Climber Interview : Maddy Volo

Dynamite Starfish family!

Thanks so much for being here. This week has been awesome all around. We were a vendor at the 2020 Pan-American Olympic Qualifiers for rock climbing at Sender One LAX, and it was a blast meeting climbers and spectators from all over the Americas.

Our climber interview this week is with the strong and lovely Maddy Volo! We met Maddy at an indoor rock climbing event for women and couldn't get enough of her energy. We're psyched to get out and climb with her in a couple weeks in Joshua Tree!

Without further delay, here's MADDY!

photo: @harrisonvoorhees

Q1: To start, what are a few ways you identify yourself? (some examples: name, age, pronouns, type of work you do.) But really, anything you believe is important.

A1: Hi, my name is Maddy (she/her)! I am 25 years old and I am an analytical
chemist working in the environmental field.

photo: Michael Montella - @michaelmontellaphoto

Q2: How did you start climbing?

A2: I went to a friend's birthday party at a local climbing gym. I was 11 and I loved it! At the end of the party one of the instructors told me about the youth climbing club at the gym and I joined. Pretty soon after that I started on the competitive youth team and competed for about 8 years on the youth circuit.

Q3: What impact has climbing had on your life?

A3: Climbing has been an integral part of my identity for the majority of my life. I have dabbled in pretty much every realm of the climbing world and it has taught me so many lessons that have shaped me to be the person I am today. It has given me strength and confidence and pushed me out of my comfort zone. It has helped me learn to be ok with being uncomfortable and to continually push myself. I am also thankful for the supportive and psyched climbing community I have been apart of over the years.

photo: Kevin Tu - @kvn.tu

Q4: What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?

A4: I love to cook, do crossword puzzles and spend time with my family and house full of animals (we have 4 cats and 2 English bulldogs).

photo: Kevin Tu - @kvn.tu

Q5: If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?

A5: Be kind to each other

You can find Maddy on Instagram at @maddyvolo

We hope you have enjoyed these sneak peeks into climbers' lives. We're on a mission to share diverse stories about rock climbing. Let's push the boundaries of who we consider "climbers." We're using our energy and passion for the outdoors to love our environment and inspire one another.

Until next week!