Name: Kaitlin
Nickname: Big Al
Hometown: San Rafael
Current Home: Los Angeles
Tenure: 4^th Season
GR Leadership Position: Captain! I was selected to be one of Gold Rush's four captains again 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 thunder-themed line!
College: University of Southern California - Fight on!
Degree: B.S. Business Administration, Minor in Dance
Occupation: Mid-Market Software Sales Account Executive

What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite part of my job is getting to meet and learn from executives across industries about how their teams work and where technology, especially AI, can help them be more productive. Every conversation is different, which keeps the job interesting.

What was your first job?
Outside of babysitting, my first job was as a barista at a local coffee shop. It's been a few years, but I can still pour a pretty great latte heart.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher!

What activities bring you the most joy?
I get way too excited about anything involving people, food, or wellness. I love being a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters, taking HIIT and Pilates classes, and I'll try just about any health or wellness trend at least once. Cooking is one of my favorite creative outlets (hosting dinner parties is my love language) and I'm hoping to go to cooking school next year. If I'm not planning my next gathering, there's a good chance I'm planning someone else's.

What is your personal motto?
Lift while you climb.

What causes are you passionate about?
I'm especially passionate about mentorship, particularly for young women. I've been a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles for the past five years, and it's one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Watching my Little Sister grow in confidence, dream bigger, and discover what she's capable of has been incredible. Mentorship is a two-way street, though and while I hope I'm helping her navigate life, she's definitely shifted my perspective on the world and what's most important.

Do you volunteer? If so, where?
Yes, I'm a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles and a volunteer chef for Lasagna Love that delivers lasagnas to families in need.

What is an interesting fact about you?
I have a birthmark in my eye!

What is your favorite part of game day?
My favorite part of game day is spotting my family and friends in the stands. No matter how many games they've attended over the years, seeing them there cheering me on never gets old.

If you could make up a cheerleading superpower, what would it be?
The ability to keep my hair flawless and every flyaway disappear, all game long.

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about?
I'm a craft connoisseur - I can never resist a new DIY project or creative hobby!

How do you want people to remember you?
I hope people remember that I always left things a little better than I found them. Whether it was a team, a friendship, or a community, I gave it everything I had and hopefully made the people around me feel like they could do the same. I want my legacy to be measured in people, not accomplishments.

What is a personal goal you are working towards this year?
One of my biggest goals this year is to be more present. I'm someone who naturally loves planning and is always thinking about what's next, so I'm challenging myself to slow down and soak in the moments as they happen. Gold Rush has become one of the few places in my life where it's enough just to be where my feet are and it's a reminder to bring that same mindset into the rest of my life.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
Emma Grede. I came for the fashion, but I stayed for the leadership. I listen to her podcast religiously and admire how candid she is about success, how fiercely she advocates for women, and how she's built an incredible career without compromising who she is. I've always dreamed of having a big career myself, and she's shown me that you can be warm, bubbly, and full of personality while still commanding respect as a leader.

What is your favorite thing about Gold Rush?
My favorite thing about Gold Rush is the people! There's something special about being surrounded by a group that's working toward the same goal while never taking themselves too seriously. Gratitude underpins everything we do, and joy is always the priority. We work hard, but we're also silly, quirky, and genuinely have fun together and I think that's what makes this team so special.

What song gets you pumped up on game day?
Anything our locker room Djs choose - they never miss!

If you were a football player, what position would you play?
Whichever position gets hit the least...so probably the kicker. I'll happily leave the tackling to the professionals!

What is your favorite pregame ritual?
I've become a little superstitious, so I always check the color of the security bands when we arrive. Have I convinced myself certain colors mean it's going to be a great game? Absolutely.

What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm planning one game later in the season where all of my favorite people will be in the stands together. Some of them have never experienced a 49ers game before, so getting to share something that's become such a special part of my life with them will be a really meaningful moment.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Faithful? What do you want us to know about you? 
I hope people know that behind every performance is a team that genuinely loves being together. We work hard, laugh a lot, and care deeply about representing the Faithful well. Getting to be part of that is something I'll never take for granted!