Becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader has definitely been quite a journey. From the beginning, I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride.

Just like many little girls, I grew up watching, studying, and admiring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. My uncle took me to my very first game on Thanksgiving 1993, and I have been a fan ever since. I will never forget my very first glance at the inside of Texas Stadium and the smiles of all of those beautiful, talented, star spangled girls down on the field.

It took me many, many years to work up the courage to even consider auditioning for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Last year when I auditioned for the first time, I really felt like I had left no stone unturned. I took as many dance classes as I could take. I worked with Kitty Carter at the Dance Factory and listened to all of her tips, pointers, advice and knowledge. I worked out with Jay Johnson and his trainers, taking boot camp several times a week to make sure I was physically ready to take on anything that was thrown at me. I designed my audition outfit and my mom created it from scratch! My solo was finished and polished by JANUARY of last year. Needless to say, I felt ready! I could barely stand the wait for auditions.

When audition time came, I was so relieved that it was finally here. I was shocked and honored when I made it all the way to training camp. I couldn't believe I had made it that far! As training camp began, I understood that there was still a lot of work to do and that the road ahead of me was going to be long. I just wasn't quite prepared for how difficult it would be.

One thing I have struggled with my entire life is self-confidence. Sometimes it can really get the best of me. My biggest fear was being cut from training camp. After working so hard to accomplish my dream, I couldn't shake that overwhelming fear of being released! Looking back on things now, I know I was not in a healthy state physically or mentally. I had nothing left to give at rehearsals. Emotionally I was done. In the end, my lack of confidence and my disabling fear of being cut completely took over.

I was completely devastated when I was cut from the team last year. I knew in my heart that Kelli and Judy were making decisions that were best for the DCC. Nevertheless, I was heartbroken. It took me 6 months before I could freely talk about the experience without really struggling over it emotionally.

I of course, sought out Kitty's advice on whether or not to give it another shot. We all know Kitty isn't going to sugarcoat anything! She was loving but got right to the point. She reminded me that I could not return to auditions presenting the same Sunni that they saw last year. If I wanted another shot, I had to bring a "new and improved Sunni" to the table. They saw my weaknesses last year in training camp and they would be looking for those same weaknesses this year. Kitty gave me some of her tough love and sent me on my way with a renewed spirit.

There were always people giving me their opinions on why I should or should not audition again. But, this was my decision. As much as it stung to be cut last year, it was still my dream, and to me it was still worth fighting for.

When it comes to really digging in and going after something, my dad has quoted Theodore Roosevelt to me my entire life. In the words of Roosevelt, "Don't foul, don't flinch. Hit the line hard." This time, I knew it was time to hit that line hard, but without a flinch or a foul. If my biggest fear was being cut from training camp, then now what did I have to lose??? I had already faced that fear! I HAD to fight for this dream not only because it was just that, a dream of mine, but also to prove to myself that I could overcome what I had endured the previous year.