Name: Erica
Nickname: Rikka, E, Eric
Hometown: Tracy
Current Home: San Francisco
Languages: English & Tagalog
Tenure: 3^rd Season
GR Leadership Position: Game Day Assistant - I am responsible for helping with Game Day tasks such as posting the schedule on the board, helping out our glam squad, announcing reminders to the team, and getting Gold Rush out of the locker room on time
College: University of California, Berkeley
Degree: B.S. Chemistry
Occupation: Process Engineer in Semiconductor Industry

What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love problem solving and innovative thinking in a collaborative environment. Enabling the next generation of technology often means that I am working without a blueprint and blazing a new trail. This has allowed me to be the first inventor on a number of U.S. Patent Applications in the semiconductor epitaxy landscape.

What was your first job?
I was a dance teacher for 2-5 year olds. I taught ballet and tap to the cutest munchkins, which usually involved curating the perfect Disney playlist and finding the best stickers to give out after class.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I used to want to be an astronaut when I was younger but that dream quickly died when I realized that I have terrible motion sickness. But my love for science and exploration remained!

What activities bring you the most joy?
I am happiest when I am outside on an adventure. I crave new experiences, so you can normally find me traveling the world, hiking beautiful landscapes, and swimming in a body of water.

What is your personal motto?
"Pressure is a privilege, and champions adjust." I am grateful to be given the opportunity to perform at a high level and I am determined to succeed.

What causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about promoting STEM equity in education. I think it's important to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent diverse groups from pursuing careers in STEM. This passion grew from my time at Berkeley, where I volunteered with an organization Bay Area Scientists in Schools to provide hands-on curriculum to underserved schools.

What is an interesting fact about you?
I am trying to learn how to say hello in as many languages as possible! Annyeonghaseyo, sawasdee ka, kumusta po...

What is your favorite part of game day?
My favorite part of game day is definitely the energy in the Gold Rush locker room. We are doing our hair and makeup together, playing pranks on each other, and having magical moments of camaraderie that we will cherish forever.

If you could make up a cheerleading superpower, what would it be?
If I could make up a cheerleading superpower it would be the ability to learn routines exceptionally quickly and to perfectly remember them for years after. Our coach, Bria already has the latter.

How do you want people to remember you?
I want to be remembered as someone who always had a positive outlook. I hope I build a legacy of resilience by finding the constructive and hopeful aspects in difficult situations.

What is a personal goal you are working towards this year?
A personal goal that I am working towards this year is learning how to live in the moment. Juggling a full-time career and Gold Rush means that I am constantly worried about what is coming next. This year I want to be grounded in the present and fully enjoy what is happening now.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role models are my parents. As immigrants from the Philippines, they had to overcome many challenges and make countless sacrifices to get to where they are today. They have taught me how to be resilient, resourceful, and grateful. I attribute my strong work ethic and determination to them.

What is your favorite thing about Gold Rush?
My favorite thing about Gold Rush is the supportive and inclusive community of current and past cheerleaders. This team truly feels like a family to me. I know that I can always count on my teammates to have my back, cheer me up, and make me laugh.

What song gets you pumped up on game day?
Thunderstruck always gets me pumped on game day! Our signature 3rd down song blaring from the stadium speakers is like a double shot of caffeine.

If you were a football player, what position would you play?
I think that I would make a good Free Safety. I like to think that I am good at reading the environment, doing a quick analysis, and anticipating the next move.

What is your favorite pregame ritual?
My favorite pregame ritual is the Gold Rush circle in the locker room. Our coaches will give us a pep talk to send us off into the start of the game and it is always an emotional moment for me. I take in my teammates' and coaches' faces and feel immense gratitude for this dream that I am living.

What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am most looking forward to making new relationships and building on the existing ones that I have with my teammates. The best thing about Gold Rush is the people who make it.