

Monday Morning Cheerleader: Olivia of the 49ers

One of San Francisco's finest pompom shakers on Jim Harbaugh, Frank Gore, the Super Bowl, and So You Think You Can Dance. Yeah.

And in the NFL's eighth week, the St. Louis Rams got their first win — over the Saints. Also: Michael Vick shredded the Cowboys, the Steelers man-handled the Pats, and Tim Tebow looked pretty terrible in a loss to the Lions.

But out in San Francisco, the Jim Harbaugh Carnival of Fun rolled on, as the 49ers took care of Colt McCoy and the Browns, 20-10. Here to talk about this revitalized, 6-1 Niners squad is first-year Gold Rush member Olivia, a full-time college student and dance instructor with a healthy appreciation for 330-pound wide receivers.

ESQ: So, any handshake issues this week?

OLIVIA: I don't think so. Things were under control in that area. Nothing like last game against Detroit.

ESQ: Well, nice win. That's five in a row.

OLIVIA: I know. They're on a roll. Everybody is thinking playoffs.

ESQ: What's been the key?

OLIVIA: I think Coach Harbaugh has created this atmosphere — there's a lot of camaraderie and positive energy. And great defense. Honestly, I think our defense is the best part of our team.

ESQ: Speaking of defense, rookie Aldon Smith had another sack. That's six and a half on the season. Defensive Rookie of the Year?

OLIVIA: Totally. He's really been proving himself.

ESQ: You haven't been 6-1 since 1998. Is all of San Francisco in a better mood this year?

OLIVIA: Absolutely. In the city, you're seeing a lot more people with 49ers jerseys on, and a lot more people are talking about the team. There's a really good, optimistic vibe in town right now.

ESQUIRE: Are you surprised at all by the success?

OLIVIA: A little. In the preseason, we didn't know what to expect. With the lockout, a bunch of new players, and a new coach, there was some uncertainty. But we're rolling now.

ESQ: Frank Gore passed Roger Craig to move to second all-time on the 49ers career rushing list. Is he the best running back in franchise history?

OLIVIA: He's been huge. He's definitely the best running back the 49ers have had in a long time. I'm not sure about all time. I don't want to offend anyone from way back.

ESQ: Very diplomatic of you. Got a Super Bowl prediction?

OLIVIA: I'll say 49ers-Jets. That would be cool. I came from New York to San Francisco, so it would be nice to see a New York team in there.

ESQ: So who gets your game ball?

OLIVIA: I'd say Isaac Sopoaga. He's this huge defensive tackle, like six-foot-two and 330 pounds, and he caught an 18-yard pass in the fourth quarter. It was amazing to see a guy that big running with the ball. The crowd went crazy, it was such a fun moment.

ESQ: How do you like cheering at Candlestick?

OLIVIA: Trick question! Candlestick is cool. The first time I stepped into it, I was like, Wow. But it's so close to the Bay, it can get kind of chilly. Especially in our costumes. And traffic is a huge problem. We're building a stadium in Santa Clara that should be ready by 2014. It's going to be state-of-the-art, with a lot more parking, and it should be a bit warmer. So I'm definitely looking forward to that.

ESQ: It's a good time to be a 49ers fan.

OLIVIA: It is. We had a few tough years there, but we're on the road back to redemption.

ESQ: We see that you were one of the final 26 girls on season 8 of So You Think You Can Dance. Can't believe we're asking this, but what's something most people don't realize about that show?

OLIVIA: That we're all sleep-deprived! If you're one of the 200 dancers that make it to Las Vegas for Hell Week, they get you up at 5 a.m. and you're dancing until like 11 or 12 at night. One time we were up until 3 a.m.! They push you to your limit just to see how you'll react. But I definitely learned a lot and I plan to try out again next year.

ESQ: So does a man have to be able to dance to date you?

OLIVIA: Not necessarily. I would prefer if they could dance a little, but it's not a make-or-break thing.

ESQ: So what is?

OLIVIA: They have to have an active lifestyle, that's important to me. They have to be intelligent and they have to make me laugh. Handsome doesn't hurt either.

(Click here for more on the 49ers cheerleaders and their swimsuit calendar.)

COMING TUESDAY: Tom Chiarella on Monday Night Football...


Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Sports