Rising Stars: Meet DeAira Jackson of Fontana, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAira Jackson.

Hi DeAira, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Southern California, and soccer has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing at a young age, and over time, it became much more than a sport — it taught me discipline, leadership, and how to push through adversity.
I went on to play collegiate soccer at Cal State Fullerton, where I grew not only as a goalkeeper but as a person. Those years shaped my mindset and gave me a foundation that carried into my professional journey. After college, I earned the opportunity to play for the Utah Royals in the NWSL, which has been an incredible experience and a dream realized.
Off the field, I’ve always been passionate about growth and creativity. I’m an entrepreneur, content creator, and advocate for empowering young women to chase their goals with confidence. Every step of my journey — from early mornings on the field to late nights building my vision — has been about staying true to who I am and continuously evolving.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful. There have been challenges at every level, from battling self-doubt to learning how to stay mentally strong when things don’t go as planned.
As a goalkeeper, you live in a world of constant pressure — one mistake can change everything. I’ve had to learn how to handle that mentally, how to bounce back, and how to trust myself even when the outcome isn’t perfect. There were also times when I questioned my path, whether that was dealing with injuries, uncertainty about opportunities, or balancing soccer with school, work, and personal life.
But through it all, those experiences built resilience. Every setback taught me something about patience, persistence, and faith. It’s never been easy, but it’s been worth it — and I wouldn’t trade the lessons for anything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional soccer player for the Utah Royals in the NWSL, where I play as a goalkeeper. My job goes beyond just making saves — it’s about being a leader, communicating under pressure, and bringing calm to chaotic moments. Goalkeeping requires a unique mix of confidence, focus, and fearlessness, and I take pride in being someone my teammates can rely on in those critical moments.
Beyond the field, I’m also an entrepreneur and content creator. I love finding ways to inspire others through creativity and authenticity — whether that’s showing the behind-the-scenes grind of being a pro athlete, sharing motivational messages, or building projects that empower women to chase their goals unapologetically.
What I’m most proud of is my growth — both personally and professionally. Every stage of my journey has required me to evolve, adapt, and believe in myself even when no one else could see the vision. I think what sets me apart is my ability to stay grounded while still dreaming big. I’m not afraid to be vulnerable, to show the real side of the athlete life, and to connect with people in a way that feels genuine.
At the end of the day, my goal is to keep using my platform to show others that success isn’t just about where you end up — it’s about who you become along the way.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who have supported and believed in me along the way.
My biggest mentor, supporter, and cheerleader has always been my mom, Regena Weatherford. She’s been there through every stage of my journey — from early morning practices to late-night talks when things felt uncertain. She’s taught me the importance of hard work, faith, and perseverance. Her constant support and belief in me have been the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished.
I also owe a lot to my teammates and coaches who helped shape my development. Playing under Coach Chris Cissell at Grand Canyon University and Club Coach Randy Brown were pivotal experiences in my growth. They both challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, believed in my potential, and helped me refine not just my skills but my mindset as a leader and competitor.
Having that kind of support system — from my mom to my coaches and teammates — has made all the difference in my journey and continues to motivate me to keep striving for more.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djthegk/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@djthegk?_r=1&_t=ZP-91LaEBIRorP