Cowboys Cheerleader Victoria Kalina Opens Up About Depression And Eating Disorder on Docuseries

On the OTT docuseries, ‘America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’, fourth-year veteran squad member and breakout star Victoria Kalina bravely shared her struggles with mental health and body image. This was a significant moment for her as she revealed that she's "never been open about it" before, shedding light on her battle with depression and an eating disorder.

"My depression, like, it turns into this bad cycle," Kalina admitted midway through the season. "When I get into a bad depression, I turn to bad coping skills, which causes unhealthy eating habits. As a dancer, the hardest thing you can fight are eating disorders coupled with depression."

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She elaborated, "And I go through this cycle when that depression zone hits. It's a binge-purge cycle. It's a binge to get that feel-good, that empty feeling filled again. But then game time comes, so then you gotta fit into those tiny uniforms, and that cycle just keeps going."

The emotional revelation was a long time coming for Kalina, who detailed her complex relationship with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) franchise throughout the series. She spoke about being the daughter of a former cheerleader, her experience of being cut from the team (as documented on the CMT series Making the Team), taking time off for therapy, and her decision on whether to return for a fifth and final year on the squad.

After a meeting with Finglass and Trammell, Kalina made a life-changing decision. She decided to quit DCC, a choice she revealed on camera. "That was just kinda a hard pill to swallow at first. I didn't see it coming at all. I decided to hang up my pom poms," she said. "Yes, I could prove them wrong and yes I would love to, but I don't need to. I know I proved them, like, over and over, time and time again. I don't need to do it again."

This candid moment highlighted the pressure and emotional toll that cheerleaders often face, especially in such a high-profile team. Kalina's honesty and bravery in sharing her story have resonated with many, showing that even those who seem perfect on the outside can face significant internal battles.

-Sushmita Sarkar