From flipping in the backyard at age 6 to representing Team USA on the international stage, Zoey Molomo’s gymnastics journey has been fueled by an early and undeniable love for the sport. Along the way, she has faced injuries that tested her both mentally and physically but ultimately strengthened her resilience and deepened her appreciation for gymnastics.
As a member of the SHERO Athlete Collective, Molomo is embracing mentorship, personal growth, and the balance of elite gymnastics with future college opportunities. With her future at UCLA already feeling like a dream come true and big elite goals still ahead, she is eager to begin her next chapter in blue and gold.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: Metroplex Gymnastics
College team: UCLA
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics? Can you remember the moment or feeling that made you realize it was your sport?
I remember being six years old, coming back from practice every day, and going in the backyard to keep flipping. I knew I loved it because I never wanted to stop. Any chance I had to flip, I was flipping, whether it was at practice, on my couch, or outside!
What’s one moment in your gymnastics journey you’ll never forget? Whether it’s a big win or a quiet milestone, what made it special?
Making the National Team for the first time was a big one for me! I was just so excited. I also earned my first international assignment at the same time. Being able to compete for Team USA is something I’ll never forget!
What skill took you the longest to master, and how did it feel when you finally nailed it?
I would say a Pak Salto on bars! It felt amazing, and I loved the feeling of flying.
You are a part of the SHERO Athlete Collective, along with other gymnasts like Jordan Chiles and Simone Rose. Can you tell me a little more about that and what it’s like representing that movement?
SHERO is a collective all about mentoring and helping the next generation of young athletes! It’s such an honor to be mentored by someone like Jordan Chiles. Also, experiencing this alongside my teammate and friend Simone makes it so much fun. It feels great to be a student and learn the ropes about what balancing elite, college, and NIL opportunities looks like. Representing SHERO means so much to me, and I hope younger gymnasts can see that you can excel in your sport and in life!
We’d love to hear more about your recruiting experience. What stood out to you most on your UCLA visit, and what made it the place for you?
I always joke and say that UCLA is different. I honestly loved everything about every school I visited, but what stood out to me about UCLA was just everyone’s energy and love for the school. It felt so perfect for me, and I knew even if I wasn’t doing gymnastics, I would want to be at UCLA. There’s truly no other school!
Had you always envisioned yourself as a Bruin, or did the visit seal the deal in a way you didn’t expect?
I always envisioned myself as a Bruin. My visit was just icing on the cake and confirmed what I always knew!
Looking ahead, do you have any more elite aspirations, and do you see yourself continuing elite competition during your college career?
Yes! I have so many goals for elite gymnastics, and I definitely want to continue elite while also doing college gym!
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?
My coach, Marnie! Not only does she care about me as a gymnast, but she cares about me as a person far more! She pays such attention to detail and goes above and beyond for all of her athletes. Her passion and love for the sport make working with her so easy, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her!
Gymnastics is full of highs and lows—what’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and how has overcoming it shaped you as both an athlete and a person?
Definitely dealing with injuries. Getting surgery is super tough, and basically having to relearn all of your skills is very frustrating at times. Overcoming my injuries has shown me how strong I really am, not just physically but also mentally. I think I’ve become more appreciative, and every day I’m so grateful to be able to do gymnastics!
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience—both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
As a gymnast, just getting out of my comfort zone! I’m very excited for the change and being in a new environment. Personally, I’m excited to have more freedom, meet people from different walks of life, and hopefully meet lifelong friends!
What’s something on your college gymnastics bucket list?
Winning a Natty!
Rapid Fire Questions
Vault, bars, beam, or floor? Vault
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore? Chae Campbell, Alex McMurtry, Jordan Chiles, Ashleigh Gnat
What’s your most-used emoji? 😇
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions? Praying with my mom before every competition
What’s one of your gymnastics pet peeves? When a coach gives an assignment, and everyone’s acting confused 😭
What’s a hidden talent people may not know about? I can bake!
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to work in sports! Possibly sports marketing or sports journalism
What’s your favorite leotard your college team has worn? This one, this one, or this one!
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Article by Courtney Varrichio
