After college, I moved to Dallas in November of 1972. The first two weeks here, I found an apartment and a job. After settling in, I decided to take a beginner's dance class in the evenings. The owner/ instructor coincidentally happened to be Texie Waterman, the choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. After a short time, she asked me to audition for the squad. With no dance background, I asked Texie if she thought I could do it, and she responded, "I KNOW you can do it." At that time, each girl had to put together her own music, her own dance routine, and perform solo in front of a panel of judges. It was very exciting!!! Of course you know, everyone has to audition every year, whether you have been on the squad previously or are a first-timer. Hence, the start of my four-year run with the Dallas Cowboys organization. I tried out four times and made it four times.

While working full time, I cheered on weekends, and traveled out of town on non-football weekends to represent the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at various functions, as well as functions within the metroplex.

Highlights of my four years: performed at the Jerry Lewis telethon in Las Vegas; performed at the Super Stars Sports Classic in Irvine; traveled to South Carolina to sit on a panel with one other cheerleader, 2 Dallas Cowboys, and President Ford, to "roast" a football coach; Tex Schramm having me stand in front of a camera and learn to smile with my teeth showing; and foremost, had four great years to cheer for some of the most talented professional football players to date - the "Dirty Dozen". How many of you can name all twelve?

I later married and had one beautiful daughter. She started dance at age 4. While working full time, I taught her jazz, tap, and ballet classes. When our daughter entered elementary school, I coached her drill team until she discovered cheerleading in junior high. This eventually led to competitive cheering. She graduated from Texas Tech in August and is now working within the metroplex. My husband and I just had our 25th wedding anniversary (told you I married "later").

I have been with the same independent oil and gas company since 1981 where I am a pretty darn good secretary!

I am very proud and honored to have been invited to the ESPN shoot of the squad leaders from past to present.  It was great being with the other squad leaders and reminiscing--from the music that was popular at the time to the sideline routines we put together among ourselves, and to the style of our uniform and square-heel boots.  Every new squad continues to make us proud that we are still associated with the Dallas Cowboys organization.

All-in-all, life has been great, and I will always cherish the time I had with the Dallas Cowboys organization, Texie Waterman, Suzanne Mitchell, and now with the current staff and alumni.

Thank you for everything!

Sideline Q & A

Can you recall an embarrassing moment?

Carla: I fainted while filming the 7-11 commercial because I had not eaten all day (wanted a flat tummy). The director said it was the most dramatic faint he had ever seen... I motioned one of the crew over and put my arm around his neck and whispered in his ear that I was going to faint. The director said he thought I had stopped everything just to flirt with this guy! Laughter spread quickly from one end of the crew to the other. He called a supper break and made me eat!

Favorite Memory of Texas Stadium?

Carla: Prancing out on the field with the lights glowing, the music playing, and the crowd cheering us on... and dancing my heart out; our alumni performances allow me to relive this memory.

What do you feel is your role as a DCC Alumni?

Carla: Always be a positive role model for young people and encouraging them to go for their dreams. Let them know, with God's help, they can accomplish anything they truly desire. I had no dancing experience, tried out 4 times, made it 4 times because I had the desire and faith in myself.