If you spent any time binge-watching America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix, you probably have a soft spot for Anna Kate Sundvold. She was the "little sister." The one trying to find her footing in the massive, sparkly shadow of her sister Caroline, a legendary five-year veteran. It was a classic TV arc: the shy, talented rookie battling the pressure of a legacy. But reality TV usually ends right when things get interesting.
The question everyone is typing into Google lately is pretty simple: is Anna Kate still a DCC? The answer is a resounding yes.
As of the 2024-2025 season, Anna Kate Sundvold is not just "still there"—she is thriving as a second-year veteran. She didn't just survive that brutal rookie year we all saw on screen; she secured her spot again, and honestly, her trajectory within the organization is starting to look a lot like her sister's.
From Rookie Underdog to Seasoned Vet
Making the team once is hard. Making it twice is arguably harder. When you're a rookie, you're the shiny new toy. When you're a veteran auditioning for your second year, the coaches—Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell—already know your flaws. They've seen you tired. They've seen you mess up a transition in the fourth quarter.
Anna Kate didn't just skate through. She went back to the "bubble" (the training camp atmosphere) and earned her boots all over again for the current season.
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Interestingly, she's actually found her own rhythm now. In the Netflix series, she seemed a bit overwhelmed by Caroline’s constant (though well-meaning) hovering. Now that Caroline has officially retired and moved on to the next chapter of her life, Anna Kate has had the space to breathe. You can see it in the way she carries herself in the 2024-2025 squad photos. There’s a level of confidence there that wasn't quite present when she was living in that studio apartment with her sister, trying to learn the "Thunderstruck" choreography at 2 a.m.
Balancing the Blue Blouse with a 9-to-5
One thing the show touched on—but didn't fully explore—is just how much these women do outside of the stadium. Anna Kate isn't just a dancer. She’s a high-achiever in the most "Texas" way possible.
- She was her high school valedictorian.
- She graduated from TCU (Texas Christian University) with a finance degree.
- She currently works as a full-time financial planner at Bluecrest Financial Alliances in Dallas.
Think about that for a second. Most of us are exhausted after an eight-hour day at the office. Anna Kate finishes her 8-to-5 job, drives to the Star in Frisco, and then dances at a professional level until 10 or 11 p.m. It’s a grind that most people would quit after a month.
The "America’s Sweethearts" Effect
Being on a global Netflix hit changed things for the whole squad, but especially for the featured "characters" like Anna Kate. Suddenly, she wasn't just a cheerleader; she was a recognizable face.
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The show did a great job of showing the "sister dynamic," but some fans felt it painted Anna Kate as a bit ungrateful or cold toward Caroline. Honestly? That’s just editing. If you follow her on social media or catch her in recent interviews, like her appearance on the Chi O Conversations podcast, she’s quick to credit her sister for her success. The reality is that she’s just more reserved. She has a "calm, elegant presence" (as one fan on Reddit put it) that balances out some of the more "high-energy" personalities on the team.
What’s Next for Anna Kate?
So, we know she’s on the 2024-2025 roster. What about the future?
DCC careers typically last between two and five years. Considering her age (she turned 25 in June) and her burgeoning career in finance, she’s in a bit of a sweet spot. Some fans are already speculating that she could be a Group Leader by her fourth year. She has the technical skills—she was a captain for the TCU Showgirls, after all—and she clearly has the discipline.
The organization loves a legacy story, but more than that, they love a "professional woman" narrative. Anna Kate fits the DCC brand perfectly: smart, articulate, and capable of representing the Cowboys at high-level corporate events.
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Why People Keep Searching for Her
There’s a reason Anna Kate remains one of the most-searched members of the current squad. She feels relatable. Unlike some of the cheerleaders who seem like they were born in a pair of pom-poms, Anna Kate showed the struggle. She showed the "I’m not sure if I’m good enough" moments.
Seeing her succeed and return for a second year feels like a win for the introverts.
What you should do next:
If you want to keep up with her journey, the best place is her Instagram (@annakatesundvold). She’s pretty active with behind-the-scenes content that doesn't make it into the Netflix edit. Also, if you're a fan of the "sister duo" aspect, keep an eye on Caroline’s socials—the two are still incredibly close, even if they aren't sharing a tiny apartment anymore.
The 2025-2026 auditions will be here before you know it, and the big question then will be whether she goes for the "Hat Trick" (Year 3). Given her current momentum, it’s looking likely.