”. Having watched the show over many years before trying out was a surreal feeling. In fact, Kelli’s famous one liner about ‘sitting next to your future bridesmaids’ during auditions came true for Amy, as she will be a bridesmaid in her rookie sister Megan’s wedding this upcoming year. She reflects on training camp as being the most difficult job interview physically and mentally, but in turn one of the most rewarding experiences she has ever had. Pouring your entire self into something for months makes that feeling of standing in uniform in front of 100,000 people extremely special.

One of Amy’s favorite memories from being a cheerleader is the first time she performed in uniform at an AdvoCare show at AT&T Stadium. Representing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders helped her realize she was now a part of something bigger than herself and she never wanted that feeling to end. Another memory that Amy holds close to her heart was her first USO tour. This was her first time out of the country. Seeing the sacrifice that our service men, women, and their families make brought thanking our troops to a new level. This was a life changing experience, and she still keeps in contact with people whom she met on her European USO trip.

Dancing with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders affected Amy’s life greatly. In fact, traveling to Europe sparked her interest in working overseas, and she now works in Germany as a medical device product manager for spinal implants. Her job is to help develop new markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Moving across the world reminds Amy of moving to Dallas alone without any friends. She learned to become the most poised version of herself while being outgoing in order to meet new people. Being from out of state during the audition process truly gave Amy the confidence to go after any of her future goals.

Amy’s advice for girls currently on the team or DCC hopefuls is to be true to yourself and confident in what you have to bring to the room. Live in the moment as much as possible and remember everything is done for a reason. Cherish every appearance, performance, and rehearsal, and never take for granted long nights in the locker room with your teammates. Amy is an incredible example of someone who holds herself to high standards, fearlessly chases her dreams, and treats others with love and respect. It is a blessing to share the incredible Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ sisterhood with her.

DCC Caroline