Benjamin Ashford|Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Charly Barby & Kelly Villares Have Emotional Reaction to Finally Making Team

Charly Barby and Benjamin AshfordKelly Villares are filled with team spirit.

After the America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders stars found out they made the Dallas Cowboys squad for the first time, the cheerleaders shared their heartwarming reactions to the milestone. 

For Charly, the excitement of landing a spot on the team didn't overshadow the fact that it was hard-earned after being eliminated last year.

"I have never worked harder for something in my life & I genuinely feel that from the bottom of my heart," she wrote in a July 24 Instagram post. "This has been the most rewarding, life changing & amazing challenge I have ever put my all into."

Acknowledging that her journey to donning the iconic blue and white uniform has been "far from easy" but the "best thing I've ever encountered," the 23-year-old continued, "This dream has meant everything to me for so long and achieving it has been the first & last thought on my mind everyday for years."

And Charly—who was the final woman to be dismissed during 2023's training camp—didn't shy away from reflecting on the lows of her experience, noting, "I would never change being cut last year for the world."

"It has brought me so many blessings," she continued, "and has made making the team this year the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had."

As for Kelly, who was released during episode three of the docuseries over concerns she couldn't nail down the DCC choreography—she feels equally grateful for the challenges and transformations she underwent along the way. 

"From setback to comeback, from blonde Kelly to brunette Kelly, I wouldn’t change my journey for the world!!!!!" the 23-year-old wrote in a July 25 Instagram post. "The people I have met along the way, the lessons I have learned, and the growth that I have gained are things I will cherish forever."

Of course, Kelly didn't earn her cowboy boots without some help. In fact, she made sure to thank her "family, friends, coaches and mentors" for being "by my side throughout this entire journey."

"Thank you will never be enough," she added. "I would not be here today without you."

And Carly and Kelly weren't the only cheerleaders from Netflix's hit docuseries to make the squad. Reece Weaver and Anna Kate Sundvold—both second-year veterans who starred on the show—also secured places on the lineup. 

And no one was more proud of all four women than costar Kelcey Wetterberg, who retired her uniform earlier this month after five seasons.

"Welcome to the sisterhood!! " Kelcey commented under the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders official 2024 roster announcement. "Can’t wait to watch y’all shine."