Kelli Finglass, the renowned director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), has successfully balanced her professional duties with motherhood, raising two children with her husband, Joel Finglass. The couple, married since 1996, share a daughter, Samantha, who was born in June 1997, and a son, Ryan, who arrived in December 1998.
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Kelli’s involvement with the DCC goes back several decades. She was a member of the cheerleading squad from 1984 until 1989, a foundational period that secured her deep-rooted connection to the organisation. After her time as a cheerleader, she took on a pivotal role as an assistant director and, notably, became the director of the DCC in 1991 at the young age of 27—a position she has maintained ever since.
In a conversation with Vanity Fair in June 2026, Kelli reflected on how her roles as mother and director intertwine. She stated, “I think being a mum hopefully is making me a better coach, and being a coach has helped me to be a decent mum.” However, balancing her career in a high-profile environment with family life has posed significant challenges. Kelli acknowledged, “I’ve sacrificed a lot of time with my family,” while contemplating her future and the allure of retirement. With her daughter now married and her son in a committed relationship, she expressed a desire for more family time, particularly when the time comes for her to become a grandmother.
Samantha Finglass, the elder of Kelli’s two children, has carved out her own identity away from the cheerleading spotlight. Graduating with a degree in journalism from Texas A&M University in 2020, she was surrounded by the DCC culture throughout her upbringing but chose not to audition for the team. Instead, during her college years, she gained valuable experience working in marketing and social media for the reality series “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.”
In pursuit of further education, Samantha earned a master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership from the University of Washington in 2021. She has since established a career in sports and brand marketing and currently holds the position of chief brand architect at Colonial Country Club. Additionally, she engages in entrepreneurship by selling print-on-demand products through her Etsy shop.
In 2024, Samantha married John McKean in a civil ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, followed by a celebration in Tulum, Mexico. Recently, the couple relocated to Cincinnati, where John is progressing through his internal medicine residency programme at the University of Cincinnati, further emphasising the family’s roots in academia and professional development.
Ryan Finglass, Kelli’s son, has also followed an impressive educational and professional path. He was born on December 12, 1998, and shares a close bond with his mother, who frequently praises his character and strength on social media. Following in Samantha’s footsteps, Ryan graduated from Texas A&M University in 2021 with a degree in finance and financial management services. He currently serves as a financial advisor with Beavers Wealth Management, continuing the family’s trend of pursuing impactful careers.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Ryan is a dedicated runner and has completed several marathons, showcasing his commitment to fitness and health. His passion for athletics reflects the vigorous spirit of the Finglass family, intertwined with Kelli’s legacy as a cheerleading director.
As Kelli Finglass navigates the dual responsibilities of her role with the DCC and being a mother, she remains a source of inspiration for both her family and the generations of cheerleaders she mentors. With her children thriving in their respective careers and personal lives, Kelli has much to reflect upon as she considers her future with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. As she looks forward to new chapters, including the prospect of becoming a grandmother, her journey exemplifies the balance of ambition and family commitment in a demanding career.