DCC’s Armani Latimer Had ’No’ Hesitation ‘Whatsoever’ About Vulnerable Alopecia Storyline in “America’s Sweethearts ”(Exclusive)

NEED TO KNOW

• DCC’s Armani Latimer tells PEOPLE she had no reservations about sharing her alopecia on season 2 of America’s Sweethearts

• Latimer says she “wanted to help and affect change” for others struggling with the condition

• Her teammates and director Kelli Finglass praise Latimer for her bravery on the field and on the show

Armani Latimer was proud to open up about her alopecia on screen in the second season of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Speaking to PEOPLE about the new season of Netflix’s popular docuseries, Latimer, 23, says she had “no” hesitation “whatsoever” about her condition becoming a storyline on the show. “Once I made the decision, I just knew I wanted to help and affect change in some type of way,” she says, adding, “And I think I did that.”

Latimer, whose father also had alopecia areata, was first diagnosed at age 12 with the condition that causes hair loss. “I did have bald spots, but it always grew back,” she tells viewers in episode three of the new season.

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But during her rookie year with the Cowboys, Latimer noticed the maintenance required to keep up with her DCC duties was “taking a toll” on her hair. “And then, one day, it just all fell out,” she reveals on the show.

Latimer bravely takes the field without her wig, as documented on the Netflix series, leaving her teammates, coaches and fans inspired.

Charly Barby, who cheered next to Latimer this past year, tells PEOPLE the moment was especially emotional for her to witness. “I got to be in her group this year, and I got to stand next to her throughout every single game, and I was crying, bawling my eyes out on the sideline,” she says.

Barby, 24, continues, “Just seeing her be able to show her vulnerability, and everyone was so in awe of her in the stands and watching her, and people were very loudly cheering her on, and it was an honor to be standing by her throughout that game.”

Jada McLean, a fifth-year veteran of the team, tells PEOPLE seeing her close friend’s journey play out on screen was “really special for me too.”

“Being her only rookie sister that’s still here, and seeing her journey and how strong she’s been, it was truly inspiring,” she adds.

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For DCC director Kelli Finglass, watching Latimer’s storyline on screen was a powerful moment for her team and their brand. “We’ve worked with hairdressers, and when we finally found Rosemary who actually helped her make a wig, it was a game changer for [Latimer],” she explains.

“We were used to seeing Armani without her wig in the locker room, but to come out on the football field and show 80, 100,000 people that are a different situation. I was very, very proud of her bold decision,” Finglass, 60, continues.

The second season of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is now streaming on Netflix.

Read the original article on People