Malena

* 24-years-old from New Jersey. She currently works in the football operations department at SMU. It’s challenging balancing work and training camp. She’s always liked to dance, but didn’t fall in love with it until high school. She decided to audition for the New York Jets, and made the cheerleading squad, but memorizing the choreography was a struggle, and she was benched. It was really tough not dancing through the season. She thinks it was all for a reason, since it prepared her going into the Cowboys audition. She thinks you accomplish your dreams if you are resilient. Being a DCC would mean everything to her. It would mean all of her challenges and the “no’s” she heard were pushing her towards something bigger/greater.

## **Confessionals**

Total: 54

Season 13: 42 (2nd most)

Season 14: 12 (T14th most)

### **Season 13**

**(13.1)**

* "I’ve watched the Thanksgiving halftime shows with my family, and always told them I’m going to be up there one day. Let’s go make the team!"
* "I’ve been on the (New York) Jets Flight Crew for one year. This audition is a little bit more nerve-wracking for sure. It’s a bit overwhelming."
* [Invited to semis] "It was such a nerve-wracking audition, but I saw my number up there and I was so excited!"

**(13.2)**

* [Semifinals] "First learning (field choreography), I definitely got a little bit scrambled, and I was a bit nervous, I’m not gonna lie. I had some points where I thought I was losing it."

**(13.3)**

* "Kitty (Carter) does not sugarcoat. She’s definitely straight to the point with you. But I’m here to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader."
* "When I was doing the kickline, I felt my kicks getting a little bit lower and you’re getting frustrated with yourself. You’re like, ''you have to kick higher. This is your moment''. ”

**(13.4)**

* (*Biography*)
* "The moments when I kind of draw a blank, I try not to beat myself up about it. You have to think, how can you be better the next time you do it?"
* [Before office] "Kelli is calling me into the office tonight, and of course that makes me a little bit nervous. But I’m taking it as an opportunity to be able to tell them a little bit about myself and explain to them that I think I’ll be able to come back tomorrow with it strong."
* [After office] "I have less than 24 hours to show Kelli and Judy that I can take on this challenge. I’ve talked to a lot of girls that have made the team even though they struggle with memory. I need to prove to Kelli and Judy that I know this dance and can come back tomorrow and be my absolute best."

**(13.5)**

* "Everything’s at stake for me tonight. It may be a cut night, you never know. You have to go into it thinking the best and knowing that you can perform with the best of the best."
* [Makeover] "I definitely think it’s every girl’s dream to be put through the glam process, and especially that of becoming a DCC is getting the DCC look."
* "I wasn’t able to make the DCC alum practice this afternoon because I had to go to work. It’s definitely tough balancing a full-time job and training camp, but tonight is my chance to show Kelli and Judy that I’m not going to make mistakes and I’ve nailed the choreography."
* [Rehearsal] "To hear Kelli say I went from not being in the show to stealing the show was the best compliment I’ve ever gotten in my life for sure. I’m probably going to have to write that one down and put it on my wall to get me through the rest of training camp."

**(13.6)**

* "I’m a little bit nervous for that first cut to be made because we’re such a close-knit group. I don’t want anybody to go home."
* [Kickline] "It was definitely nerve-wracking for me to get out here (field) for the first time. But once I started to relax, it did feel better."
* [Before office] "Kelli just called me into her office, and so I am of course worried. I want to make sure I’m always giving them 100% and they never see any waver in my performance."
* [After office] "It’s tough now finding the balance between not the most conventional job and this. If I had to choose between my current job and becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, I would choose becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader."
* [Uniform fitting] "Of course, I want the uniform to fit perfectly, so I am a little bit nervous about how to be trying it on, and I know there’s going to be a lot of poking and prodding and pulling to make sure everything is right in place."
* [Before office] "It is definitely an emotional point to be at going into the office for the third time. But we do have to talk about the conflict with my job, so I’m trying to find all the positives in it."
* [After office] "You always kind of wish you could find the balance, but sometimes you have to make a choice. Resigning from my job is a very big decision, but I’m ready. I’m 100% ready."

**(13.7)**

* "I did, like, the worst of them, so I know that. From dance one, it was just like [*makes downward gesture*], and I just could not build it back up."
* "I did have to make a tough decision. I had to resign from my job, and the stakes are even higher, and so I’m 110% all in and really, really focused on making this happen."
* "Having Denise (Dicharry) come in and give me such high praises, it was amazing, overwhelming, and it just gives me motivation to keep pushing forward and to keep working hard."

**(13.8)**

* "Seven more cuts need to be made. So, one of my biggest focuses right now it to show Kelli and Judy that I’m striving and pushing to be in that top 36. I’m focusing on the details – nailing every aspect of the dance."
* "There’s going to be tough nights in training camp. It’s obviously tough getting negative feedback, but it’s okay, because I know that there’s things that I have to work on, and I’ve gotten praise other nights. And so, you press on and push through, and you know that it’ll be worth it in the long run."
* [Team building visit] "I’ve never line-danced before, so I definitely feel like I’m earning my honorary Texas membership now."
* "I definitely feel more pressure to make this team having quit my job for this. I could end up without a job and without my dream job. Everything’s on the line."
* "Nick (Florez)’s choreography was pretty quick, but the way that he taught, it gets it in your body, which was good."
* "Tonight, it was a mix of you’re doing really well but we want more, and so I’d like to show Nick even more. I’d like him to think, ''You’re beautiful and I got something more out of your performance''. ”

**(13.9)**

* "Watching the veterans from the stands (during field practice) was so amazing. Just easy, effortless, like they were just having a great time out there."

**(13.11)**

* "We are at pretty much the finish line, nearing the end here."
* "Overall, I think I showed Kelli and Judy that some of the dances that we’ve learned are clean, so I was proud of that, and also, I got a great style note."

**(13.12)**

* "With four cuts to be made, I’m definitely nervous and anxious coming into it. I absolutely want this so badly. I really do. I’ve dreamed of this for so long."
* [Cowboys Fit session] "My hips are definitely pretty tight. Especially with all the kicks that we’re doing. And a lot of the movements that we do require a lot of motion in our hips. So, I think that I’ve definitely been feeling it there a lot."
* "I can’t imagine this being my last night. I try not to even turn my mind towards that. I think being this close to the finish line, you know that things could go one way or the other at any point in time."
* "Now that we’re so close to the game, I think I’m focusing on getting every little detail right. So, I’m getting a little bit worried about the little things, but I hope that they can see that I’m working really hard."

**(13.13)**

* [Final night of training camp] "I can’t believe that it all comes down to this. Wow."
* "I’m fighting through the nerves and I’m ready to be on that field."
* "Kelli and Judy are definitely making tough decisions, and it’s challenging, but I’m just pushing through and staying positive."
* [Before office] "I’m just terrified. I’m scared that I’m going to get cut."
* [After cut, teary] "It’s the last cut of training camp. It was just really hard. It hurts right now, of course. But I know that I’m strong enough to overcome this and come back better next year, and that’s all I can do."

### **Season 14**

**(14.1)**

* [Prelims] "I am here to finish what I started last year, and chase this dream in becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. It’s definitely challenging to come back to auditions again. They kind of have a little bit more of an expectation from you to show them why you’re ready to now make the team."
* [Makes it to semifinals] "I did make it today. I’m looking forward to having another shot to get out there in front of the judges. But I know that this means that there’s more work ahead."

**(14.2)**

* "It’s really important for me to be able to show Kelli and Judy power today. I’m excited to get in front of them and show them I’m ready to take on DCC choreography, and I can add some extra punch to it."
* [Learning semifinals routine] "I messed up a couple times when the music first came on, but then I started to get the hang of it. I did get a little bit nervous knowing that Judy was right there. It was her first time seeing me doing choreography again."
* "This is definitely my biggest audition that I’ve ever been a part of, and it’s the biggest stage I will have ever danced on. And I’m hoping to get that opportunity."
* "I want it just as badly, maybe more, than last year. I definitely have unfinished business here."

**(14.3)**

* "The veterans are all back here, bringing a lot of talent, combined with the potential rookie talent, so this is going to be a really, really challenging audition, but I’m excited."
* "I’m excited to get out there and show them (judges) that I’m a better best self than I was last year."
* "The main theme for my dance today is showing the judges how confident I am that I’m capable of being on this team."
* [Waiting for finals announcement] "I think that I did enough. I hope that I did enough. I did enough for me for sure."
* "I really, really want this tonight. I feel like I left it all out on the floor and definitely on the field."
* [Not selected] "It hurts and it’s definitely challenging, but I know I put my best out there, and I’m really proud of that. I thought I was able to show the judges a different Malena, but I probably won’t come back."

## **Commentary**

### **Season 13**

**(13.1)**

* [Prelims] "I like the way she moves, that’s for sure." – Kelli
* [Commentary] "I really liked Malena. I think she’s beautiful. I’m gonna want to see a little more power out of her, but day one she was one of the standouts." – Kelli

**(13.3)**

* "You’re playing it safe. You’re fighting for your life. Like, if I’m going to come up to you, I’m going to go “boom!” Right in your face. So, you just gotta bring it all out." – Kitty Carter
* "I like Malena." – Kelli
* [Kickline] "We’re losing little Malena. She’s about to die. Look at her… oh gosh! She came crashing down right there." – Charlotte Jones Anderson
* [Finals judging] "I gave her a yes."/"On the field, her kicks were low in the group. I think she was getting winded. That’s really all I had." – Melissa Rycroft

**(13.4)**

* "She doesn’t know the sequence." – Kelli
* "Choreography. How extreme is this from what you’ve done in the past?" – Kelli/"It’s not so extreme. I’ve just always struggled with memory. So, once I have it, I have it." – Malena/"Tomorrow would be a chance for you to show us that you’ve got the sequence and the choreography." – Kelli
* **(13.5)**
* "Malena’s showing us her style." – Kelli
* "You started strong." – Kelli
* "Malena’s more powerful that Dayton." – Kelli
* "She’s literally stealing the show tonight, and I was so proud of her for that. I think it’s inspiring. It’s rewarding." – Kelli
* "To go from not being in the show to stealing the show, you should give yourself a big pat on the back." – Kelli

**(13.6)**

* [Rehearsal] "Are you seeing what I’m seeing?" – Kelli/"Malena? Horrible." – Judy
* "You don’t know that one as well, and so you didn’t look bright like you do in the others."– Judy
* "Malena’s not having as great of a night tonight as she did her last rehearsal." – Kelli
* [After office confessional] "I need the showstopper Malena to come back. I need the mistakes-of-choreography Malena to go away. I need Malena to understand her full potential." – Kelli
* "I saw a mistake I didn’t want to see." – Kelli
* [After office confessional] "Malena resigning from her job in some ways puts pressure on me, but I can’t get burdened so much with her realities that I’m not making fair decisions across the board." – Kelli
* "Malena, I’m torn a little bit because I certainly don’t want her to leave her job and then one week later, we cut her from training camp." – Kelli

**(13.7)**

* "Malena’s got some sequence mistakes." – Kelli
* "Malena’s not doing so well for show group, and because of that, I’m actually starting to question her for the entire squad." – Kelli
* "In the studio she wins everybody over because she’s so fun to watch, and it’s like a different person up here." – Judy/"She’s thinking a lot tonight." – Michelle Keys
* "Your movements look a little bit soft compared to the other girls in the group, but she’s a little keeper.  You’ve got it in you, so just, you know, share it with the world." – Denise Dicharry

**(13.8)**

* "Oh my God. You see what I’m seeing?" – Kelli/"Dayton and Malena. I don’t know who’s worse." – Judy/"Dayton’s worse on this one." – Kelli
* "Dayton and Malena, y’all are not ready. You could not be put on the football field with that dance, and that’s what’s going to happen on the field; they’re going to surprise you with a song. You have to know them all." – Judy
* [*Right after Judy gives a confessional about losing patience for girls still making mistakes*] "Both of them." – Judy
* "You’re stunning. I look at you and I’m like, this girl’s amazing. And then I felt a little reserved when you’re dancing. Let that inner whoever come out." – Nick Florez
* "This girl can be a beast." – Nick/"Is she in your top 36?" – Kelli/"She’s one of them." – Nick

**(13.9)**

* [Rookie workshop] "I want you to be bigger." – Gina/"Yeah, your smile is your sweet spot, so don’t lost it. There’s times we can tell you’re thinking and the smiles goes away and just think of like, when you’re on the field and that camera is always on you. If they capture your smile, it’s gold. It’s beautiful." – Melissa Rycroft
* [Field rehearsal] "Oh, Malena’s early. You’re early on the leg lift. You are too far center; that can’t happen." – Kelli
* "You were way early that time." – Judy
* "Oh, come on Malena." – Kelli
* "If those white boots are supposed to be apart, and they’re together, it stands out. You’ve got to know your feet, where they’re supposed to be at all times. It has to be a lot cleaner." – Judy

**(13.10)**

* [Media training] "You sound very well-educated on football." – Kelli

**(13.11)**

* [Cameos] "At first glance, Malena is “wow.”" – Jinelle
* [Group leaders discussion in Kelli's office] "So, I wish the dancing was there, because the personality is perfect. I’m worried it’s just not going to be there." – Amy
* "Make sure you know that if you’re turning and your foot’s supposed to be in front, that you just have feet that are doing wrong things." – Judy
* [Comparing to Kristin] "She’s kind of like Malena to me. I think she’s beautiful. I think she’ll be great on appearances, but she still makes mistakes." – Judy
* "She had a really good level change on something." – Kelli
* "Style-wise, that was your best routine." – Kelli

**(13.12)**

* [Judy has Malena repeat a pivot turn with Lacey during field practice] "Malena, you did not do it like that. And you know what? We can’t keep pulling you out to make you do it good. You have to do it good yourself the first time, and at pregame, you get one chance to do it." – Judy
* "Malena, the face." – Kelli/"And Brennan." – Judy/"What’s wrong with them? Are they out of steam?" – Kelli
* "Malena’s left kick is still really low." – Jennifer/"Define really low." – Kelli/"Chin to nose level." – Jennifer
* "When you go “out, out,” Malena’s timing is off on that… she’s doing an arm across that you’re not doing." – Judy

**(13.13)**

* "Malena needs to smile. I can’t defend her anymore." – Kelli
* "Malena had more mistakes than anybody in this one.  She was ahead of the others." – Judy

### **Season 14**

**(14.1)**

* I am so impressed with the ladies who were released in training camp last year that are back to compete this year. It takes courage to do this. – K
* Malena… I love Malena. – Melissa Rycroft
* I don’t know yet how I feel about Malena. I mean, the last time we saw her, it was pretty uncomfortable. I’m hoping it was just really, really just raw emotion. – K
* [Preliminaries judging] Oh! I was happy to see her back. – Melissa [*excited*]/ See her smile light up a room? – Charm/ She’s beautiful. She was a really hard cut for me. On the field, she would let choreography get the best of her. – K/ I could see where she could work and hit things a little harder. But she has something that’s in there. I say give her a chance. – Charm

**(14.2)**

* [Semifinals judging] I was more impressed with her last year than I was this year. – Brenda/ She’s got technique. – J/ She’s bright. She’s a bright light bulb, but when she does get in her head, then she loses [*her facials*]. – K/ But I was watching her help other girls. That’s character. – Charm
* Malena had 13 weeks of training camp with us last year. She should be further ahead of others. – K

**(14.3)**

* [Panels] This is the first time I’ve been across the table from Malena since we last saw her, which ended in a very dramatic final cut. – K
* [Panels] Malena was very philosophical. I didn’t feel like she was necessarily at ease with the conversation compared to some of the other returning training camp gals that we’ve had in the past. – K
* [Solo] I was disappointed today that I didn’t think Malena looked any better this year than she was last year. – K
* Malena’s rushing. – K
* Malena’s lost her face. – K
* [Finals judging] Oh, boy./ Oh, man./ Malena, if you remember,  was in our training camp last year. – K/ I don’t think she was a strong this year as she was last year. – Charlotte/ Even on her solo on the field./ I wrote “struggles.” – K/ She was straining, especially in the kicks. – Kristi/ I think you just felt her heart was not in it. – Charlotte/ She didn’t have that spark that we all loved last year. – Scott/ I’m speechless./ I’m really surprised. – J

## **Office Visits**

### **Season 13**

**(13.4)**

* [End of episode, first of two] Before Malena enters, Kelli whispers to Judy that someone said she was the first one they didn’t have dance. Malena enters, and Kelli tells her that before they discuss dance, she wants to know more about her role at SMU. Malena says she’s director of recruiting operations. Kelli then asks if she came to Dallas in hopes of auditioning for DCC. Malena says it was for both, and begins to bring up the challenges she faced with the Jets. Kelli asks what she means by facing challenges at the Jets. Malena explains she had difficult picking up their style. Kelli says at auditions, she was wondering why she didn’t dance with the Jets based on her good performance. She says it’s her impression that Malena was more of an “appearance girl” and not a dancer. Malena breaks down as she explains that she was the first girl that it ever happened to. Judy says she doesn’t see that here, and that they’re respectfully surprised. A crying Malena says she wanted to dance so badly. Judy calms her down and tells her not to let it break her spirit. Kelli informs her that she’s been one of her favorites through this process. She wants Malena on the team, and needs her to believe in herself. She is confident that Malena could be a beautiful ambassador for the Cowboys. However, there is a question whether she can handle their choreography. She adds that everyone in the room has a lot on the line. Malena can’t wait to show them that she can take this on. [*Malena leaves*] Kelli didn’t want to upset her, but had no idea.

**(13.6)**

* [Mid episode, first of two] Kelli brings up that Malena has scheduling concerns, and wants to go over the schedule with her and see how they can help her. Malena says that her job in college football is very demanding, but she loves it as much as this. She can’t imagine giving up one or the other. Kelli admits that’s Malena decision. She says that she could be a great member of the team if she gives them good dancing. Judy sensed distraction in Malena tonight. Kelli hopes there’s a work around, but with the schedule, Malena has the information she needs. Malena says having a conversation with her boss about it will be helpful.
* [End of episode, first of three] Kelli brings up their previous conversation about Malena’s job co-existing with training camp. Malena says she did not have an easy conversation, and that it essentially ended with an ultimatum. So, she’s going to resign from her job and pursue the DCC. She adds that regardless of what decision they come to this year, she knows she has to perform. Kelli remarks on that being a major decision, and says if she didn’t think Malena would make the team, she would tell her tonight so Malena wouldn’t lose her job. But Kelli doesn’t think tonight should be her last night. She’d be surprised if Malena couldn’t make the team.

**(13.13)**

* [Mid episode, second of two, at AT&T Stadium] Kelli starts talking, but Malena (clearly sensing what’s coming) interrupts them, saying “no” repeatedly in a begging fashion. She tells them that she’s aware she messed up a lot today. She says this was her worst fear, being the last cut. She’s knows she can do it, and asks them not to say it. Kelli tells Malena that this isn’t a negotiation, but they do want her to understand that they see such great strengths from her. This isn’t a failure, but them being aware of who is ready right now. Malena starts crying heavily, and apologizes. Kelli praises her again, and says she only needs more time and classes. She hopes Malena looks at some of the other girls who have been in her chair as inspiration. [*Malena hugs Kelli and Judy, and leaves the office*] Kelli says cutting them on the last night isn’t good.

## **End of Journey**

### **Season 13**

**(13.13)**

* Final cut during the final rehearsal of training camp (9th of 9 cuts, 36 left afterwards)

### **Season 14**

**(14.3)**

* Makes finals, but is not invited to training camp

## **Other**

### **Season 13**

**(13.1)**

* She’s shown dancing while Kelli explains what a “yes” means for the “yes-no-maybe” system
* Shown telling the judges at preliminaries that she danced for the New York Jets

**(13.2)**

* Shown being invited to finals

**(13.3)**

* Shown performing her solo for Kitty Carter
* Shown performing her solo at finals
* Fourth-to-last shown being invited to training camp

**(13.4)**

* Shown introducing herself at the opening meeting: because she’s from New Jersey, the first time she ever pumped gas was after she moved here. She jokes they do not pump their own gas; they only pump their fist.

**(13.5)**

* Makeover glamour shot (before and after)

**(13.6)**

* Has a comedic scene with Kelli at uniform fittings after she messes up Malena’s name

**(13.10)**

* At media training, her response to a question from Brenda about the Cowboys’ chances is shown, and earns Kelli’s approval

**(13.11)**

* On the board, it can be seen that she’s received stickers from 4 of 6 evaluators (everybody but Judy and her group leader)

**(13.13)**

* She’s pulled out of practice to go to her office visit in the final rehearsal

### **Season 14**

**(14.1)**

* She’s shown introducing herself to the judges at preliminaries, saying she’s excited to be back this year
* She’s involved in a scene talking with the other returning training camp candidates (Jasmin, Kristin, Lily, Taylor T, and Victoria) from Season 13 while they await the results of preliminaries

**(14.2)**

* Charm La’Donna gives her some advice prior to performing at semifinals
* Last one shown being invited to finals

**(14.3)**

* At panels, Malena’s asked what she thought of herself and learned about herself watching back her reaction to being cut. Malena says it was a lot of emotions, and she’s a passionate person. However, she’s learned to channel that passion since then, and that sometimes the mental stuff is bigger than the physical stuff.
* Highlighted (by name) performing her solo at finals

## Misc.

* Former New York Jets Flight Crew cheerleader