Moriah Martin, Pioneer senior gymnast, placed 7th in the all-around event at the NCAA National Semifinal Championships last weekend. This was Martin’s third and final year of competing at the NCAA National Championships. Last year, she finished 17th overall.
From the No. 17 Denver gymnastics team, Martin was the only Pioneer represented. Earning a total score of 39.200, Martin is now the fifth gymnast in DU history to earn All-American honors.
With the final meet of her career complete, Martin is now retiring after being a part of the gymnastics community for 20 years.
“I basically grew up in a gym,” Martin said. “It’s weird to think that after this meet I will be retired. It’s been my whole life.”
This past year alone, Martin earned Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference (MRGC) Gymnast of the Week honors on three separate occasions.
Both of Martin’s parents were gymnasts and at the age of two, Martin’s mother was her first coach.
During high school, Martin ruptured her Achilles tendon doing an Arabian Double on floor, which is now one of Martin’s favorite skills. Due to her injury, Martin took off three years of competing, but came back her senior year and was recruited by Denver.
“I came for a visit and I loved the gymnastics program, the school and the city of Denver.”
Competing in all-around, Martin is proficient in each event but has had most of her success on vault. Last year as a junior, Martin scored a perfect 10.00 on vault against Michigan State.
“Getting a 10, it has to be perfect. It had always been my goal so when it finally happened, it was a crazy moment,” said Martin
Upon graduating this spring with a major in psychology and a minor in business, Martin plans to head home to Orlando to pursue a job in the music industry.
“I am open to see where life takes me,” said Martin. “I have really enjoyed my time here. I am going to look back and have a lot of fond memories.”
With years in the gym now over for Martin, her last meet and time competing was bittersweet.
“This team is special,” said Martin. “I am very grateful for everything my coaches and teammates have done for me over the years.”
