If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or scrolled through Netflix recently, you’ve probably seen her. Ava Lahey. She’s the girl with the straight hair and the powerhouse dance moves who finally made the squad in America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. But for long-time fans of the franchise, she isn't just a "rookie" sensation. She’s the comeback queen who almost lost it all because of a single, controversial ava dcc social media post.
Honestly, the drama was a mess.
It wasn't just one photo. It was a whole vibe that Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell—the gatekeepers of the DCC brand—found completely "off-brand." People still argue about whether the team was being too strict or if Ava was just being a typical 18-year-old. But when you're trying to become one of "America's Sweethearts," the rules are different.
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The Post That Started the Fire
Back in 2021, during Season 16 of Making the Team, Ava was the frontrunner. She was young, technical, and had that "it" factor. Then, the office visits started. Kelli Finglass pulled her in to discuss her online presence.
What was actually in that ava dcc social media post?
Basically, it was a mix of things that the DCC hierarchy views as "provocative." We’re talking about TikToks where she was dancing to music with explicit lyrics—specifically Cardi B’s "Up"—and a video where she reportedly flipped off the camera. To a teenager in 2021, that’s just a Friday night. To the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, it was a PR nightmare in the making.
Kelli’s main gripe wasn't just the dancing. It was the maturity level. She famously asked Ava, "Tell me who you are there," referring to the girl in the videos versus the girl trying to wear the stars and bars.
Why It Led to the 2021 Cut
You might think a warning would be enough. It wasn't.
Ava actually got a second chance, but then she allegedly posted about being in Texas or training camp when the candidates were under a strict social media blackout. Spoilers are a huge no-no for the show’s production. When you combine the "edgy" TikToks with a breach of contract regarding spoilers, the decision was made. Ava was cut.
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It was a heartbreak that played out on national TV.
The Comeback and the "Straight Hair" Controversy
Fast forward to 2024. Ava returned for America's Sweethearts on Netflix. She was older, more polished, and clearly had spent her time at the University of Kentucky refining her style. But even as a veteran (or a "comeback rookie"), social media still follows her every move.
Recently, fans started buzzing again about her hair.
In a world where every DCC is known for big, bouncy, "Texas-sized" curls, Ava stands out with sleek, straight hair. She actually addressed this in a recent Instagram Reel. She admitted that her hair is naturally fine and simply "falls flat" after 20 minutes of curling. Instead of fighting it, the directors actually gave her the green light to stay straight. It’s a rare exception in an organization known for its rigid aesthetic standards.
The Uniform Washing TikTok
In May 2025, Ava went viral again. This time, it wasn't for being provocative; it was for being a laundress. She posted a TikTok of herself scrubbing her iconic DCC uniform with a toothbrush in her bathroom.
The internet lost its mind.
- "They don't pay them enough to wash their own clothes!"
- "Wait, the Dallas Cowboys don't have a dry cleaner?"
Her teammate, Kleine Powell, and others had to step in and explain that because the uniforms are custom-fitted and "you only get one," the girls are responsible for their upkeep. It’s part of the "responsibility" of the job. It was a fascinating peek behind the curtain that showed how much the ava dcc social media post landscape has changed from 2021 to now. She went from being the "troublemaker" to the girl showing the "grind" of the job.
Managing the Brand in 2026
It’s kind of ironic, isn't it? Ava’s actual job outside of cheerleading is social media management. She knows the game.
But even pros make mistakes. Lately, there’s been some chatter on Reddit about "undisclosed ads." Some eagle-eyed fans noticed Ava promoting supplements or hair tools without the clear #ad or #sponsored tags that the FTC requires.
When you have over 60,000 subscribers on YouTube and a massive TikTok following, every post is a legal and professional minefield. The DCC has a "Social Media 101" training for a reason. They even used past controversies (like Whitney Vaughn’s blackface scandal years ago) as teaching moments. Ava’s 2021 saga is likely now a chapter in that handbook.
What You Should Take Away
If you’re a creator or just a fan, Ava’s story is a masterclass in resilience and branding. She didn't let a "foul-mouthed" post define her career. She went back to the drawing board, grew up, and came back stronger.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Social Media:
- Audit Your History: If you're applying for a high-profile "brand ambassador" role, those 2021 TikToks will be found. Delete them now.
- Know the Spoilers: If you sign an NDA or a contract for a project, "soft-launching" your location can get you fired just as fast as a bad photo.
- Embrace Your "Flaw": Ava’s straight hair became her signature. If the "standard" doesn't work for you, ask for an exception based on your best look.
- Transparency is Key: In 2026, the FTC and your fans are smarter than ever. If you're getting a commission, just say it.
Ava Lahey proved that you can survive a "cancelable" moment with the DCC, but you have to be willing to scrub your own uniform—literally and figuratively.
To keep your digital footprint as clean as a DCC uniform, start by reviewing your "Tagged" photos on Instagram and hiding anything that doesn't align with your professional goals. If you're serious about a career in the spotlight, consider setting your personal TikTok to private and starting a separate "professional" creator account where you control every frame of the narrative.