View the best photos from the San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders' performance during the team's first preseason game, including a joint pregame performance with the Junior Gold Rush!
Each week, 49ers.com gives you a behind-the-scenes look at members of the 49ers Gold Rush. This week, we meet rookie squad member Erin, a dance instructor from Redondo Beach, Calif., and three-year veteran Gabriela from Livermore, Calif. Gabriela has as master's degree in Human Factors/Ergonomics Engineering.
Can you walk us a through a day in your life?GABRIELA: I wake up and spend time playing with my puppy Bellamy, before I start my day. I usually work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which consits of running user research studies on design. Based on the findings I develop research reports that include design recommendations to improve the product's ease of use intuitiveness. I still find time to go to the gym, where I workout and take acro-yoga classes in between my busy schedule. After I workout I like to walk to the yummy cafes and refuel with food and coffee before I head back to my little pup!
If you were a tourist in San Francisco, what three things would be on your must do list?ERIN:A stop at Bob's Donuts is an absolute must, the crumb donut is my favorite! I love the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park, they are always a beautiful sight and of course a sunset walk on Baker Beach is the perfect way to end the day!*
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Do you have any pets?ERIN: I've always loved animals. At home I have two mini dachshunds named Dodger and Vienna. I also plan to adopt to cat!
What is your most embarrassing moment?
ERIN: My most embarrassing moment would be all of middle school.
GABRIELA: I was performing in a halftime show at a high school football game. We rallied off the field where I wanted to do a high kick, but when I went for the high kick I slipped and fell straight on my bottom. I quickly got up and tried to hide amongst the girls, but it was so embarrassing!
What is your dream job?
GABRIELA: I would love to work at SpaceX and work in operations for the next human spaceflight. My ultimate dream would be to evaluate user interfaces that serve astronauts for future spaceflights.
Who is the most inspirational person in your life?
ERIN: That would have to be mom, she has always been my inspiration. No matter what is going on, she remains positive and makes everyone around her laugh. I admire in her in so many ways, but especially her ability to make other people feel happy.
GABRIELA: My father came from Romania. He showed me that you have to have a strong work ethic and to work hard. My mother, a successful minority woman, taught me to always dream big and be dedicated because anything is possible.
What have you learned from being a member of the Gold Rush?
ERIN: Being a member of the Gold Rush involves much more than rhinestones and dancing. Members of the team defy all negative stereotypes of professional cheerleaders and are so incredibly passionate about what they do in support the 49ers. We all individually greatly contribute to the success of the whole team, in both performing on the field and uniting with each other just like a football team.
GABRIELA:To always enjoy the small moments in life and be present. It's amazing how time flies, it's my third year on the squad and it feels like it was yesterday that we were cutting the ribbon at Levi's® Stadium.
