V3 SPORTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Founding Director
- Member of the Board of Directors
- V3 Coach, Executive Director, Founder
Erika's commitment to equality and access to opportunities for all is what led her to establish V3 Sports. An athlete, Erika worked at the Jack Cornelius Boys & Girls Club (B&GC) in Minneapolis where she was the first female Athletic Director, developing and growing female sports programming while also strengthening and growing male sports programming. While biking the length of the Mississippi River to raise funds for B&GC, she was encouraged to try triathlon, subsequently earning many national and world titles.
She earned her USA Triathlon Coaching Certification and launched V3 Sports to bring the sport of triathlon to underrepresented Minneapolis youth. She has dual masters degrees in Organizational Leadership and Biomechanics of Exercise and Nutrition and has been recognized extensively for her community work. V3 reflects her selfless commitment to urban youth; she knows God placed this vision in her heart and is excited for V3 Sports to expand via the V3 Center.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Operations
Job Titles:
- Administrative Services Manager
Jayda Pounds graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Degree in entrepreneurship and a minor in theology. After graduation, she worked for a small environmental non-profit where she engaged the community in energy saving opportunities, camps for youth, and various events and opportunities. During that time, Jayda decided to take a deeper dive into entrepreneurship and engaged the community with pop-ups that promoted black businesses and entrepreneurship. To build a stronger entrepreneurial foundation, Jayda went back to school, where she earned her Master's of Science in Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College. Jayda now works at V3 Sports as the Administrative Services Manager.
Luke joined the V3 team in Spring 2023, bringing 15+ years experience from his time with the University of Minnesota. Luke began his career at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center, spending ten years delivering a premium experience for the many world class events held there.
After completing his Masters Degree in Sports Management at the University of Minnesota, Luke moved into operations where he would spend the next six years managing the maintenance, projects and custodial services at the University's Recreation & Wellness Center and adjacent facilities.
Luke has also served for ten years on the Minnesota Swimming Board of Directors, including a term as General Chair, developing a strong administrative knowledge of the club swimming landscape.
A hands-on and compassionate leader, Luke enjoyed mentoring many students and staff on the UMN campus and is excited to develop a new operations team to serve North Minneapolis!
Not only was Malik Rucker born and raised in North Minneapolis, he is a fifth-generation Northsider. Having grown up in the neighborhood and now serving as the Executive Director for V3 Sports, his role is just as meaningful as it is impactful. "V3 Sports is the perfect place for me to be, to bring the energy of this community together to offer young people and families opportunities to learn, grow and support each other."
Malik has been part of V3 Sports since March 2020. He most recently served as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement, where he worked with the community to ensure V3 Sports aligns with the needs of North Minneapolis residents, whether it's to maintain their fitness, gain access to programs that teach water safety and other life skills, take advantage of out of school time and STEAM options for kids, or serve as a gathering place for community members.
Malik graduated from Cooper High School in 2013 and played Division-I football for the University of Iowa and then Western Michigan University, where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Sports Management. He received an MBA from University of North Texas.
A strong leader with a heart for elevating our community, Malik is excited and honored to serve at V3 Sports.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors