Sheree C.

Being on Wheel of Fortune was the most amazing experience I have ever had! If you could see me right now, I’m smiling from ear to ear, so excited to share my story with everyone! I’ve dreamed of this moment my entire life. As a child, I wanted to be Vanna White. I’d dress up like her, watch the show with my grandparents, and pretend to turn letters. If you haven’t seen my episode yet, there’s a picture of me at 7 years old dressed as Vanna. I wanted to be her then, and I still do!

In March 2024, I submitted a video to be considered as a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. Just a week later, I received incredible news: I was selected for a virtual audition with the casting producer! Then, I was invited to a second audition with the executive producer. I was ecstatic and nervous all at once. A week later, I got the life-changing email: I had been selected as a potential contestant for Wheel of Fortune!

I continued to watch the show every night and practice. I bought the board game and practiced as a contestant—no longer as Vanna—and downloaded the app, playing whenever I had free time. My husband would time me, and we’d play together as much as we could. I wanted to be able to solve puzzles with just a few letters.

I was told I’d stay in the contestant pool for up to 18 months, so every day I anxiously checked my email, hoping for the big news. Finally, in February 2025, almost a year later, I got an email asking if I was available to tape in Culver City. I immediately replied, “Yes!” within minutes of receiving it. The next day, I was officially selected to appear on the show. I couldn’t stop smiling—I even cried tears of joy. I jumped up and down, squealed with excitement like my 7 year-old Vanna did, and barely slept that night. I was so thrilled!

The day of taping was absolutely surreal. I arrived at the studio at 6:30 a.m. and was greeted by an amazing production team who made everything go smoothly. They helped me choose my outfit, did my hair and makeup, and I got to practice spinning the wheel and solving puzzles with the other contestants. Vanna even came out to wish us all good luck—such a special moment!

When it was time to start, I was chosen to go first and stand beside Ryan Seacrest. It was beyond anything I could have imagined! I was so nervous. When I saw my husband in the audience, I almost fainted. And when he realized I was going first, he almost passed out, too! I couldn’t even look at him for the rest of the taping; my nerves were just too much to handle.

Afterward, I had the privilege of meeting Ryan and Vanna. It was such an honor to be chosen for the show and to spend time with them.

As for the Watch Party, we’re having two! As the General Manager at a Senior Living Community with over 350 residents at my location, and 28,000 residents at other communities holding Watch Parties as well, the excitement is through the roof. I’ll be taking lots of pictures to capture the moment! I’m also hosting a Watch Party with my friends and family and will make sure to take tons of photos from that, too.

What Wheel of Fortune means to me is that dreams truly do come true. This experience is especially meaningful because I’m six months pregnant with our first child—a baby girl, Nola Monroe—and she was on the show with me without even knowing it! This experience will help provide a college fund for her, and we are beyond thankful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

When Vanna retires, I hope you call me, I have been practicing all my life!