August 15, 2020 • 28 mins
Dare we say, we’re getting used to the bubble? Today, Kash is joined by Ashlee, Maddie, Daphne, and Jalyn to discuss finding normalcy in #DCCTC20, team bonding, and advice that is getting them through this process!
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
The following. He's a production of Dallas Cowboys dot Com
and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club. Hi. There, it's cash
(00:23):
and we are back for another boots in the bubble.
We have got more boots, more bubble talk than you
can even imagine. I think we are what day twelve here,
and I mean we just can't stop, won't stop. We're
joined by your favorite Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders to give us
(00:43):
the inside on what's going on here in the bubble
during training camp twenty twenty. And there's a lot going
on to try and make this team happen. Say to
get us started, we have got long time betteran our
fifth year Maddie. Hi, guys, I am Maddie. I am
twenty three years old. I'm originally from Far West City, Utah,
(01:05):
and like Cashier just said, I'm headed into my fifth season.
Hopefully we have wise until training camp in so I'm
keeping my fingers crossed and I'm gonna keep working hard
on those boots back. We love our Mattie Girl, So
glad that you're here for a fifth year. All right.
Next up, we have got our Sassy, our cheetah girl.
Give it to us. Ashley, Hi, you guys. My name
(01:29):
is Ashley. I'm from Streeport, Louisiana. I'm excited to be
on this little podcast web virtual thing. Being here on
the Bubble has been fantastic. I'm just a different experience
all around, so I'm just excited for it. Good. We're
glad that you're here. You bring the best energy. Always, yeah, always,
she's there. She's our party starter. Next joining us in
(01:52):
the Bubble Talk today, we've got Jalen. Hi. Everyone, I'm Jalen.
I'm originally from Prince in Indiana. I am twenty three
years old, and like Ashley and Jackney, I am hopefully
going into my third season. Ooh, third year, best year,
third years A good one, it's a good one. And
(02:13):
then joining us also, we have got the sweetest girl
in the West Coast, Miss Daphne. Hi. Guys, my name
is Daphne and I'm twenty five originally from Newport Beach, California,
And like Jalen said, I'm so excited to be auditioning
for my third year. It's crazy to even say that.
I feel like I'm, you know, going into my first
(02:33):
it's been it goes by the blink of an eye,
but it's exciting. I'm glad that three years of DCC,
or I guess two years of DCC has gone back
quick for you, because these twelve days we've been in
the bubble have drug on forever, Like, jeez, when is
this gonna end? All in good time? Though, all in
good time? I feel like this process has been so crazy,
(02:56):
trying to find a new team in the middle of
all of the unknown. And you guys have been absolute superstars,
all four of you during training camp so far from
what I've been able to watch and see, So kudos
to all four of you. Guys should feel super proud
of yourselves and you're performance so far, and all four
of you make such great leaders on this team. They're
super lucky to have you, especially at the rookie candidates.
(03:18):
So I'm super lucky to have you guys on today
and chat with y'all. And it feels normal because I'm
just thinking it with me for him, and which is
not for a change, because not a whole lot feels
normal about being here in this bubble, Ashley, what is
like what has been the most normal thing that you've
(03:39):
experienced here in the bubble so far? Like what feels
like second nature? Well, I just stay my routine. That's
one of the things I'm like to have established, so
regardless of what's surrounding me, I still wake up read
my Bible and trying to listen to some music, So
I stay my routine stays the same even though everything
around me is crazy. That's a good point, like making
(04:01):
sure that you can, like I think I heard on
like a podcast once it is like you like the
like you can control your morning hours more than you
can in the evening. So like, yeah, that's such a
good time to really like set and establish those intentions.
That's why your energy is always so good. Luckily, we
are able to have our mornings, Like that's the beauty
(04:21):
about this training camp right now, as we still get
our morning so I get to kind of have my
time to myself and then the work begins. Yeah, good, good, Yeah. Okay,
So Maddie, what has been the most normal thing? Because
you've been here with me since day would and like
you said, it's been dragon. It's it's been so fun
(04:44):
because it's been really cool to like watch the training
camp candidates from the very beginning and like see how
much they've grown and like developed into what a DCC
is supposed to be, Yeah, but it has been quite
the last twelve days. The most normal thing was when
we got to go to the stadium. I think, yeah,
it felt like home to be back on the field.
(05:06):
Not that our rooms here. They've done such a good
job at making us like we're in our own studio
to really set up for this training camp. But nothing
is like home, and the stadium feels like home. So
that's probably the most normally felt since being in the bubble. Sure, truly,
the stadium did feel it felt good to kind of like, yeah,
(05:27):
because you know, like what this time last year we
were getting ready for your all's first preseason game and
that crazy to think about that that was the first
time you were on the field. Yeah, usually like it
thunder is set, You've got your formations, you know your groups.
Jalen kind of give us like a how everything's delayed, Like,
(05:47):
how do you feel like that's gonna take you into
this next season? Are you gonna like do you feel
prepared or like what do you think these training campaignates
are kind of gonna like the ones that actually do
make the team, what are they gonna experience and feel? Yeah,
like you were kind of saying, Um, it's strange even
when we were in our locker room. So these new
(06:08):
candidates they haven't been in the locker room yet. They've
only been on the field once so far. Um. You know,
I think they came in really prepared as far as
like the dances and all of that. It is strange.
The other day we were all reminiscing two years ago yesterday,
Um was when we made the team, our rookie season. Um.
So it feels a little strange that we're mid August
(06:31):
and pre season would be starting right now and we're
just a few weeks away from our home opener. Um.
So I think it's exciting, but a little nerve locking
and still too because it still feels like there's a
lot to get done. Yeah. That it's that constant like
I'm excited, but I'm nervous. You know what It's like
our go to answer for everything, any interviews, like how
how do you feel? I'm excited, but I'm nervous, sometimes
(06:54):
one more than the other, So I'm trying to keep
them somewhat level. Good. Yeah, it's it can switch on
the drop of a hat, for sure. What's been the
most normal part of the bubble for you, girl, I
think the most normal part of all of this is um,
you know, the friendships that we've had. It's nothing's changed.
Some of us haven't seen each other in five months.
(07:15):
But being reunited on that first day it felt like,
you know, we had just left one day and I
saw each other the next So that was really nice.
And to have you know, that sisterhood continue without you know,
the normalcy of it all, that's been the best part.
And to add these new TCCs in is awesome too,
and see them making their own little friendships and having
(07:37):
the best time. So that's that's what I love and
what's been keeping me going. Yeah that even though like
you have to be distant and everything else, the it
doesn't change your friendship and or anything else as far
as that. But it's a good point that you said
that because actually as are like segues as the end
of this next part about UM watching them get here
(07:59):
and being super nervous. I mean, we all five of
us can relate to how the training camp process bonds
you to the uh like we call it your Ricky class,
you know, so it's like, well, the experience and the
pressure it really does create that sense of like we're
all in this together. Oh my gosh, like we can
do this. Um uh so, like, I guess I'll take
(08:21):
it to Mattie. Since you've experienced more training camps than
any of the s of us, do you think that
the team this year is going to be as close
and especially the training can camps will be as closed
as teams in the past, since we don't share that
locker room time and we haven't been able to kind
of spend you know, our training camp is usually three months,
(08:42):
not three weeks, so kind of give us that. I
know that we've got some spun stuff planned today, so
something exciting. Um I yeah, this is I'm headed into
my sixth This is my sixth training camp, which has
been oh wait, yeah, that's so money training camp. But
I honestly think this has been a really good opportunity
(09:04):
for like girls to get extra close because we're in
close quarters, even though we're doing the whole social distancing
and that whole aspect of it is very different, but
like we're together all the time right now. Truly, you
would go home and you practice at home or whatever,
and then you would come to practice at night. But
(09:27):
right now, like we have meals together every day. You
can wake up and make sure your friends are going
down to breakfast with you. And we obviously social distanced
and we're we're making sure to stay safe. But there's
a lot more time like downtime that we've had in
that aspect. That's been kind of cool to get to
(09:48):
know the training camp candidates and to get to catch
up with our friends, Like Daphne said, some of us,
it's been like five months, so we've seen each other.
That's the longest I haven't seen a teammate since I
made the team. Yeah, it's been it's been really good
to catch up with everyone. And yeah, that downtime like
when are like when the meals are being served in
stuff that is I think it's funny, like who you
(10:10):
run into while you're getting your temp check. You know,
we get our camps taken every day. We do like
our assessment. Steven I was like, so how'd you sleep? Yeah? Yeah, yeah, okay,
you lean in and get your like radar two for
truth thing done. I'm like, yeah, I had a weird
dream was not all right, Well you're hungry, let's go
get us some coffee. Ye yeah, Ashley, give us um,
(10:32):
give us a moment this week where you've kind of
experience like being closed to someone and sort of breaking
through that, like that barrier with another teammate or something
like while you've been here. Sure, Um, I'd say kind of,
like Maddie was mentioning that downtime that we're able to
have when you just kind of feel like you're about
to go go downstairs and practice by yourself, but you
(10:54):
actually run into someone else that's practicing and you just
have that moment to where you guys are wanting to
practice the same things or to run so lows and
just kind of having those times to bind. I think
for me that's what it was. It turned into late
nights of some practice and mostly talking and binding. That
happened the other day, Wait, Maddie and Jalen, who else
was down there with this? Alana? It was super late
(11:17):
and I was like drabbing, My eyes were starting to shut,
and I ended up sitting in the floor with you
all for another twenty minutes at least. It's like, oh
my gosh, exactly that's true practicing. But yeah, next time,
Judy like like makes a comment like why did you
all like look sloppy? On that, but sorry, we're just
really good friend so maybe you join them. We've got
(11:41):
good intentions, Yes, that's what it is. We all start
with good intentions and it just sort of ends up
spiraling down. Talking about like the carpetballs, how the carpets
sort of starting to like wear off. You know. Yeah,
it was it looked like I hadn't shaved my legs
in weeks, you know what I'm talking about. Though it
was to me, I was like, oh my god. It
(12:03):
scared me at first. It's like, how like sweatparents get
like a little couple of things. Yeah, carpet, we're doing
that to it from dancing on it. You got to
work in your hot ends all I've been that is
one thing I will say that y'all have been dancing
a lot crazy. So today's an off day. Let's make
that clear that you guys have gotten a break while
(12:26):
you've been here. So even though it's been work, work, work,
there's a little bit of play. Um, Jalen kind of
talk to us about tonight, like what we've got planned
and and what you're looking forward to. Yeah, So, like
a Sharry was saying, Um, this week has been challenging
and I think I've seen Ashley at two am every
(12:47):
night since I've been here, so shape or form. Last
night at was a point, you know, socially distanced, but
every night prior to that we've been downstairs doing routines
and solos. So we were all looking forward to you
at this day off and tonight. I think we have
some fun things that could share and Alanna have planned
for it. But good dinner, a few hours of not
(13:12):
thinking about the next time that our hip is gonna
hurt or we're not gonna able to be her net
or like to take a little bit off and have
some playtime in the in the midst of all the craziness.
So yeah, I've been looking forward to Friday since I
got here last week working for the weekend. Good. Yeah,
(13:36):
I'm excited to get to hopefully. I was talking to Kelly.
I called her yesterday. I kind of chatted with a
few of you all um down at dinner though or not,
and I was like, I guess it was breakfast after
you also had a super long show group day audio
of auditions and solos, and I was I just called
Kelly and I was like, hey, They're like the energy
here is just drained. These girls are exhausted. Would you
(13:58):
never get to leave? Right? I Mean that's the whole
part because of the bubble, is that you're just in
this constant state. Well when training camp is going on,
your body is like in fight or flight all the time,
you know, so liked me kind of tell us like
how important it is to really be able to check
out and have those moments where you're just get to
enjoy being around each other and not so much on
(14:18):
the performing and making sure that you're being your best
for killing Judy. Yeah, I think it's so important to
have this downtime as a team as well. You know,
it's not all about the dancing. It's about becoming a
team and being the teammate and so having this time
today to you know, really get to know each other
and have that team bonding and I think it's so important.
And also just to not have the stress of everything
(14:39):
that's going on and killing Judy watching you, and I
think it'll go a long way for these these TCCs
and also just ourselves. It'll be nice to you just
have this time to have fun and to not worry
about you know, oh gosh, am I going to remember
the dance that's coming on next, or something a little
moment of like a heart or your heart or literally
your stum. You're like, what song is left? Yeah, you
(15:08):
just pray that a veteran turns and like yells out
what it is. Well, speaking of like performing for Kelly
and Judy, because that is probably I don't know, you know, Kelly,
Judie here so sweet and they've been in our shoes before,
so like they know, but I don't know why. It's
so intimidating knowing that they're just sitting. So I like
(15:28):
to imagine them like have you ever have you guys
ever seen the like the NFL bad lip reading. I
like to imagine that with Kelly Maddie. Do you remember
we did at the Stagium that one time? Yes, we
sat and did it forever and then I was like,
that needs to be the end of the year. We
have a video of the I'm doing bad lip readings
and demand. So I like to think of them while
(15:50):
they're sitting there, like oh, I like to think of
them like I'm like some bad leftovers or something like
my sums shone too good and Kelly's like get out there, Judy,
you're being often she's like, but I did a deconditioning
treatment yesterday and my hair is flat, and then kills like,
shut up, Judy, your hair looks great. Like if you
(16:12):
go back and forth, that makes it not as intimidating.
So true for you all. Um, speaking of advice too,
I know that this process has been kind of isolated
for you guys. You know, and you're used to being
able to get off the phone or get out of practice,
get in your car and get on the phone with
your loved ones and your support systems, whether that's a
family member, a significant other, whatever, a mentor someone. UM.
(16:36):
So I want to know like one piece of advice
that either someone you care about or a mentor has
gave you all for this process, or if someone if
you've given advice to someone, or what's your mantra that's
really pushing you to finish this training camp in the
bubble strong and um and make it your best training
camp yet, even though it's so different. Let's see Jalen
(16:57):
give it to us first. Yeah, right when you brought
that up. I when we were doing our little alumni
interviews a couple of months ago, UM, I was talking
to Gina and UM, she said something Gina Parker. Oh, okay, gotcha.
So I was talking to her and something really stuck
with me that she said, because we talk about, you know,
(17:19):
Kelly Judy being super intimidating, and right away she's like,
I've ran into and walking my dog before and like
wedding and you know it's been many years, and you know,
I think the reason for that is because, you know,
as intimidating as they may seem and feel in the moment,
like they are the two people that made our dreams
come true and that can't give away. Um. But she
(17:41):
said something that stuck with me. And even though this
training camp is really different than any other and it's
actually probably more um overwhelming, because we, like I said,
we can't leave, she said something that she told her
rookie class when she was a veteran. She told them, um, listen,
the night cannot last forever. Like it's if you're having
a bad like it's going to end at some point
(18:02):
and you can come back tomorrow and do better or
feel better or whatever it may be. So I'm like
some nights where it feels like I don't think I'm
gonna be able one more round to Roulette if they
played one most song or if they asked me to kick,
I don't think it's gonna happen. So when I have
moments like that, I'm like, Okay, Gina's it's going to
end at some point and tomorrow can be a better day,
or you know, you can rush your body or rush
(18:24):
your mind or whatever you're feeling. So I kind of
put that in my back pocket knowing that, you know,
we could go to two am, but at some point
they're good to sleep too, so we're gonna be able
to at some point. Yeah, that's a great one. That's
not good for LAFE in general. Yes, at some point
then not has to end and it will be new
in the morning, start over. I like that. Yeah, that
(18:47):
is good. M Ashley. What's your either mantra or a
piece of advice that you've received about this process specifically?
I think my mantra or quote throughout life is what
God has for me is for me. So it's like,
as many times as I want to get into my
head because this training camp process can do that, I
remind myself of that. I remind myself that guy God
(19:08):
favors me. But also something different this year, as I'm
going into my third year, I find myself wanting to
encourage others more and in turn helps me. So I
just find ways. So I've been through this two times
and I know the worst of it and I know
how bad it can be. So I literally find ways
to help those girls get through this process and that
actually in turn helps me too. So the cheerleader, cheerleader, Yeah, yeah,
(19:34):
that's so true though, like that, and they look to
you all so much, especially the training camp candidates and
even new veteran candidates you know, those second years. That
and what you said about getting into your head is
accurate because I always tell girls, I'm like, this is
a mental game, yes, more than it is physical. About
your danceability, Like if you can keep yourself in it
(19:56):
up here, then like you'll just go right to the So,
speaking of keeping yourself in the gang, Maddie, what has
been a piece of advice or your laugh montrack is girl,
you stuck it out, held out, still hanging on? Yeah,
still hanging on. I thought there was still more to
get so I was like, I can't give up on
(20:18):
this dream quite yet. I still have a lot more
to give. But my mom actually send me a text
the other day, and just like she sends me a
little friendly reminders every few days that just like if
I didn't get to talk to her on the phone
that day and the other day, it just said, be
proud of where you're at because you've had a really long,
(20:38):
hard journey to get there. Yeah, and don't forget about
all the hard work you did, but enjoy where you're
at right now. And that, like it was great because
you don't ever know when this journey is going to end.
You don't know if injury is gonna get in the way,
if it's not your time to be on the team anymore,
if you're going to retire, and so it just there's
(21:00):
so many variables that tie into this job that to
just enjoy where you're at right now, I was so important,
And so that was really good to hear. Just I
love that. So I love every minute of that because
we lose, Like I will say I noticed in myself
too after especially during my fourth year, I was like
I kind of lost my passion for dance, Like I
(21:23):
was so focused on performing the best I could for
someone else. Is like no, no, no, no, I love
to do this, you know. So that's right, like being
happy where you're at and present in that moment. Mama,
mad Mad, Mama, she knows. Dad me close us out
with either your mantra that's kept you here or a
(21:45):
piece of advice that you've received that's really help you
stay focused and driven while you're here for training camp. Yeah,
I mean, kind of just going off of what Maddie said,
I always find myself at the end of the night.
I always called my parents, and my mom knows a
little bit about dance, so if I say I messed
up that case be like okay, yeah, well next time.
My dad doesn't know anything. So at the end of
(22:06):
the conversation, my dad will always just be like, well,
are you having fun? And I always think to myself,
you know that is actually what you know makes your
dancing what other people want to watch, is if you're
having fun. And sometimes I tell myself if I'm you know,
a little bit down, I'm having fun, and just saying
that has kept me going. And I feel like this
(22:26):
training camp over other ones instead of you know, focusing
on each little move, just trying to enjoy the process
and knowing that you know, like Maddie said, we're not
sure when this journey ends. We're not sure if tonight's
or last night, or if something comes up in the
world and whatever it may be, and so just kind
of just trying to stay in the moment, stay present
and have fun with my friends and doing what I
(22:49):
love and getting to dance every night. So that has
been keeping me going. And I've actually been having a
great time at training camp, and I'm like, when we leave,
I'm gonna be a little bit sad that we're not
all living together anymore. Need to do this, but yeah,
it's been great and it's definitely challenging, but having you
guys buy my side throughout it has been so hopeful.
So well, it's clearly whatever advice that you've received is
(23:12):
clearly working. Is you got a great compliment yesterday from
Judy Thank Kelly. Um we were talking, I mean, I
was telling Judy's like, I've really been loving Daphne and
she just brings us like this lot airy, Like it's
so refreshing to watch you dance. So whatever you've been
repeating in your head, keep it on repeat, don't push uple.
Thank you. It is so good. And I'm always an
(23:36):
advocate for fun, so I firmly believe and if you're
having fun, it's gonna transfer to everybody else, I promise y'allum,
And I'm having so much fun right now that I
would love to keep chatting with you guys, but we
are out of time. But before we go, I want
to rapid fire one thing that y'all think is fun,
because I want to get on a fun note about
(23:58):
training camp and it can be any of it. What's fun?
If it's funny, Maddie, you start us go uh fun
me on the spot. Um. It really has been so
fun to just like practice with my friends again, like
during the season. It like you well, and in the
(24:19):
past I think I've probably taken advantage of being able
to hang out with my friends and hug my friends
and do that, and so to go months and months
without being able to do that and now being able
to spend any time with them in person, Um has
been so fun. So being with my friends. I like
that being with your friends, it is fun. Actually, what's
your own thing? Fun funny? Um? Okay, overall training camp
(24:43):
is fun. I say. Maybe the funny moment is when
someone I don't know, Oh gosh, let me think I'm
gonna go with funny come back to me, I have
to go with funny. Let me okay, you think Okay, Dafnie,
what's your fun moment of training camp? So far? I
think it's been really going with kind of funny too
and fun but um, just we all kind of live
(25:04):
on the same hall, so I feel like we're in
a college dorm. And I know today Kelsey got locked
out of her out of her she was just in
a towel and it was just like hilarious, and I
was like, you know, the things that this would not
happen in a normal training so like themies that we're
making that you know, just in this downtime are hilarious
and you know, things I'm gonna remember forever. So that's
(25:27):
a good one. That's a good one, all right. Jalen,
what's your funny fun moment of training camp? I think
I have to go on them the whole moment with
Actually and I have had some moments the past. I
think we've been together like many hours where we probably
should have been asleep. And yesterday she said something about,
(25:49):
I don't know, getting as lower as big as we
possibly could, and I think I challenged her to it
and I did one of the dances about six inches
from the floor, and I was like, well. And then
the night before that, we were downstairs. I saw two
thirty hit and we were doing one of our sidelines
that we've done since we were rookies. We did a
(26:11):
full thirty seconds of the routine in the plantation. Neither
of us knew who was right, were wrong, and we
just started busting out laughing. I was like, well, is
not kid, We need to figure this out. Moments just
joking around with each other, that's been the best part. Yeah,
that middle of the not delirium setting. Man, that's the
(26:32):
delirium for sure. I was gonna mention Jay again, but
it's more so like the the phone texts, pictures, snapchat
pictures that I'm receiving in the middle of this training
camp from my girls. Hilarious. Jalen still in the bed
this morning, probably wasn't gonna get out of bed. From
Kat you don't even want to cat crazy girl. But
(26:55):
I think that's the funny moments, just seeing those in
the bubble pictures and photos. It's like how everyone is
communicating with each other. Like I got an air drop
from Hannah the other day. She was literally maybe ten
feet from me and it was like this picture of
her and fan just like no makeup here. So she
just looks up her phone and laughs, and I was like,
(27:17):
if you can't share a hug, share a bad phone
of yourself, it will go a long way. Good. All right,
thank you guys so much for sharing your time and
your day off with me and everyone else who is
watching Boots in the Bubble. We love hearing about you
all and your days here in training Camp twenty twenty.
Everyone else, make sure that you leave your questions in
(27:37):
the comment section. We want to know what you want
to know. We've only got a few days left here
in the Bubble, so get your questions in quick because
it's wrapping up and we are on our way to
making a new team of DAAs Cowboys cheerleaders for the
twenty twenty season, which Jerry just announced. We will have
fans at a T and T. Baby. That's huge. That
(27:57):
is something that is something to see. Let me tell yourself,
that is a huge blessing. We are pumped to have
such a great ownership and everything from talk to a
bottom this organization. So, like I said, leave your questions
in the comment section. Use the hashtag boots in the
bubble and we will see you all later. Thanks guys,
Thanks all right. This has been a production of Dallas
(28:21):
Cowboys dot Com and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.
The following. He's a production of Dallas Cowboys dot Com
and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club. Hi. There, it's cash
(00:23):
and we are back for another boots in the bubble.
We have got more boots, more bubble talk than you
can even imagine. I think we are what day twelve here,
and I mean we just can't stop, won't stop. We're
joined by your favorite Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders to give us
(00:43):
the inside on what's going on here in the bubble
during training camp twenty twenty. And there's a lot going
on to try and make this team happen. Say to
get us started, we have got long time betteran our
fifth year Maddie. Hi, guys, I am Maddie. I am
twenty three years old. I'm originally from Far West City, Utah,
(01:05):
and like Cashier just said, I'm headed into my fifth season.
Hopefully we have wise until training camp in so I'm
keeping my fingers crossed and I'm gonna keep working hard
on those boots back. We love our Mattie Girl, So
glad that you're here for a fifth year. All right.
Next up, we have got our Sassy, our cheetah girl.
Give it to us. Ashley, Hi, you guys. My name
(01:29):
is Ashley. I'm from Streeport, Louisiana. I'm excited to be
on this little podcast web virtual thing. Being here on
the Bubble has been fantastic. I'm just a different experience
all around, so I'm just excited for it. Good. We're
glad that you're here. You bring the best energy. Always, yeah, always,
she's there. She's our party starter. Next joining us in
(01:52):
the Bubble Talk today, we've got Jalen. Hi. Everyone, I'm Jalen.
I'm originally from Prince in Indiana. I am twenty three
years old, and like Ashley and Jackney, I am hopefully
going into my third season. Ooh, third year, best year,
third years A good one, it's a good one. And
(02:13):
then joining us also, we have got the sweetest girl
in the West Coast, Miss Daphne. Hi. Guys, my name
is Daphne and I'm twenty five originally from Newport Beach, California,
And like Jalen said, I'm so excited to be auditioning
for my third year. It's crazy to even say that.
I feel like I'm, you know, going into my first
(02:33):
it's been it goes by the blink of an eye,
but it's exciting. I'm glad that three years of DCC,
or I guess two years of DCC has gone back
quick for you, because these twelve days we've been in
the bubble have drug on forever, Like, jeez, when is
this gonna end? All in good time? Though, all in
good time? I feel like this process has been so crazy,
(02:56):
trying to find a new team in the middle of
all of the unknown. And you guys have been absolute superstars,
all four of you during training camp so far from
what I've been able to watch and see, So kudos
to all four of you. Guys should feel super proud
of yourselves and you're performance so far, and all four
of you make such great leaders on this team. They're
super lucky to have you, especially at the rookie candidates.
(03:18):
So I'm super lucky to have you guys on today
and chat with y'all. And it feels normal because I'm
just thinking it with me for him, and which is
not for a change, because not a whole lot feels
normal about being here in this bubble, Ashley, what is
like what has been the most normal thing that you've
(03:39):
experienced here in the bubble so far? Like what feels
like second nature? Well, I just stay my routine. That's
one of the things I'm like to have established, so
regardless of what's surrounding me, I still wake up read
my Bible and trying to listen to some music, So
I stay my routine stays the same even though everything
around me is crazy. That's a good point, like making
(04:01):
sure that you can, like I think I heard on
like a podcast once it is like you like the
like you can control your morning hours more than you
can in the evening. So like, yeah, that's such a
good time to really like set and establish those intentions.
That's why your energy is always so good. Luckily, we
are able to have our mornings, Like that's the beauty
(04:21):
about this training camp right now, as we still get
our morning so I get to kind of have my
time to myself and then the work begins. Yeah, good, good, Yeah. Okay,
So Maddie, what has been the most normal thing? Because
you've been here with me since day would and like
you said, it's been dragon. It's it's been so fun
(04:44):
because it's been really cool to like watch the training
camp candidates from the very beginning and like see how
much they've grown and like developed into what a DCC
is supposed to be, Yeah, but it has been quite
the last twelve days. The most normal thing was when
we got to go to the stadium. I think, yeah,
it felt like home to be back on the field.
(05:06):
Not that our rooms here. They've done such a good
job at making us like we're in our own studio
to really set up for this training camp. But nothing
is like home, and the stadium feels like home. So
that's probably the most normally felt since being in the bubble. Sure, truly,
the stadium did feel it felt good to kind of like, yeah,
(05:27):
because you know, like what this time last year we
were getting ready for your all's first preseason game and
that crazy to think about that that was the first
time you were on the field. Yeah, usually like it
thunder is set, You've got your formations, you know your groups.
Jalen kind of give us like a how everything's delayed, Like,
(05:47):
how do you feel like that's gonna take you into
this next season? Are you gonna like do you feel
prepared or like what do you think these training campaignates
are kind of gonna like the ones that actually do
make the team, what are they gonna experience and feel? Yeah,
like you were kind of saying, Um, it's strange even
when we were in our locker room. So these new
(06:08):
candidates they haven't been in the locker room yet. They've
only been on the field once so far. Um. You know,
I think they came in really prepared as far as
like the dances and all of that. It is strange.
The other day we were all reminiscing two years ago yesterday,
Um was when we made the team, our rookie season. Um.
So it feels a little strange that we're mid August
(06:31):
and pre season would be starting right now and we're
just a few weeks away from our home opener. Um.
So I think it's exciting, but a little nerve locking
and still too because it still feels like there's a
lot to get done. Yeah. That it's that constant like
I'm excited, but I'm nervous. You know what It's like
our go to answer for everything, any interviews, like how
how do you feel? I'm excited, but I'm nervous, sometimes
(06:54):
one more than the other, So I'm trying to keep
them somewhat level. Good. Yeah, it's it can switch on
the drop of a hat, for sure. What's been the
most normal part of the bubble for you, girl, I
think the most normal part of all of this is um,
you know, the friendships that we've had. It's nothing's changed.
Some of us haven't seen each other in five months.
(07:15):
But being reunited on that first day it felt like,
you know, we had just left one day and I
saw each other the next So that was really nice.
And to have you know, that sisterhood continue without you know,
the normalcy of it all, that's been the best part.
And to add these new TCCs in is awesome too,
and see them making their own little friendships and having
(07:37):
the best time. So that's that's what I love and
what's been keeping me going. Yeah that even though like
you have to be distant and everything else, the it
doesn't change your friendship and or anything else as far
as that. But it's a good point that you said
that because actually as are like segues as the end
of this next part about UM watching them get here
(07:59):
and being super nervous. I mean, we all five of
us can relate to how the training camp process bonds
you to the uh like we call it your Ricky class,
you know, so it's like, well, the experience and the
pressure it really does create that sense of like we're
all in this together. Oh my gosh, like we can
do this. Um uh so, like, I guess I'll take
(08:21):
it to Mattie. Since you've experienced more training camps than
any of the s of us, do you think that
the team this year is going to be as close
and especially the training can camps will be as closed
as teams in the past, since we don't share that
locker room time and we haven't been able to kind
of spend you know, our training camp is usually three months,
(08:42):
not three weeks, so kind of give us that. I
know that we've got some spun stuff planned today, so
something exciting. Um I yeah, this is I'm headed into
my sixth This is my sixth training camp, which has
been oh wait, yeah, that's so money training camp. But
I honestly think this has been a really good opportunity
(09:04):
for like girls to get extra close because we're in
close quarters, even though we're doing the whole social distancing
and that whole aspect of it is very different, but
like we're together all the time right now. Truly, you
would go home and you practice at home or whatever,
and then you would come to practice at night. But
(09:27):
right now, like we have meals together every day. You
can wake up and make sure your friends are going
down to breakfast with you. And we obviously social distanced
and we're we're making sure to stay safe. But there's
a lot more time like downtime that we've had in
that aspect. That's been kind of cool to get to
(09:48):
know the training camp candidates and to get to catch
up with our friends, Like Daphne said, some of us,
it's been like five months, so we've seen each other.
That's the longest I haven't seen a teammate since I
made the team. Yeah, it's been it's been really good
to catch up with everyone. And yeah, that downtime like
when are like when the meals are being served in
stuff that is I think it's funny, like who you
(10:10):
run into while you're getting your temp check. You know,
we get our camps taken every day. We do like
our assessment. Steven I was like, so how'd you sleep? Yeah? Yeah, yeah, okay,
you lean in and get your like radar two for
truth thing done. I'm like, yeah, I had a weird
dream was not all right, Well you're hungry, let's go
get us some coffee. Ye yeah, Ashley, give us um,
(10:32):
give us a moment this week where you've kind of
experience like being closed to someone and sort of breaking
through that, like that barrier with another teammate or something
like while you've been here. Sure, Um, I'd say kind of,
like Maddie was mentioning that downtime that we're able to
have when you just kind of feel like you're about
to go go downstairs and practice by yourself, but you
(10:54):
actually run into someone else that's practicing and you just
have that moment to where you guys are wanting to
practice the same things or to run so lows and
just kind of having those times to bind. I think
for me that's what it was. It turned into late
nights of some practice and mostly talking and binding. That
happened the other day, Wait, Maddie and Jalen, who else
was down there with this? Alana? It was super late
(11:17):
and I was like drabbing, My eyes were starting to shut,
and I ended up sitting in the floor with you
all for another twenty minutes at least. It's like, oh
my gosh, exactly that's true practicing. But yeah, next time,
Judy like like makes a comment like why did you
all like look sloppy? On that, but sorry, we're just
really good friend so maybe you join them. We've got
(11:41):
good intentions, Yes, that's what it is. We all start
with good intentions and it just sort of ends up
spiraling down. Talking about like the carpetballs, how the carpets
sort of starting to like wear off. You know. Yeah,
it was it looked like I hadn't shaved my legs
in weeks, you know what I'm talking about. Though it
was to me, I was like, oh my god. It
(12:03):
scared me at first. It's like, how like sweatparents get
like a little couple of things. Yeah, carpet, we're doing
that to it from dancing on it. You got to
work in your hot ends all I've been that is
one thing I will say that y'all have been dancing
a lot crazy. So today's an off day. Let's make
that clear that you guys have gotten a break while
(12:26):
you've been here. So even though it's been work, work, work,
there's a little bit of play. Um, Jalen kind of
talk to us about tonight, like what we've got planned
and and what you're looking forward to. Yeah, So, like
a Sharry was saying, Um, this week has been challenging
and I think I've seen Ashley at two am every
(12:47):
night since I've been here, so shape or form. Last
night at was a point, you know, socially distanced, but
every night prior to that we've been downstairs doing routines
and solos. So we were all looking forward to you
at this day off and tonight. I think we have
some fun things that could share and Alanna have planned
for it. But good dinner, a few hours of not
(13:12):
thinking about the next time that our hip is gonna
hurt or we're not gonna able to be her net
or like to take a little bit off and have
some playtime in the in the midst of all the craziness.
So yeah, I've been looking forward to Friday since I
got here last week working for the weekend. Good. Yeah,
(13:36):
I'm excited to get to hopefully. I was talking to Kelly.
I called her yesterday. I kind of chatted with a
few of you all um down at dinner though or not,
and I was like, I guess it was breakfast after
you also had a super long show group day audio
of auditions and solos, and I was I just called
Kelly and I was like, hey, They're like the energy
here is just drained. These girls are exhausted. Would you
(13:58):
never get to leave? Right? I Mean that's the whole
part because of the bubble, is that you're just in
this constant state. Well when training camp is going on,
your body is like in fight or flight all the time,
you know, so liked me kind of tell us like
how important it is to really be able to check
out and have those moments where you're just get to
enjoy being around each other and not so much on
(14:18):
the performing and making sure that you're being your best
for killing Judy. Yeah, I think it's so important to
have this downtime as a team as well. You know,
it's not all about the dancing. It's about becoming a
team and being the teammate and so having this time
today to you know, really get to know each other
and have that team bonding and I think it's so important.
And also just to not have the stress of everything
(14:39):
that's going on and killing Judy watching you, and I
think it'll go a long way for these these TCCs
and also just ourselves. It'll be nice to you just
have this time to have fun and to not worry
about you know, oh gosh, am I going to remember
the dance that's coming on next, or something a little
moment of like a heart or your heart or literally
your stum. You're like, what song is left? Yeah, you
(15:08):
just pray that a veteran turns and like yells out
what it is. Well, speaking of like performing for Kelly
and Judy, because that is probably I don't know, you know, Kelly,
Judie here so sweet and they've been in our shoes before,
so like they know, but I don't know why. It's
so intimidating knowing that they're just sitting. So I like
(15:28):
to imagine them like have you ever have you guys
ever seen the like the NFL bad lip reading. I
like to imagine that with Kelly Maddie. Do you remember
we did at the Stagium that one time? Yes, we
sat and did it forever and then I was like,
that needs to be the end of the year. We
have a video of the I'm doing bad lip readings
and demand. So I like to think of them while
(15:50):
they're sitting there, like oh, I like to think of
them like I'm like some bad leftovers or something like
my sums shone too good and Kelly's like get out there, Judy,
you're being often she's like, but I did a deconditioning
treatment yesterday and my hair is flat, and then kills like,
shut up, Judy, your hair looks great. Like if you
(16:12):
go back and forth, that makes it not as intimidating.
So true for you all. Um, speaking of advice too,
I know that this process has been kind of isolated
for you guys. You know, and you're used to being
able to get off the phone or get out of practice,
get in your car and get on the phone with
your loved ones and your support systems, whether that's a
family member, a significant other, whatever, a mentor someone. UM.
(16:36):
So I want to know like one piece of advice
that either someone you care about or a mentor has
gave you all for this process, or if someone if
you've given advice to someone, or what's your mantra that's
really pushing you to finish this training camp in the
bubble strong and um and make it your best training
camp yet, even though it's so different. Let's see Jalen
(16:57):
give it to us first. Yeah, right when you brought
that up. I when we were doing our little alumni
interviews a couple of months ago, UM, I was talking
to Gina and UM, she said something Gina Parker. Oh, okay, gotcha.
So I was talking to her and something really stuck
with me that she said, because we talk about, you know,
(17:19):
Kelly Judy being super intimidating, and right away she's like,
I've ran into and walking my dog before and like
wedding and you know it's been many years, and you know,
I think the reason for that is because, you know,
as intimidating as they may seem and feel in the moment,
like they are the two people that made our dreams
come true and that can't give away. Um. But she
(17:41):
said something that stuck with me. And even though this
training camp is really different than any other and it's
actually probably more um overwhelming, because we, like I said,
we can't leave, she said something that she told her
rookie class when she was a veteran. She told them, um, listen,
the night cannot last forever. Like it's if you're having
a bad like it's going to end at some point
(18:02):
and you can come back tomorrow and do better or
feel better or whatever it may be. So I'm like
some nights where it feels like I don't think I'm
gonna be able one more round to Roulette if they
played one most song or if they asked me to kick,
I don't think it's gonna happen. So when I have
moments like that, I'm like, Okay, Gina's it's going to
end at some point and tomorrow can be a better day,
or you know, you can rush your body or rush
(18:24):
your mind or whatever you're feeling. So I kind of
put that in my back pocket knowing that, you know,
we could go to two am, but at some point
they're good to sleep too, so we're gonna be able
to at some point. Yeah, that's a great one. That's
not good for LAFE in general. Yes, at some point
then not has to end and it will be new
in the morning, start over. I like that. Yeah, that
(18:47):
is good. M Ashley. What's your either mantra or a
piece of advice that you've received about this process specifically?
I think my mantra or quote throughout life is what
God has for me is for me. So it's like,
as many times as I want to get into my
head because this training camp process can do that, I
remind myself of that. I remind myself that guy God
(19:08):
favors me. But also something different this year, as I'm
going into my third year, I find myself wanting to
encourage others more and in turn helps me. So I
just find ways. So I've been through this two times
and I know the worst of it and I know
how bad it can be. So I literally find ways
to help those girls get through this process and that
actually in turn helps me too. So the cheerleader, cheerleader, Yeah, yeah,
(19:34):
that's so true though, like that, and they look to
you all so much, especially the training camp candidates and
even new veteran candidates you know, those second years. That
and what you said about getting into your head is
accurate because I always tell girls, I'm like, this is
a mental game, yes, more than it is physical. About
your danceability, Like if you can keep yourself in it
(19:56):
up here, then like you'll just go right to the So,
speaking of keeping yourself in the gang, Maddie, what has
been a piece of advice or your laugh montrack is girl,
you stuck it out, held out, still hanging on? Yeah,
still hanging on. I thought there was still more to
get so I was like, I can't give up on
(20:18):
this dream quite yet. I still have a lot more
to give. But my mom actually send me a text
the other day, and just like she sends me a
little friendly reminders every few days that just like if
I didn't get to talk to her on the phone
that day and the other day, it just said, be
proud of where you're at because you've had a really long,
(20:38):
hard journey to get there. Yeah, and don't forget about
all the hard work you did, but enjoy where you're
at right now. And that, like it was great because
you don't ever know when this journey is going to end.
You don't know if injury is gonna get in the way,
if it's not your time to be on the team anymore,
if you're going to retire, and so it just there's
(21:00):
so many variables that tie into this job that to
just enjoy where you're at right now, I was so important,
And so that was really good to hear. Just I
love that. So I love every minute of that because
we lose, Like I will say I noticed in myself
too after especially during my fourth year, I was like
I kind of lost my passion for dance, Like I
(21:23):
was so focused on performing the best I could for
someone else. Is like no, no, no, no, I love
to do this, you know. So that's right, like being
happy where you're at and present in that moment. Mama,
mad Mad, Mama, she knows. Dad me close us out
with either your mantra that's kept you here or a
(21:45):
piece of advice that you've received that's really help you
stay focused and driven while you're here for training camp. Yeah,
I mean, kind of just going off of what Maddie said,
I always find myself at the end of the night.
I always called my parents, and my mom knows a
little bit about dance, so if I say I messed
up that case be like okay, yeah, well next time.
My dad doesn't know anything. So at the end of
(22:06):
the conversation, my dad will always just be like, well,
are you having fun? And I always think to myself,
you know that is actually what you know makes your
dancing what other people want to watch, is if you're
having fun. And sometimes I tell myself if I'm you know,
a little bit down, I'm having fun, and just saying
that has kept me going. And I feel like this
(22:26):
training camp over other ones instead of you know, focusing
on each little move, just trying to enjoy the process
and knowing that you know, like Maddie said, we're not
sure when this journey ends. We're not sure if tonight's
or last night, or if something comes up in the
world and whatever it may be, and so just kind
of just trying to stay in the moment, stay present
and have fun with my friends and doing what I
(22:49):
love and getting to dance every night. So that has
been keeping me going. And I've actually been having a
great time at training camp, and I'm like, when we leave,
I'm gonna be a little bit sad that we're not
all living together anymore. Need to do this, but yeah,
it's been great and it's definitely challenging, but having you
guys buy my side throughout it has been so hopeful.
So well, it's clearly whatever advice that you've received is
(23:12):
clearly working. Is you got a great compliment yesterday from
Judy Thank Kelly. Um we were talking, I mean, I
was telling Judy's like, I've really been loving Daphne and
she just brings us like this lot airy, Like it's
so refreshing to watch you dance. So whatever you've been
repeating in your head, keep it on repeat, don't push uple.
Thank you. It is so good. And I'm always an
(23:36):
advocate for fun, so I firmly believe and if you're
having fun, it's gonna transfer to everybody else, I promise y'allum,
And I'm having so much fun right now that I
would love to keep chatting with you guys, but we
are out of time. But before we go, I want
to rapid fire one thing that y'all think is fun,
because I want to get on a fun note about
(23:58):
training camp and it can be any of it. What's fun?
If it's funny, Maddie, you start us go uh fun
me on the spot. Um. It really has been so
fun to just like practice with my friends again, like
during the season. It like you well, and in the
(24:19):
past I think I've probably taken advantage of being able
to hang out with my friends and hug my friends
and do that, and so to go months and months
without being able to do that and now being able
to spend any time with them in person, Um has
been so fun. So being with my friends. I like
that being with your friends, it is fun. Actually, what's
your own thing? Fun funny? Um? Okay, overall training camp
(24:43):
is fun. I say. Maybe the funny moment is when
someone I don't know, Oh gosh, let me think I'm
gonna go with funny come back to me, I have
to go with funny. Let me okay, you think Okay, Dafnie,
what's your fun moment of training camp? So far? I
think it's been really going with kind of funny too
and fun but um, just we all kind of live
(25:04):
on the same hall, so I feel like we're in
a college dorm. And I know today Kelsey got locked
out of her out of her she was just in
a towel and it was just like hilarious, and I
was like, you know, the things that this would not
happen in a normal training so like themies that we're
making that you know, just in this downtime are hilarious
and you know, things I'm gonna remember forever. So that's
(25:27):
a good one. That's a good one, all right. Jalen,
what's your funny fun moment of training camp? I think
I have to go on them the whole moment with
Actually and I have had some moments the past. I
think we've been together like many hours where we probably
should have been asleep. And yesterday she said something about,
(25:49):
I don't know, getting as lower as big as we
possibly could, and I think I challenged her to it
and I did one of the dances about six inches
from the floor, and I was like, well. And then
the night before that, we were downstairs. I saw two
thirty hit and we were doing one of our sidelines
that we've done since we were rookies. We did a
(26:11):
full thirty seconds of the routine in the plantation. Neither
of us knew who was right, were wrong, and we
just started busting out laughing. I was like, well, is
not kid, We need to figure this out. Moments just
joking around with each other, that's been the best part. Yeah,
that middle of the not delirium setting. Man, that's the
(26:32):
delirium for sure. I was gonna mention Jay again, but
it's more so like the the phone texts, pictures, snapchat
pictures that I'm receiving in the middle of this training
camp from my girls. Hilarious. Jalen still in the bed
this morning, probably wasn't gonna get out of bed. From
Kat you don't even want to cat crazy girl. But
(26:55):
I think that's the funny moments, just seeing those in
the bubble pictures and photos. It's like how everyone is
communicating with each other. Like I got an air drop
from Hannah the other day. She was literally maybe ten
feet from me and it was like this picture of
her and fan just like no makeup here. So she
just looks up her phone and laughs, and I was like,
(27:17):
if you can't share a hug, share a bad phone
of yourself, it will go a long way. Good. All right,
thank you guys so much for sharing your time and
your day off with me and everyone else who is
watching Boots in the Bubble. We love hearing about you
all and your days here in training Camp twenty twenty.
Everyone else, make sure that you leave your questions in
(27:37):
the comment section. We want to know what you want
to know. We've only got a few days left here
in the Bubble, so get your questions in quick because
it's wrapping up and we are on our way to
making a new team of DAAs Cowboys cheerleaders for the
twenty twenty season, which Jerry just announced. We will have
fans at a T and T. Baby. That's huge. That
(27:57):
is something that is something to see. Let me tell yourself,
that is a huge blessing. We are pumped to have
such a great ownership and everything from talk to a
bottom this organization. So, like I said, leave your questions
in the comment section. Use the hashtag boots in the
bubble and we will see you all later. Thanks guys,
Thanks all right. This has been a production of Dallas
(28:21):
Cowboys dot Com and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.
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