Nola Matthews is no stranger to the national spotlight. A longtime elite and current U.S. National Team member, the Gilroy, California, native has made her mark with her signature artistry, solid and consistent all-around work, and fan-favorite floor routines. A veteran of five U.S. Championships (with a sixth on the horizon), Matthews is a future UCLA Bruin eager to bring her expressive style and elite experience to the NCAA stage.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: Airborne Gymnastics
College team: UCLA
Hometown: Gilroy, California
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?
I fell in love with gymnastics at a very early age because I loved flipping my body around, and it helped burn off the excess energy I had as a little kid! I started in Mommy and Me classes at age two, and seeing the older girls do higher-level skills made me want to do the same.
What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?
Making the U.S. National Team and committing to UCLA have been the biggest highlights. It has been truly surreal to accomplish these goals of mine that I thought were just dreams growing up.
What goals are you most excited about this season?
I’m excited to compete at my sixth U.S. Championships and finish my last season…
