Name: Katelyn
Nickname: Thorny
Tenure: 3rd Season
Hometown: Danville
Occupation: Speech-Language Pathologist
College: Texas Christian University, University of Southern California
Degree: Master's in Speech-Language Pathology
Hobbies: Hiking, yoga, baking cookies, puzzles, mat pilates

Favorites
Song: Adore You – Miley Cyrus
Quote: Maya Angelou — "Nothing can dim the light that shines from within."
App: New York Times Games
Travel Destination: Bali, Indonesia
Holiday: Fourth of July
Color: Jade Green

What is your personal motto?
"I am grounded in love, guided by light."

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about healthcare and ensuring people receive the services they need. A healthy person has a million wishes, but a sick person has just one: to be healthy. Finding proper care can be exhausting, expensive, and discouraging, so it's extremely important to me that people get the right care to live their best possible life. I am always researching ways to improve healthcare systems and tools for everyone.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'm most proud to have earned my master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at USC. Grad school was challenging, but it pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I also made lifelong friendships that I am so grateful for.

Tell us more about your job.
I'm living my dream as a Speech-Language Pathologist! I provide speech therapy to children in homes and preschools across San Francisco, helping them reach developmental milestones and build confidence. I work alongside my best friend, where we challenge each other to grow, work hard, and have fun. The children I work with light up my life and remind me daily of the joy in laughter and play. Staying connected to your inner child is so important!

Who or what inspires you?
My dad has inspired me from the very beginning. He is the hardest worker I know and has always believed in everything I set my mind to. His love, support, grace, humility, and kindness shaped who I am today. As a former college athlete, he instilled in me a deep love for sports, especially football, which I am forever grateful for.

What is your favorite memory at Levi's Stadium?
One of my favorite memories was the NFC Championship against the Detroit Lions. At halftime, Journey performed "Don't Stop Believin'," and our entire team sang together. The energy was electric, and we cheered the 49ers on to the Super Bowl!

What's your favorite part of Game Day?
My favorite part is being with teammates, coaches, the glam squad, line guys, and Levi's Stadium staff. Coming together for a full day and being part of something greater than yourself is unforgettable. The energy is unmatched—everyone supports and hypes each other up, creating an incredible environment.

What do you like most about being a member of the Gold Rush?
I love being part of a team full of personality and love! We look out for each other and bring out the best in one another. It's an honor to be part of a group that chases their dreams while being positive lights in the world. The memories and opportunities are extra special when we are together.

How has being a part of Gold Rush affected your life?
Gold Rush has pushed me to become the best version of myself and challenged me to grow. I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire youth to chase their dreams. Dancing for the 49ers reminds me to encourage others to find their passion and never give up.

Who is a woman in sports that inspires you?
Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson inspire me. Both are successful TV hosts and sports commentators who paved the way for women in a male-dominated field. Their perseverance, humor, confidence, and ability to make every NFL event fun and chic are remarkable. I also enjoy their podcast for NFL insights and entertainment.