Name: Hailey
Nickname: Hails, Hay
Hometown: Carmel
Tenure: 2^nd Season
College: UC Berkeley
Degree: Psychology, Minor in Health and Wellness
Occupation: Dance Coach & Student

What is your favorite thing about your job?
The best part about coaching is helping my students grow both as dancers and as people. I love inspiring them to chase their goals, stay resilient, and know they can rely on me for support. Seeing them achieve their ambitions and watching their growth over the season is incredibly rewarding.

What was your first job?
My first job was as a dance teacher at my local studio, where I discovered how much I love working with kids and helping them grow in confidence and joy.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a professional dancer, and look at me now! That alone is proof that you should always chase your dreams and never give up. Along the way, I picked up new goals, new passions, and new dreams. Now, with the confidence I've built through experience, I truly believe I can achieve those too. If there's one thing my journey has taught me, it's that anything is possible when you stay committed and believe in yourself!

What activities bring you the most joy?
What brings me the most joy is making memories with my family, friends, and my dog, Henry. When I'm not with them, you'll probably find me baking everything from chocolate chip cookies to sourdough or staying active with Pilates or long walks on the beach.

What is your personal motto?
"Everything happens for a reason."
That's the belief I carry with me through life's ups and downs. Challenges don't always come with explanations, but I've learned to trust that every twist and turn is part of something bigger. Even when things feel uncertain, I remind myself that it's all shaping me into who I'm meant to be.

What causes are you passionate about?
I'm deeply passionate about any cause that encourages kids to lead active, healthy lives. I believe in the power of sports, dance, and activities that get kids moving, give them an outlet for artistic expression, and help them build friendships along the way. I've volunteered at youth after-school programs, teaching dance classes where kids could move, express themselves, and gain confidence. I've also taught dance at an elementary school, giving young students a chance to discover movement and joy. Seeing kids active and thriving in these environments means everything to me.

Do you volunteer? If so, where?
I've volunteered at a local community hospital, where I had the chance to meet people passing through during difficult times. I found it so rewarding to offer a smile or a moment of kindness, because you never know what someone might be going through. Being able to bring a little joy, even on someone's toughest day, means a lot to me, and it's something I always strive to do in any setting.

What is an interesting fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is that my family comes from a variety of backgrounds, including Persian, Moroccan, Italian, Ukrainian, and English heritage. It has been special to learn from these cultures, and I have had the chance to travel to some of these places, deepening my connection to my heritage.

What is your favorite part of game day?
My absolute favorite part of game day is the National Anthem. It's a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and truly take in the gravity of where we are and what we're a part of. It reminds me of how special this experience is. Knowing that I play a role in elevating the faithful's game day, even in a small way, is incredibly meaningful and humbling.

If you could make up a cheerleading superpower, what would it be?
Putting on the Gold Rush uniform already feels like a superpower. It's an honor to represent such an incredible organization, and as Gold Rush cheerleaders, we get to be heroes in our own way. We have the opportunity to connect with fans, bring energy to every game, and be positive role models for the youth watching us.

How do you want people to remember you?
I want to be remembered as someone who radiates positivity. Positivity is infectious, and that's the kind of presence I strive to bring into every space I enter. Whether it's through a smile, encouragement, or simply showing up with a good attitude, I want to be someone who makes others feel seen and valued.

What is a personal goal you are working towards this year?
My biggest goal this year is applying to PT school, a dream I've been working toward for years. I've completed prerequisite courses and volunteered, all while gaining hands-on experience at a PT clinic. I'm truly excited to continue to pursue this goal, knowing that this career will allow me to help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model for as long as I can remember would be my mom. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up with such a strong, compassionate, and supportive role model. She's the reason behind so many of my successes, constantly encouraging me and standing by my side through everything. I truly couldn't have asked for a better mom or a more powerful inspiration. None of this would have been possible without her.

What is your favorite thing about Gold Rush?
My favorite part about Gold Rush is the incredible opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation. Through this team, we're given meaningful chances to step into the community and connect with young people who look up to us. I always remind myself that even the smallest interaction can leave a lasting impression. It's a responsibility I don't take lightly. I strive to be the kind of role model for them that past dancers were for me, someone who inspires, uplifts, and shows them that their dreams are possible.

What song gets you pumped up on game day?
Any Michael Jackson song gets me pumped up on game day. He's one of my all-time favorite artists, and his music never fails to put me in a great mood and get me ready to perform.

If you were a football player, what position would you play?
If I were a football position, I'd be a left tackle, protecting my team's blind side and keeping them supported. On Gold Rush, I'm that teammate, always there to support, lift others up, and make sure we all succeed together.

What is your favorite pregame ritual?
My favorite pregame ritual is getting ready alongside my teammates. We run through our routines, play some music on the way, and get each other hyped up. That time together before the day gets busy is what really sets the tone for the best game-day.

What are you most looking forward to this season?
This season is incredibly exciting with the international games. It's a special time to be a 49ers fan, getting to experience game day in another country. I'm looking forward to the chance to travel, connect with the Faithful around the world, and create amazing memories with my teammates. Sharing this experience with them and supporting the team through what I hope will be plenty of 49ers wins makes it all even better.