Cloe Coscoy started climbing when she was 13. photo Ross Fulkerson

When did you first realize you had a passion for climbing?

I started climbing at Bridges Rock Gym when I was 13. I had done a lot of sports prior to that: swimming, cross country, track, tennis. I loved all of those but never had any close friends at practice. When I started climbing I met a lot of people at the gym and quickly felt like I was a part of a  great community there. It definitely took time for me to develop a real love for climbing. It wasn’t until I started doing competitions and experienced those unique challenges that I decided to dedicate myself to the sport.

Close has previously competed in the USA Climbing Youth Series. photo Ross Fulkerson

What are your earliest memories of being involved in the sport?

I used to compete in the Northern California Youth Climbing League (YCL). My dad would drive me to competitions around NorCal and we would go to In N Out afterwards. I really looked forward to those weekends, and the series was a great introduction to competition climbing for me. 

What are any early successes you had in the sport?

I made the Youth Bouldering National Finals every year that I competed in the USA Climbing Youth Series. However, the first two years I did not do well enough in the Final to qualify for the Youth National Team. Being so close, and feeling that it was possible for me to make the team gave me a lot of motivation throughout the year. I trained a lot and spent a lot of time in the gym in an effort to improve by a few placements at the following Youth Nationals.

Cloe has gone on to compete in and have several successes at the Boulder World Cup. photo Ross Fulkerson

What have been your biggest accomplishments in the sport to date?

My 2022 Boulder World Cup season was definitely my most exciting. I went into the first Boulder World Cup, Meiringen, with no expectations just hoping to make the most of the experience and enjoy every moment on the mats. I carried that feeling throughout the season, and although my expectations did evolve,  I prioritized that enjoyment and made all 6 Boulder Semifinals that season. I ended in 13th on the Boulder World Rank.

Where are some of the most interesting places the sport has taken you?

Traveling for competition has been an incredible gift that I certainly don’t take for granted. It has taken me to Ibarra, Ecuador; Seoul, South Korea; Chamonix, France; and Morioka, Japan. Going to these places for competition has ensured that I have friends there people excited to explore with me, whether on the US Team or on other national teams.

Cloe is currently training and working towards World Cup goals. photo Ross Fulkerson

What are you currently training for and what aspirations do you have for the future?

Currently, I am training for the 2023 National Team Selection competition in March. This competition is the final step in qualifying for the World Cup season, where I have greater aspirations. The biggest goal right now, and first step towards World Cup goals, is to make the 2023 Combined National Team.

Do you have tips for any of our readers who may be looking to take up climbing?

There are so many climbing gyms opening up everywhere. If you’ve never been, I recommend getting a few friends together and getting some day passes and rental shoes (many gyms also have student nights where those may be discounted). Staff are often pretty friendly and will give you a quick introduction of how the grades work if it is your first time! For the first few years of climbing I’d say to just enjoy it and do climbs that are fun for you. As you look to improve it becomes important to step out of your comfort zone a little.

Where can our readers find out more about you and your achievements?