By Matt Browning

Zoe Barnard of Wichita Trinity was chosen for the YMCA #YiBelong feature for May. Barnard has been involved with gymnastics since she was two, where she started at the YMCA.

“I started out in the mommy and me classes when I was two, and then started competing when I was seven,” Barnard said. “I switched over to the Andover YMCA in seventh grade to compete and started working there as soon as I turned 16.”

Barnard said the YMCA has become a safe place for her and she considers it a home away from home. Barnard is a level seven gymnast and competes in vault, bars, floor and beam.

“Between my coaches and my friends, I never fail to laugh every day and have a great time,” Barnard said. “I know that the friends I have made with my coaches and other gymnasts there will last a lifetime.”

She also participates in cross country, soccer, basketball and choir at Trinity. Next year Barnard plans to attend Wichita State on track to become a nurse in three years.

Zoe is a great example of how the Y is a place where every athlete and coach belongs.