The daughter of NRL great Mark Carroll, Indianna, is on the brink of fulfilling her dream of making an NFL cheer squad.
Carroll, who has cheered for the Manly Sea Eagles’ Seabirds for 10 years, has made it to the final stages of auditions for the Las Vegas Raiderettes ahead of the 2026-27 season.
It comes after Carroll fell agonisingly short of making the iconic Dallas Cowboys cheer squad last year.
But Carroll hasn’t let that deter her from trying to make an NFL cheer squad, turning her attention to the Raiderettes ahead of the new season.
“She’s back, still dream chasing. I felt like I owed it to myself to keep going, to follow the quiet pull and see where the wind might carry me. So here I am,” Carroll wrote on Instagram on Friday.
“I guess the uncertainty is part of the price, but so is the privilege of chasing something I love this fiercely. I really believe there is something so special about loving something enough to take the risk.
“I’m still so moved by the support and belief that continues to surround my journey. Knowing I have an army of love, guidance & faith beside me fills my heart with immense pride and gratitude.
“Every message, every kind word, every piece of encouragement means more than I can say. Thank you for believing in me and my dream.”
The process to make the team includes a public vote in which fans have four days to choose which Rookie finalist they want to see make the team.
She will now turn her attention to final auditions on Monday.
Carroll hopes that the Raiders drafting Indiana’s own Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick on Friday is a good omen.
“I am incredibly honoured to be a Raiderettes finalist & am truly taken aback by the support you’ve already shown in the fan vote. If you would like to support me, the voting link can be found in my bio,” Carroll’s post continued.
“Cmon Raider Nation, your draft pick is from Indiana … surely there’s room for one more. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Carroll will find out if she made the team in the coming days.
