Lindsey Pallares is a name that resonates across the stadiums of the NFL, capturing the spirit of sports journalism from the sidelines. Not your typical cheerleader or referee, she serves as the team reporter for the San Francisco 49ers, where her decade of experience since graduating from UCLA informs her keen interviewing skills. “There are heartwarming stories, comeback stories, inspiring stories. You get so much out of the sports world,” she notes, a reflection of her passion for connection—as if every conversation is a new play unfolding on the field.

Her journey is interwoven with the immigrant narrative of her parents, who emigrated from Ecuador and Mexico, respectively, driven by dreams of a better life. Although they started from humble beginnings and worked various jobs—including cleaning and serving in restaurants—they eventually opened a successful tax business. Lindsey attributes her relentless drive to their example, recalling, “Neither of my parents come from money. The motivation was a better life,” a mantra that resonates deeply within her own professional pursuits.

As one might expect, her path was not without its own twists. Initially, UCLA was far from her dream school, yet hindsight found her rooted in its embrace. “But looking back, I can’t imagine going anywhere else,” she reflects, a sentiment that ties her educational foundations with her mission in life. Her career trajectory, from small-market television to the electrifying environment of NFL reporting, has not only been about personal growth but also about paving the way for representation in a field where women are still carving out space.

In a profession often dominated by men, Pallares finds strength in community, engaging with fellow female reporters through a supportive text chain. “There’s actually a good contingent of team reporters who are women,” she asserts, hinting at a gradual shift toward equity. As a Latina and a media professional, she embraces the responsibility to inspire the next generation, epitomizing the idea that her successes are, in fact, a reflection of her community. “I want to have a positive impact on younger journalists; I want to inspire them to contribute to my community,” she says—persistence and stillness interlaced in every word.