Kleine Powell, a celebrated member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), has announced her retirement following an outstanding five seasons with the squad. Her decision comes after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, a period marked by transformation and significant achievements for both her and the cheerleading team.
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Powell garnered widespread recognition after featuring in **America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders**, a popular Netflix docuseries that chronicled the lives of the performers. Her vibrant personality and captivating dance skills earned her a special place in the hearts of fans and DCC management alike. Kelli Finglass, director of the squad, remarked on her dynamic presence, noting, “I love Kleine… a lot of personality, big smile, a lot of showmanship.”
Her final season was a memorable one, concluding with Powell expressing gratitude for the experience she had enjoyed over the years. In a heartfelt conversation during her farewell, she told Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell that it was time to retire, reflecting on what she described as “the best five seasons ever.” Powell exits the DCC on a high, having not only entertained but also championed her fellow cheerleaders in their pursuit of fair compensation.
In 2025, Powell, along with other veteran cheerleaders, played a pivotal role in negotiating a staggering 400% pay increase for the team—a move that underscored their determination to secure better conditions. Despite facing challenges, including occasional disagreements with Finglass and Trammell, Powell’s leadership skills and commitment to her teammates ultimately shone through.
Originally from Richmond, Kentucky, Powell comes from a family that nurtured a rich creative environment. Growing up, she was exposed to multiple artistic pursuits, fostering her passion for dance early on. After excelling at local dance studios and the University of Kentucky’s dance team, she graduated in 2021 with a degree in digital media and design and a minor in Japanese.
Following her graduation, Powell had initially planned to move to Japan for a study abroad opportunity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans, leaving her feeling uncertain about her future. In spite of this setback, she embraced her lifelong dream of auditioning for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and earned a rookie position for the 2021-22 season.
During her tenure, Powell quickly established herself as a talented performer and a senior leader within the team. Her infectious spirit and strong sense of personality endeared her to viewers and fans, while her battles for fairness illustrated her commitment to her fellow cheerleaders. Powell has admitted, however, that her tenure was not without friction, recounting moments when team leaders questioned her decisions and leadership qualities.
After careful consideration during the off-season, Powell decided to conclude her cheerleading career, stating that while she would miss the dancing immensely, she felt it was time to move on. “It’s been the most incredible chapter ever,” she reflected, as her teammates offered support and encouragement during her decision to retire.
Since stepping away from the limelight of the DCC, Powell has embraced a new phase of life alongside her husband, Luc, whom she married in May 2023. The couple has enjoyed travelling together, visiting several stunning locations including iconic national parks.
Professionally, Powell has pivoted towards her artistic passions, founding her own custom art and design studio named “By Kleine.” In addition to her new venture, she participated in Miami Swim Week, showcasing her modelling skills on the runway.
In June 2026, Powell made headlines once more with an appearance on Tokyo TV, where she discussed the upcoming World Cup in Dallas and conducted the entire interview in fluent Japanese. This opportunity marked a significant personal milestone, illustrating her dedication to her interests and cultural heritage. Charlotte Jones, co-owner of the Cowboys, praised Powell’s achievements, calling her a true star.
As she navigates this new chapter, Kleine Powell reflected on her cheerleading journey in a poignant TikTok video. She expressed a range of emotions while watching the final episode of **America’s Sweethearts**, sharing that her tears were a mixture of joy and introspection about what her experiences with the DCC had meant to her.
With her artistic aspirations and recent ventures, Powell is poised to carve out a unique niche in the creative world while cherishing the remarkable memories of her time with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.