By: Isabella Areyano
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with UCLA’s standout fifth-year gymnast, Carissa Clay, who shared with me her journey of dedication, passion, and self-discovery through gymnastics.
Hailing from San Diego, Carissa began her gymnastics career at just four years old. She laughs now, describing herself as an “extremely hyperactive” child who found her way into sports largely because her parents hoped it would tire her out. By nine, however, her involvement had shifted; she was ready to seriously commit herself to the sport. She began the college recruiting process even before high school. Navigating college showcases and talking to coaches at such a young age felt surreal, she recalls.
“I didn’t know anything about colleges in middle school… I was kind of just there, doing gymnastics… like, what do I say? I’m not even old enough to drive,” she joked.
Though UCLA had always been her dream school, Carissa completed a successful four-year undergraduate run at the University of Kentucky. After graduating, she faced a tough choice: pursue another season or move onto new career endeavors. The transfer portal was more competitive than ever with athletes using their final COVID-extended year of eligibility, but when her dream school came calling, the decision became clear.
“I was going back and forth about doing gymnastics another year… but I didn’t feel like I was done yet. And then when UCLA reached out, I knew I couldn’t say no.”
Throughout her career, Carissa has leaned heavily on the unwavering support of her family, her longtime club coaches, and especially her Kentucky teammates. She shared that the decision to leave them was difficult, like leaving family, but they were very helpful and supportive.
Carissa has grown in both mindset and resilience over her years as a gymnast. Early on, mistakes or losses weighed on her heavily, with the ups and downs of competition often consuming her personal life. She recalls that as a child, and even in high school and the beginning of college, that she was really hard on herself if she had a bad competition.
“It would really overtake my personal life,” she admitted.
But a recent fall during UCLA’s first practice meet this year gave her a moment of self-reflection.
“If this were me two years ago, I would be sobbing on the floor just because I fell.”
As she’s grown, she’s learned not to let her performance define her sense of self.
“Now that I’m more mature and don’t find my identity in my sport, my coping mechanism is just moving on—telling myself I can learn from this and use it for next time.”
She spoke with gratitude about the shift in her approach to the sport.
“I learned to look at things as more of a process rather than an outcome. I let myself celebrate the small victories… just being happy where my feet are.”
For Carissa, the challenges of collegiate competition pushed her to seek balance outside of gymnastics. Growing up competing in a small YMCA gym, she was often the top gymnast, which created high expectations and pressure she’d carry into college.
“Going to college was a wake-up call. I wasn’t the best on my team anymore, so I had to find other things I enjoyed so it wouldn’t completely take over my brain.”
It was during her sophomore year that her journey of self-discovery took on new meaning. At the invitation of three teammates, Carissa attended a church service that would become a turning point in her walk of faith and her career.
“The main message of the sermon was: you are enough, and your true identity lies in Christ. That was the day I felt like Jesus was calling me on the phone, and I had to answer it.”
Since then, her faith has been the foundation she leans on, especially when facing adversity.
“If I have a bad day, I can just go home, open up the Bible, and figure it out.”
Her mantra now is simple yet powerful: “Pray about it. Be patient. Wait.”
Reflecting on her growth, Carissa acknowledged how her faith has shaped her understanding of who she is beyond her sport.
“There are so many things that are bigger than my sport… Sports don’t last forever, so that’s not something I can find my identity in.”
When asked what she wishes more people knew about her, Carissa’s response captured her genuine and unwavering commitment to her faith. “My #1 goal is to be a light in everyone’s lives. Gymnastics is in my life because God had a plan for me to glorify Him, and that’s why I do it.”
Carissa Clay’s journey is one of perseverance, growth, and purpose. Her story reminds us that, while achievements in sports are thrilling, it’s finding meaning beyond the routines and titles that makes the journey worth every step.
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