Name: Kaitlin
Nickname: Big Al
Tenure: 3rd Season
Hometown: San Rafael
Occupation: Mid-Market Software Sales Account Executive
College: University of Southern California (Fight On!)
Degree: B.S. Business Administration, Minor in Dance
GR Leadership Position: Captain! I was selected as one of Gold Rush's four captains this year—honored doesn't even begin to cover it. I get to help set the tone, sprinkle some fun, and ensure we shine on and off the field. One of the best parts? My cherry-themed line!
Hobbies: Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters, choreographer for a high school dance team, self-care (I will try anything in the name of health and wellness), HIIT classes, cooking (dinner parties are a must!), event planning

Favorites
Song: Isn't She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
Movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (the scene on the train to Hogwarts for the first time is my favorite!)
Quote: "Lift while you climb."
Store: I Am Koko (they turn vintage items into reworked fashion)
App: Plant Nanny (to remind me to drink water)
Travel Destination: Greek Islands
Holiday: Christmas
TV Show: Love Island (my dream date…cute and he knows that)
Chips: Hot Cheetos
Book: Outliers (I was born in July so hockey probably wouldn't be the sport for me iykyk)

Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born in Marin County, specifically San Rafael. The house that my brother and I were raised in is actually the same house where my dad grew up. I moved to Los Angeles to attend USC for my undergrad (fight on!) and never left. I'm what our team fondly refers to as a "commuter" because I fly across the state every weekend to be a part of the Gold Rush!

Tell us more about your job.
I work as a mid-market software sales Account Executive, helping businesses across the United States level up with the right technology. I'm passionate about how software can drive growth and improve the customer journey, and I love chatting with executives across industries—from high tech to manufacturing to professional services—about how their teams use tools and where they can do even better. I travel a lot (think airports, coffee shops, and hotel Wi-Fi adventures) because my customers are across the United States, and even though I work at a large company, it feels like family—my brother and dad once worked here, and now my fiancé and future brother-in-law are part of the team too!

What is a non-profit organization you're involved in and why did you choose to get involved?
I've been a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles for the past three years, and mentoring youth—especially young women—is one of my biggest passions. I love seeing the incredible potential in my little sister and helping her dream bigger, gain confidence, and build meaningful relationships. It's amazing to watch how one-on-one mentorship can make a real difference, and honestly, she keeps me on my toes and in the loop with Gen Z trends just as much as I hope I inspire her!

What's something our fans would be surprised to learn about you?
My go-to fun fact? I have a birthmark in my eye! It's something people often notice when we're up close and because it doesn't affect my vision, I've grown to love this unique part of me.

What's your favorite family tradition?
On St. Patrick's Day growing up, my mom would always turn all the water in our house green—leprechauns had come! It was so silly, but it made me so happy, and I hope to pass this tradition down someday.

Who is YOUR biggest cheerleader?
My biggest cheerleaders are my parents and my fiancé! My parents have been there every step of the way—driving three hours round trip almost every day in high school so I could dance at a competitive studio and flying to Los Angeles weekly in college to watch me cheer for the USC Trojans. They come to every 49ers game and between filming each routine, bringing huge signs, and shouting the name and backstory of every single team member as we pass their seats on the sidelines, it's no secret their daughter is on the Gold Rush. They are as much a part of this dream as I am, and I couldn't be more grateful for their support. And of course, my fiancé—my best friend and one of the most dedicated HABs (husbands and boyfriends!)—deserves a huge shout out. He makes so many sacrifices so I can live out this dream, and I couldn't do it without him.

Tell us about your journey of becoming a Gold Rush cheerleader.
For as long as I can remember, it was my dream to be a 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleader. As a little girl, I'd watch Gold Rush from the stands and as a dancer already, I was just waiting for the day when I would be able to audition for the team myself. To be ready for this team, I focused on becoming the best version of myself, building a strong career, understanding my own superpowers, and fine-tuning my dance performance skills. I auditioned twice before finally getting my "yes", which is proof that with a little persistence and commitment, any dream is possible.

How has being a part of Gold Rush affected your life?
Gold Rush has affected my life in so many ways, but most importantly it has taught me two crucial lessons. First, to be where my feet are—to notice the little things, slow down, and appreciate the journey rather than rushing to the next milestone. The longer I'm part of this team, the more I realize that it's a unique and incredibly special chapter in our lives, but not the whole book so it's important to savor every moment. Second, I've learned that showing up as your true self—wholly and unapologetically—is enough, and it's our uniqueness that makes us truly belong. Being part of this team has taught me not to waste time trying to be like anyone else and to have confidence in the person I am.

Tell us about your favorite community appearance that you've attended as a Gold Rush Cheerleader.
One of my favorite community appearances as a Gold Rush cheerleader was the 49ers Golden Getaway this past Spring. The event serves as a signature fundraising opportunity for the 49ers Foundation, bringing together fans, players, coaches, and alumni to support its mission to educate and empower Bay Area youth. It was especially meaningful because we got to see firsthand the incredible impact this organization can have, and it reminded me of the power of being part of something bigger than yourself. Plus, my team had a blast—and we even won the Bandana Blitz!

How would your teammates describe you?
My teammates would probably describe me as a goofy, big-hearted, lovable dork—someone who's serious about crafting (Cricut's #1 fan!) and obsessed with a good theme—this year our line is all about cherries. They'd probably also say I'm a cool mom (ok…I added in the word "cool" myself) because in my second season, I served as our team's first Rookie Assistant, a role where I helped our rookies feel prepared to take the field and ensured they felt the famous Gold Rush magic. Everyone on the team calls me "Big Al," the first real nickname I've ever had—and even though it started for reasons totally unrelated to my personality, it's now officially my Gold Rush brand!