Name: Jessica
Nickname: Jess
Hometown: Diamond Bar
Current Home: Redwood City
Languages: Chinese Mandarin
Tenure: 3^rd Season
GR Leadership Position: Captain! I help make sure our team is game-day ready and have the privilege of leading 7 of the most wonderful humans on the sidelines!
College: UCSD
Degree: B.S Computer Science
Occupation: Software Engineer

What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing about my job is that I'm constantly learning. Technology is always evolving, so every project gives me the opportunity to explore new tools, solve new challenges, and continue growing.

What was your first job?
I consider my first job to be helping my parents run a snack bar at the baseball and softball batting cage facility they operated. I was only about 10 years old, but I treated it like my own little business! Back then, you couldn't have convinced me our snack bar was any different from the concession stand at any major league stadium.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, I wanted to be a writer. I loved the creativity and storytelling that came with writing. While I didn't become a writer, I still get to bring stories and ideas to life everyday through dance, creating meaningful experiences, and building out fun, new products.

What activities bring you the most joy?
The activities that bring me the most joy are the ones where I can bring joy to others. Whether I'm mentoring students, performing on the field, or simply sharing my experiences, I love using my talents to encourage, inspire, and make someone's day a little brighter.

What is your personal motto?
加油 ("Jiāyóu"), which literally translates to "add gas," is a common Chinese phrase used to encourage someone to keep going or go for it. Growing up, my mom would always say it to cheer me on, and eventually I started saying it to myself whenever I got nervous. Now it's a personal reminder to be courageous, trust myself, and always give my all.

What causes are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about mentoring the next generation. Gold Rush has shown me that it's possible to pursue both personal and professional dreams at the same time, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. Whether through dance or technology, I want to help others realize that they don't have to limit themselves to just one passion.

Do you volunteer? If so, where?
I love volunteering! I teach dance at local high schools throughout the Bay Area and mentor students through nonprofit organizations focused on increasing access and opportunity in the tech industry. Supporting the next generation as they discover their passions and build confidence is so rewarding.

What is an interesting fact about you?
Before the age of 5, I had lived in 3 different countries.

What is your favorite part of game day?
My favorite part of game day is every moment I get to dance alongside my teammates. There's nothing like feeling their energy combined with the excitement of the Faithful at Levi's. Sharing the field with people I love while doing what I love is something that I never take for granted.

If you could make up a cheerleading superpower, what would it be?
I would want the ability to be a human charger. Practice and game days can be really long, so I'd love to be able to send out energy boosts whenever I start feeling myself or my teammates running low on battery, giving the Gold Rush a little extra rush when we need it most!

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about?
I really enjoy graphic design! It's something I picked up during my time on the Gold Rush social media team and have loved ever since.

How do you want people to remember you?
I want to be remembered as a good teammate and friend, someone who uplifts others and believes we grow as individuals by growing together.

What is a personal goal you are working towards this year?
A personal goal I'm working towards this year is becoming a more confident leader. I'm challenging myself to trust my instincts, take more risks, and pursue the things that matter most to me.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role models are my parents. I honestly think they are two of the most talented, hardworking people in the world. They came to this country hardly knowing anyone or the language and built a life for me that allows me to pursue all my passions. I'm so grateful and look up to them so much.

What is your favorite thing about Gold Rush?
My favorite thing about Gold Rush is the people. My teammates, coaches, and the entire staff are genuinely some of the kindest, most supportive people you will ever meet!

What song gets you pumped up on game day?
Squabble Up - Kendrick Lamar

If you were a football player, what position would you play?
If I were a football player, I'd be a tight end because it's a hybrid role. I consider myself a jack of all trades and enjoy working across different skills, so I'd love a position where I get to do a bit of everything. Blocking AND receiving? I got this!

What is your favorite pregame ritual?
My favorite pregame ritual is taking a moment in the tunnel right before going out to soak it all in. Game day goes by so fast, so I always make a conscious effort to pause, take a mental snapshot, and fully appreciate the opportunity to be there living out this dream!

What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm most looking forward to making cherished memories with this team. Every season brings something new, and I'm so excited for all the moments we'll create together this year, both big and small!

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Faithful? What do you want us to know about you?
I'm Taiwanese and really proud of my heritage! It's shaped a lot of who I am, especially my values around family, hard work, and staying grounded. My favorite holidays, traditions, and foods are all tied to my culture, and I love being able to share parts of it with the people around me. Being able to represent the Taiwanese American community on such a large stage has been incredibly meaningful to me!