America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders returned to our screens earlier this week, with a number of new faces hoping to land a spot on the squad. But while season three put the rookies through their paces, it also marked the end of veteran Reece Weaver's time both in the team and on the show.
At the end of the season, Reece decided to retire from her position on the squad and broke the emotional news to director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell. The fan favourite thanked the pair as she handed back her cheerleading uniform, closing the chapter on her three-year journey.
Following her shocking exit, Reece shared an Instagram post confirming the decision and reflecting on the last three years. She expressed her gratitude to her teammates and fans for their "overwhelming" support, describing the experience as "a gift".
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Speaking to Netflix's Tudum, Reece explained that she'd "actually been wrestling with" the idea to leave the squad since the start of her third year, as she felt that her cup was filled "to the absolute brim".
"With a lot of just prayer and counseling, I just felt led, that I was being called to take a leap of faith," she said.
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"It was slow at first, but during the off-season, I was really able to say yes to a lot of opportunities that I usually have to say no to because we're in season. The more I considered new opportunities that were so graciously coming in, I think my heart was ready to move on to the next phase of life."
The star shared her fears about telling Kelli and Judy her decision, as she "didn't know what their response would be", despite being them "extremely supportive" throughout her journey.
"I feel like they kind of had an inkling, because we had some very short conversations before. Our conversations started to turn just a little bit this year, and so, I think that they had a hint.
"Same with my teammates. A lot of them saw the toll and they kind of saw that it was a little bit challenging at times. I don't think anyone was really shocked, but I think that it was really hard news, for sure," she added.
Though she doesn't have a solid plan following her departure, Reece did tease some "really cool projects" in the works, and shared that "so many brands and organisations" have reached out to her.
"I can't share too much, but I'm in the middle of working on a book right now that I'm super-excited about, and that's just a field I've never dipped my toes into. Hopefully, I can just inspire and encourage, specifically young women along the way."
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is streaming on Netflix.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
