Douglas Anderson grad now a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, on CMT show

By Jennafer Segel
Jacksonville.com
November 4, 2011

Many children grow up dreaming of becoming an astronaut, a race car driver, a veterinarian. In most cases, these dreams fade with time, but not for Mackenzie Weeks.

Ever since she was a little girl, Weeks dreamed of being a professional cheerleader — and not just any cheerleader, but a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.

Weeks, who was born in Jacksonville and attended Douglas Anderson School of the Arts followed her dream all the way to this year’s tryouts. Weeks’ journey against 500 other girls can be seen on CMT’s “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team 6.” New episodes air on Fridays at 10 p.m.

“I knew I would regret it if I didn’t [try out],” Weeks said. “I just worked up the courage.”

The cameras were not Weeks’ favorite part when filming began on the series, but they eventually grew on her.

“It took me a little while to be myself in front of the cameras,” Weeks said. “I did get use to it though and I actually love everyone who works on the show.”

Weeks had to make it through two dance auditions, a personal interview, a written test, a talent presentation and choreographed dance and kickline before she could even make it into the cheerleader training camp. In the end Weeks was one of 17 rookies to make it on the 34-member squad. She cheers under the name Mackenzie Lee.

Weeks said there was a lot of competition during the tryouts and training camp, but she felt the judges made it more about improving yourself than about how you compared to the others.

“You don’t really feel like you are competing against the other girls,” Weeks said. “It is more like competing against yourself.”

As a member of the squad Weeks spends at least 15 hours a week rehearsing with her team. She must also attend all of the Dallas Cowboys’ home games and be readily available for personal appearances, photo shoots, charity work and media interviews on top of working as an insurance agent.

Weeks said she’s always been more of a dancer than a cheerleader. She was a member of the dance teams at Douglas Anderson and Florida State University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and hospitality management.

The transition to her new life as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader has been what Weeks likes to call a “definite adjustment.” But says she is handling it well with support from family and friends. Her childhood dream is what continues to keep her motivated.

“This has been a dream for so long,” Weeks said.