Name: Anika
Tenure: 5th Season
Hometown: Orange County
Occupation: CPA and Senior Revenue Accountant
College: University of Oregon
Degree: Major in Accounting, Minor in Psychology
GR Leadership Position: Captain! As a captain on Gold Rush, we're responsible for helping ensure our choreography is field ready, and on game day we decide which dances to perform on the sidelines anytime the music comes on. Additionally, we support our teammates—and in particular our line—in whatever way they need to be supported.
Hobbies: Travel, fitness, learning the ukulele, reading, and painting (by numbers)

Favorites
Song: Happy Birthday
Movie: Sliding Doors
Food: All of the above
App: Duolingo
Holiday: Halloween
TV Show: New Girl
Chips: Flamin' Hot Cheetos
Book: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

How do you spend your time outside of Gold Rush?
I spend most of my free time socializing, taking exercise classes, dancing, or wandering the aisles of Trader Joe's! When I'm alone, I love practicing the ukulele, reading, or painting (by numbers).

What are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about personal growth. I often find myself reflecting on or trying to understand myself and others. I prioritize cultivating healthy habits for my mind and body, I'd like to think I embrace change and challenge, and I try my best to be my best for the people in my life.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
The professional accomplishment I'm most proud of is passing the CPA exams, as it took more discipline than I sometimes felt capable of. Receiving my final passing score was incredibly rewarding (and even more so, relieving).

How do you want people to remember you?
As a good friend.

What's your favorite family tradition?
Whenever my brother, Kevin, and I are both home, we make Schnitzel with my dad. There are multiple different steps to the process, and each of us always has the same established role.

What is your favorite memory at Levi's Stadium?
My favorite memory at Levi's Stadium was standing in the tunnel the very first time before taking the field. I remember the last-minute text I sent to my parents before leaving the locker room, and even the final pregame hugs with my teammates so vividly—it's as if I can still feel them. I am now in my fifth season, and I still find myself just as overwhelmed with gratitude to be living out my dream. One day, when I look back on my time on Gold Rush, it will be important to me to know that throughout my tenure I continued to honor that gratitude, so reconnecting to the rookie version of myself continues to be an extremely meaningful part of every game day for me.

What's your favorite part of Game Day?
My favorite part of Game Day is seeing my loved ones in the stands. This experience is a dream come true, but getting to share it with the people who mean the most to me is what makes it invaluable.

Who is your biggest cheerleader?
My biggest cheerleaders are my parents. From rearranging all the furniture in our home for me to have space to film my audition video, to sitting in the very front row at Levi's Stadium, not a day goes by without me knowing that I have their unwavering support.

Tell us about your journey of becoming a Gold Rush cheerleader.
Auditioning for a professional team is inherently vulnerable. There's so much you want to do just right, and it can feel like you're expected to fit a certain mold. During the final round of my first audition, I found myself performing my solo way too close to the judges' table for comfort. For whatever reason, almost instinctively, I blurted out "hi!" As I heard myself shout this at them—at what was potentially the least opportune time imaginable—I knew it was either going to land really well or really poorly. To my pleasant surprise, the judges immediately burst into laughter, and the next day I found out I made the team. For that reason, I can honestly say that Gold Rush has always made me feel like they chose me for me.

How has being a part of Gold Rush affected your life?
Gold Rush has deepened my appreciation for the power of team spirit. I've always been drawn to close-knit, high-energy environments, but this experience has shown me just how profoundly sports can bring people together. Being part of that impact has given me an incredible sense of purpose and belonging.