AKD Founder Celebrates 49ers Gold Rush 30th Reunion

Gold Rush Alumni Lori Fonzi, Angela and Karen McDonald 

In late September, AKD Founder and CEO Angela King-Twitero returned to Northern California to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders. This marked another incredible achievement for Angela and Angela King Designs.

Angela is one of 14 original members of the 1983 team. She went on to cheer for seven years, including three Super Bowls, each resulting in a win for the team and a Super Bowl Ring for Angela. In a natural progression, Angela moved into management with the 49ers, and directed the cheerleaders for five years, which included one more Super Bowl Championship. 

AKD design worn by the Gold Rush in 2010.

During her years with the 49ers, Angela began her career as a costume designer, having the opportunity to design many of the uniforms worn by her team and countless others in the NFL, NBA, NHL and beyond. Today, many continue to regard Gold Rush costuming as some of the most unique and memorable costumes ever worn by NFL Cheerleaders. The organization even featured Angela's designs in a special 30-year tribute display.  

“When I was a cheerleader and dancer," said Angela, "I felt the need for a better costume. As a dancer, my costumes were being made by people who didn’t dance. People who weren’t ever a member of a team, let alone a professional dance/cheer team. I knew something needed to change. That’s why I started AKD. Dancers needed costumes made by a dancer. It was important then and is still very important today.” 

Angela with 1983 teammates in custom AKD jackets

During her weekend in San Francisco, Angela performed alongside hundreds of other alumni cheerleaders during the 49ers - Colts home game at Candlestick Park. Angela was involved in a special tribute to the original 1983 team, presenting each alumna with an AKD bomber jacket customized with their Super Bowl years on the sleeve. 

On behalf of Angela King Designs, we would like to congratulate Angela on this milestone achievement and thank her for years of service to the NFL Cheerleading industry. Thank you Angela! 

Learn More About Angela King-Twitero

See Other Historical AKD NFL Costumes

Angela holds a montage of photos presented to her at the Gold Rush Reunion. 

Angela conducts a TV interview after the halftime performance at Candlestick Park.

Angela performing during rehearsal at Candlestick Park.

Congratulations Angela King-Twitero!