College: University of Colorado, University of California – Berkeley School of Law
Degree: B.A. Anthropology, J.D.
GR Leadership Position: Captain. As one of our captains, I help lead Gold Rush during practices and on game day to make sure we are keeping the Faithful energized for our team!!
Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, adventuring with my pup
Bay Area Restaurant: Camino Alto
How do you spend your time outside of Gold Rush?
Outside of Gold Rush and my career as a lawyer, I love skiing, hiking, and spending time outdoors. I feel so lucky that the Bay Area has lots of options for these activities. I also love traveling and trying new restaurants. I'm always on the hunt for new experiences!
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about giving back to my community, and I am so grateful that this sentiment is shared by Gold Rush and the 49ers organization. There are so many ways to give back, whether it be your time, expertise, money, or other resources. I do my best to give blood regularly, donate to important causes, work on pro bono legal matters, and have even fostered dogs with a rescue in Colorado. I am so proud that, through the 49ers, our team is able to support the 49ers Foundation and its mission to educate and empower Bay Area youth. Gold Rush also raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research in honor of former Gold Rush cheerleader, Melissa Galvin.
Tell us more about your job.
I am in-house commercial counsel for a technology company headquartered in San Francisco. On a typical day, I draft and review various legal documents, negotiate agreements, and work with business stakeholders to understand the company's legal risks. I previously worked in big law firms with many clients, and I love that now I'm able to focus on advising one company with its longer-term strategy.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about your favorite furry friends…
I have a very large dog named Fred (after Fred Warner). I started fostering him during our off-season but fell in love and ended up adopting him. He is a big boy at 80 lbs, but he is so sweet and loves hiking and camping in the Bay Area. You can spot him by his 49ers collar, bandana, or even jersey on game day.
What's something our fans would be surprised to learn about you?
I can recite the first 50 digits of pi from memory. I'm a huge nerd at heart.
What do you like most about being a member of the Gold Rush?
I absolutely love that Gold Rush has brought so many amazing humans into my life. My teammates really do encourage me to be the best version of myself. And each year, our new rookies (13 this season!!) bring so much talent and energy that it forces all of us as veterans to step up, as well! This team is made up of men and women who don't just love to dance and cheer on the 49ers but also have incredible careers and give back to the community off the field.
Who is YOUR biggest cheerleader?
My mom! I always tell her she is my best friend (and she tells me I should have friends my own age), but I am truly so grateful for the support she has given me throughout my life. She is the one who drove me to countless dance lessons and competitions growing up and is the first person I called when I made Gold Rush! I also have to give a shoutout to my fiancé, Mike, who has been on this journey with me, as well. Our partners give up a lot of time with us so we're able to live out our dreams, and I could not be more thankful for his support.
Tell us about your journey of becoming a Gold Rush cheerleader.
I am incredibly grateful and proud to be a part of this team. I've danced professionally in other leagues but truly thought I had hung up my poms for good (many) years ago. When I found out Gold Rush really strives to have cheerleaders with careers outside of the team, I was determined to come out of retirement. I'm beyond honored to now be with this team for a third season! I wish I could tell my younger self that, yes, you really can be a dancing lawyer because I did not think it was possible – and I love that Gold Rush helps us break down these barriers.
How has being a part of Gold Rush affected your life?
Gold Rush has given me a sense of home and family in the Bay Area that I never would have expected showing up at my first audition. Women and men that started as teammates quickly became friends who then became family. We may all be in different places in our lives, but it allows us to really support each other in unique and countless ways.
Tell us about your favorite community appearance that you've attended as a Gold Rush Cheerleader.
I cannot say enough about our Junior Gold Rush program! Each year, this day is incredibly special. It's easy to forget that there are actually little girls and boys who look up to us as Gold Rush Cheerleaders. We are able to share with these kids all of the exciting careers we have off the field (video game designer, veterinarian, lawyer!), and I hope it inspires them to know that there is no limit to what they can do when the grow up!