Caroline Sundvold isn't exactly a name you forget if you’ve spent any time in the world of professional cheerleading. For five years, she was a fixture on the sidelines at AT&T Stadium. A leader. A "point" of the triangle. Basically, the girl every rookie wanted to be.
But then, the Netflix cameras for America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders started rolling, and we saw something very different from the "perfect" DCC image. We saw the raw, slightly messy, and incredibly painful reality of what happens when the music stops.
Honestly, the transition from being a world-class athlete to a "retired" cheerleader at 25 is a trip. Most people see the boots and the sparkles. They don't see the orthopedic surgeries or the identity crisis that follows.
Life After the Uniform: What Caroline Sundvold is Doing Now
If you're wondering where Caroline went after hanging up the poms in 2023, she didn't just disappear into the Texas suburbs. She’s actually stayed pretty busy in the corporate world. According to her career updates, she’s been working as an account manager for Stryker, a major medical equipment manufacturer.
It’s kind of ironic, right? She spent years needing medical attention for her hips and feet, and now she’s the one selling the equipment.
She also hasn't strayed too far from the DCC orbit. Her younger sister, Anna Kate Sundvold, followed in her footsteps and joined the squad. During the first season of the Netflix docuseries, we watched Caroline coaching Anna Kate, living in a tiny studio apartment together, and basically passing the torch.
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It was a little bit heartbreaking to watch at times. You could see Caroline struggling with the "what now?" of it all while her sister was just beginning the "this is everything" phase.
The Physical Toll Nobody Tells You About
Let’s talk about the injuries. You don't just "retire" from DCC because you're tired of dancing. Most girls leave because their bodies literally can't take another jump split.
Caroline’s departure was heavily influenced by her physical condition. She dealt with:
- Intense hip surgery: This wasn't just a minor "scope" job; it was a major recovery process.
- Turf toe and foot issues: Years of dancing on hard surfaces and turf in those iconic (but not exactly ergonomic) boots takes a toll.
- Post-retirement recovery: In the show, she’s seen using a cane and struggling with basic mobility.
People on Reddit and Twitter love to debate if she was "overrated" as a point, but you can't argue with the discipline. To dance through that kind of pain for five years? That’s different. It’s not just "cheerleading"—it’s high-impact athletics.
The "Anna Kate" Factor
One of the big storylines in America's Sweethearts was the dynamic between the two sisters. Caroline was the seasoned vet, the one who knew Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell’s expectations inside and out. Anna Kate was the business-minded rookie (a TCU grad and financial planner) trying to live up to the Sundvold legacy.
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Their dad, Jon "Sunny" Sundvold, was a pro basketball player in the NBA. High performance is basically in their DNA. But watching Caroline watch her sister from the stands—instead of being on the field—gave us one of the most relatable "former athlete" moments in reality TV history.
Why the Fandom is Obsessed with Her Post-DCC Life
There’s a reason Caroline stands out compared to other retirees. She was brutally honest about her mental health. She didn't pretend everything was sunshine and rainbows after she left.
On various podcasts, like With You in the Weeds, she’s opened up about "letting go of the burden to be perfect." When you're a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, you are a brand. Your hair, your weight, your smile—it’s all managed. When that goes away, who are you?
She’s been open about:
- The loss of community: Suddenly not having 36 sisters to see every single night.
- The "Couch-Bound" Blues: Going from 20+ hours of cardio a week to being stuck on a sofa recovering from surgery is a massive shock to the system.
- Finding Peace: She’s leaned heavily into her faith and mental health resources to navigate the "Who am I now?" phase.
Common Misconceptions About Caroline
You've probably seen the rumors. No, she wasn't on Love Island. That was a fan-made edit that went viral and confused everyone. Honestly, Caroline seems way too low-key for that kind of reality TV chaos anyway.
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Also, some fans thought she was "forced" out. That's not the case. While the injuries made staying nearly impossible, five years is the "standard" high-water mark for most DCCs. Very few go to year six or seven. She hit her peak, earned her accolades (including Rookie of the Year back in 2018), and left while she was still at the top of the hierarchy.
What’s Next for the Sundvold Sisters?
As of 2026, the Sundvold legacy continues through Anna Kate, while Caroline has firmly established herself in her professional career. She’s living proof that there is a successful, "normal" life after the blue star.
If you’re a fan looking to follow her journey, she’s still active on Instagram, mostly sharing bits of her life in Dallas, supporting her sister, and being a "normal" 20-something who just happened to be one of the most famous cheerleaders in the world for a half-decade.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Dancers:
- Prioritize Cross-Training: Caroline's injuries highlight why hip and core strength are vital for longevity in dance.
- Have a Plan B: Caroline’s transition was smoother because she had a background and a job to move into. Don't make your entire identity the uniform.
- Audit Your Mental Health: If you're coming off a high-pressure stint in any performance art, talk to a professional. The "post-performance blues" are a real physiological and psychological phenomenon.