Welcome to Texas Lady Crushers!

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to cultivate an inclusive, educational and supportive space for women and non-gender conforming individuals who share a passion for climbing. Whether you have been “crushing” (climber-slang for “climbing hard”) since day one or you want to try a new activity, you are welcome at any of our meet-ups.

Photo by: Eliza Earle

Meet the Team

Emilie Hernandez (she/her)

Founder

Emilie Hernandez founded Texas Lady Crushers in January 2017. She is a certified Single Pitch Instructor with the American Mountain Guides Association, is Wilderness First Aid Certified, a Personal Chef by trade, bilingual in Spanish and English, and a classically trained violinist. She grew up San Antonio, Texas and currently lives with her husband, son, and two dogs in the Austin hill country.

Photo by: Savannah Cummins

Bree Jameson (she/her)

Director of Community Impact

New Orleans native Bree Jameson is the mom of 13-year-old twin boys, and a community champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in green spaces. She has a healthy obsession with caving, aero-yoga, kayaking and rock climbing. She is the chair of the Diversity Committee for the National Speleological Society, a member of the San Antonio River Authority's Environmental Action Committee and is the subject of J.E.D.I. Training Film. Bree is also a PSIA AASI Alpine Level 1 ski instructor and is working to become an AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor.

Photo by Hannah Zamora

TxLC Leaders: What got you interested in climbing?

  • Becca Swaim (she/her)

    Being outdoors, the opportunity the travel to cool places to climb, and honestly the climbing community is just so awesome and supportive!

  • Alayna Hillard (she/her)

    I always thought that climbing would be the ideal physical, mental, and even social challenge!

  • Elle (she/her)

    I wanted to learn a new skill that would complement my backpacking and hiking hobbies

  • Laura Chiu (she/her)

    Both physically and mentally challenging, climbing is a great way to get in the present moment. The community is so supportive and welcoming to all.

  • Tambrey Gardner (she/her)

    I was burnt out from covid and was looking for a hobby to help me find a sense of community.

  • Darline de La Vega (she/her/they)

    Climbing drew me in as a way to push myself physically and mentally, all while being incredibly fun!

  • Jessica Gunzinger (she/her)

    I got hooked on climbing because I love being outdoors + catching a sweet view at the chains, and the flow of moving through a route makes my soul happy!

  • Tiffany (she/her)

    I wanted to pick up a new hobby that'd get me outside, provide exercise, and offer opportunities to make some friends! Climbing seemed like just the thing ~