Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:00:00) – The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by hosts and guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent the views, thoughts and opinions of UCLA Athletics or UCLA gymnastics. The content of this podcast is strictly for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
Frida Esparza (00:00:18) – Just understanding that we go through phases in life and showing that to the other people understand that they’re not alone. I feel like that’s a good way to, at the very least, inspired people or help them feel less alone. I think my biggest thing is trying to show people that they’re not alone, because there is some point in my life where I felt like I was so. Yeah.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:00:46) – Welcome to the Bruins on Deck edition of the Resilience to Brilliance podcast, where you’ll be inspired by riveting behind the scenes stories from current members of UCLA gymnastics. I’m your host, Kim Hamilton Anthony. Here we go. Frida Esparza was a two time world championship competitor for Mexico. A senior at UCLA, she brings a strong contribution on her favorite event, the uneven bars.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:01:17) – Watching her swing is truly a sight to behold. She has this flow that is so smooth and it looks so effortless. She is really a beautiful athlete to watch. Frida and I sat down for a conversation and she shared her unique resilience to brilliant story that includes, but goes beyond her gymnastics career. She also revealed how her personal experiences may actually end up playing a significant role in the choice of her future career. I left our conversation so impressed with her character, so let’s take a listen to what she had to say. Hey, Frida. Welcome to resilience to Brilliance. How are you today?
Frida Esparza (00:02:03) – Hi. I’m good. Thanks for having me. Oh, my.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:02:05) – Goodness. I’m so glad you’re here. Now I hear that you are a marvel fan big time. Tell me what your favorite Marvel movie is and why.
Frida Esparza (00:02:14) – My favorite Marvel movie is Captain America: The Winter soldier. I love the fight scenes in that movie and the whole storyline. It’s amazing. Just one of my favorite.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:02:26) – , I like that movie too.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:02:27) – Is that the movie where he says, “I can do this all day?”
Frida Esparza (00:02:30) – He says in the first movie, and then he says it in Infinity War.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:02:35) – Oh yes, Infinity Wars. Yes, that’s where I saw that. So you actually know the dialogue? Obviously, you can tell me what movie Captain Marvel said, what line. And that’s that’s pretty fun. So you’re a senior this year. What has that been like for you being a senior big time.
Frida Esparza (00:02:55) – It’s been very different. A lot of people say it goes by fast. Enjoy every moment and you come in as a freshman, you’re like, oh no, like four years. It’s so long. And here I am. I’m a senior and I’m like, wow, it went by so fast. But being in the different role where like, everyone’s asking me advice and like, I’ve been here long enough to be like, oh, this is how you feel when you go through this? Like, I understand what you’re going through. It’s very different, but it feels nice to be able to help other people.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:03:26) – , because you have that experience under your belt, right? Yeah. Now, is it is it true that at one point you didn’t think you would go to college at all? Oh, yeah.
Frida Esparza (00:03:35) – I was homeschooled, so that’s already unconventional in itself. And then the fact that my parents were immigrants and that they just decided to homeschool me, a lot of people would be like, oh, like, she’s not going to get anywhere. Like, this isn’t going to happen. So that kind of stuck with me a bit. And then I remember I was taking some sort of class in high school, and I was giving like statistics of like how likely Hispanic kids were going to like go to college or the community college or like drop out of high school. And just like reading all the stats, I was like, oh, there’s no way. At the time I was like, community college at best, and then we’ll see where I go from there. But my mom was like, no, the statistics are not.
Frida Esparza (00:04:17) – They’re there. But you’re here for a reason. You can break that cycle. You can inspire other kids to not look at that. So then I was like, okay, I’ll start looking into college and then. I ended up here and and to this day. I am still surprised, but I’m very proud.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:04:37) – Really. Way to go, mama. For for not allowing you to define yourself by the statistics that you saw.
Frida Esparza (00:04:46) – Yeah, I was more worried about the money than she was. I was like, but what if I don’t get a scholarship? Like, I was like, look at how good all those girls are. At the time, I was not up to the same level as UCLA gymnasts. And my mom goes, we’ll figure it out. We always figure it out. So don’t worry about that right now. And I was like, but no, you’re going to have to be doing this and that. She’s like, no, that’s not for you to worry about. She’s like, we’re going to figure this out. You’re going to be fine.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:05:09) – And you are, right? You made it. So you grew up in the Bay area, but you’ve had an opportunity to compete on the Mexican national team. What’s the story behind that? How did that happen?
Frida Esparza (00:05:22) – It was actually my coach’s idea to represent Mexico because she was like, both of your parents are citizens. You can get citizenship, you speak Spanish, you’re very much in tune with the culture. So she was open to doing it because she didn’t think I would be that much of an outsider. And she wouldn’t be like…Pushing someone that shouldn’t be there. I’m very grateful that she did that. She reached out and did everything, and then she just goes, oh yeah, by the way, I did this. And I was like, excuse me?
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:05:50) – Nice.
Frida Esparza (00:05:51) – It was very interesting. I did not I went into that blind. I had no idea what was going to happen. We went there. The culture in gymnastics is much different than here.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:06:04) – How so?
Frida Esparza (00:06:05) – So in the US they have like compulsory and then optionals and that’s the Joe Root.
Frida Esparza (00:06:12) – And then if you want to you go elite., in Mexico, it just goes straight from like their lowest level and then their highest levels are nines and tens. Nines are usually like the junior elites if, like they pick some girls out of there and the tens are like the senior leagues. So yeah, that was very different. I thought that was like really nice.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:06:31) – .mm hum.
Frida Esparza (00:06:32) – It gives everyone an opportunity to go for it, even if that’s not their goal. Also just. Everything’s different. I really don’t know how to explain it, but everything was very different. They don’t have as many gymnasts, so they really took care of the ones that they had. The overall culture was it was more enjoyable for me, and I think it could have also been the fact that I was more in tune with like the Mexican culture overall and the way it related to sports rather than the way it was here in the US. Very grateful for that.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:07:07) – What are some ways that the Mexican culture and sports differ than the US? Are you able to… I know it’s… you were talking about it being difficult to explain, but is there any single thing that stands out that made a difference for you?
Frida Esparza (00:07:24) – The biggest thing that stood out for me was that most of these girls, that’s how they make their living.
Frida Esparza (00:07:31) – So. It’s very important to them.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:07:36) – I see.
Frida Esparza (00:07:37) – Obviously they also don’t have as much attention as like the US national team gets. Me personally, I love it when like other countries get recognition and everything because it’s this sport is like always very dominated by like. 2 or 3 countries at a time. And then, like, you don’t really hear about anyone else. So then if you’re in one of those like countries, it just really feels like from my perspective, when I was in Mexico, it seemed like you really had to enjoy it to be there, because if like, you’re going to be doing that for a living, like you can’t not want to do it.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:08:13) – What I’m hearing you say and you can correct me if I’m wrong. I’m hearing you say this, the level of passion there are different motivators in the with the team in Mexico than perhaps in the US.
Frida Esparza (00:08:27) – Another thing I just realized is here in the US, there’s already so many big names, people that are in it. I feel like they’re trying to be the next this person or like they always have big shoes to fill.
Frida Esparza (00:08:40) – And in Mexico, the history of gymnastics isn’t as big as it is here. So it’s almost like any person that goes in can make a name for themselves, like they have a higher chance of doing that, and it’s not. Only for themselves. I feel like there there’s a stronger connection to the nation than there is here. And it was. Yeah, it was like just seeing the difference. I was like, this is I don’t know how to explain it, but it just made me feel really good to be there.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:09:16) – So you did get to compete representing Mexico and the World Championships in 2018 and 2019, correct? Okay, now you’re at UCLA. So what does it mean to you to represent your culture not only at UCLA but around the world?
Frida Esparza (00:09:34) – I still can’t believe it. I, I remember after my first world, I was getting a bunch of DMs from people saying that they were so happy to see me, like embracing my culture and just representing Mexico in like, such a big way.
Frida Esparza (00:09:52) – And it made me feel really good because I knew I was inspiring younger girls. And even before I made it to my first world, I was at like a national championships. We were all warming up floor and it was like different levels at the same time. This tiny little girl finishes a pass, runs up to me and goes, I admire you so much. Sprints to the other corner to do another pass, and I, I was frozen and I just look at my coach and she goes, are you okay? And I was like, she just I just I think I’m going to cry.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:10:26) – Yes.
Frida Esparza (00:10:27) – That meant so much to me because when I was younger I didn’t have. Any Mexican gymnast to look up to. And by the time I started, actually. Like the 2016 Olympics was the one where I saw Alexa Moreno competing out there. And I was like, wow, like, we are out there. And I was like, she’s amazing. And then getting to compete with her. I was like, oh my God, like I’m with one of my idols.
Frida Esparza (00:10:57) – This is amazing. It felt good to have someone like really young be able to look up to me. Rather than like how I didn’t find someone until I was much older. So it just, I don’t know, it feels really nice.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:11:12) – It’s a part of your legacy, Frida. That’s such a beautiful thing. So let’s go back to UCLA. You’ve gotten some experience under your belt as a collegiate gymnast. How has your approach to this year, your senior year, been different from years past?
Frida Esparza (00:11:29) – I’ll just compare it to every year. My freshman year, I was clueless. I had no idea what was going on. The coaches were just like, okay, you’re going to go on this event. I was like, all right, I salute. And I go, and I’m trying honestly, I’m trying to get back to that because I started overthinking too much. And that’s kind of what made the first few meets really rocky for me. I’ve gotten my skills back so quickly. I’ve been hitting routines like I should be able to hit at a meet like I have to hit, and that was just putting too much pressure on myself.
Frida Esparza (00:12:00) – And I was like, okay, you know, you do really good when you’re absolutely clueless, have no idea what’s going on. So why don’t we just go back to that? So now I’m just in my own little world and they’re like, you’re after this person. I’m like, all right, let’s go. In a way, just going back to my roots.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:12:17) – Yeah, it’s funny because my next question for you was, what advice would you give your freshman self knowing what you know now? So would have you have told her to. Yeah. Just remain clueless. What would you have said.
Frida Esparza (00:12:31) – Stay clueless in terms of doing gymnastics. Just like go in there, head empty. Just have fun.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:12:41) – .Mmm.
Frida Esparza (00:12:42) – Because like after last year I started overthinking a lot because I really wanted to get back to where I was before. And, that’s another thing. My freshman year I was trying so hard to get to where I was before I had my foot surgery. So like around 2018, like that was my peak.
Frida Esparza (00:13:00) – Well, in my head that was like my peak. But I was like, no, I’m I’m a different person. I’ve gotten surgery. My body is different. Covid happened. So I just have to put that aside and do my best to just keep moving forward and be the best version of myself that I can be now. And that’s what I tell myself because I struggled with that.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:13:21) – That’s really good for you too. Now your story is inspiring. Of course. I mean, you’re inspiring young Mexican gymnast and and many others all around the world. And what you’ve accomplished has not been easy. And you’ve had to exercise resilience. So I want to jump into how you’ve been able to be resilient through the years so that you could accomplish all that you have.
Frida Esparza (00:13:48) – One of the biggest things is when I can’t do it for myself, I try to do it for the little Fridas out there also. Most of my career has been fueled out of spite. Really? Like we talked earlier, I didn’t think I was going to get to community college and I mean to UCLA.
Frida Esparza (00:14:07) – So then I was like, let’s do community college. But then. After some time, like my mindset switched and I was like, well, all these people said I wasn’t going to get anywhere, so why don’t I go somewhere and then have them be like, oh, well, I was wrong. So I also do it for them in there. Yeah. So in a way, spite sometimes, feels me. That’s like when I’m. I try to have that be the last resort. But most of the time it’s for the little girls out there so that they have someone that I didn’t have when I was younger.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:14:43) – So you’re hanging in there not just for yourself, but for everyone who is looking up to you. Yeah. So what does being resilient look like for you this season?
Frida Esparza (00:14:54) – I guess it’s being patient with myself. I tend to rush things when I feel like I’m not where I want to be. And it almost always ends up backfiring. So like the beginning of season, I was coming back from being really sick.
Frida Esparza (00:15:12) – And I was trying to just like push through. I was like, when I was really sick, I was able to do this. I should be able to do it now. But I had to be patient. And now, like, I’m stronger and I feel so much better when I’m doing stuff, so. I was trying to, like, push through that. Ended up not being good for me mentally or physically. So then I took a step back and I was like. Being patient is going to be much more useful for me than just trying to, like, go all out and kind of pull myself back a couple steps if I do that. For me, it’s all about just calming myself down.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:15:51) – Now, that’s different than any other answer I’ve heard as I’ve interviewed people about being resilient. Patience. So being resilient can also mean being patient with yourself. Allowing yourself room to heal, to grow, to learn and to move forward.
Frida Esparza (00:16:12) – Because I always whenever I heard resilience, I always thought of like punching down a brick wall.
Frida Esparza (00:16:17) – Like something that’s stopping you. But sometimes you have to take a breath and you’re like, maybe just go around it.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:16:25) – I like it.
Frida Esparza (00:16:26) – Yeah.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:16:28) – You’re getting me excited over here. Yeah. Yes. So sometimes you’re not punching through a wall. You’re like, okay, let me just walk around and go to the other side. Oh, that’s so good for you too.
Frida Esparza (00:16:39) – I’ve observed it in myself when I’m going through a tough time. It’s kind of like it turns into tunnel vision for me. So I need to take a step back, see the full picture, take a deep breath and be like, okay, maybe it’s not happening today, but that’s all right. Just take a deep breath and maybe tomorrow or the next hour is going to be better. So.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:16:58) – .Ah!
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:16:59) – That’s so good, I love it. I love that you have figured out what resilience looks like for you, instead of just going with that standard definition that we were all thinking about. So good, so good. So how do you encourage that person? And maybe you’ve already mentioned some of the things that you would say…
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:17:17) – So the person who’s listening, who’s reading the statistics like you did, who’s saying, you know what, I don’t think I can become what I desire to become or do what I desire to do because the odds are against me. How do you encourage that person to be resilient, to hang in there, to, to move forward in whatever way that looks like for them?
Frida Esparza (00:17:43) – First thing, you are in charge of your own story. Those statistics don’t mean anything because you haven’t gone or decided not to go to college yet. So you’re not. You’re not there yet. I wish someone would have put it that simply for me. And also when it gets really hard, if you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your family. Do it for. The other people you might inspire. Or just as like a big hey, I’m much better than you think I am. Also, do your research. That’s one of the biggest things, one of the biggest things my mom has taught me. Do your research and you’re going to find the help.
Frida Esparza (00:18:27) – Or like any sort of assistance you need to get to where you want to be. Because one of the biggest things that I remember is my mom was working with someone that was a couple years older than me, and her high school counselor was telling her to just drop out, that it wasn’t no worth it. So then my mom was like, no, you keep doing this. You look at your classes, make sure that you have everything. Start at a community college and then transfer somewhere and then see where you get. And pretty sure she already graduated law school. If I’m correct, and she’s going to be an immigration lawyer.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:19:04) – Incredible.
Frida Esparza (00:19:05) – I was like, okay, if my mom can inspire someone that isn’t her own kid, like, I can do it too.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:19:14) – Absolutely. Now I have to meet your mom. I’m. I’m just like, what a positive woman. And for her to to be your biggest cheerleader and to guide you in such amazing ways, and even to live out her brilliance in her community and helping others to do the same is so incredible.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:19:36) – So you. Have overcome the odds. In ways that some people have not been able to do. And I’m sure that you will continue in your resilience journey after you graduate from UCLA. So what are your plans when you graduate?
Frida Esparza (00:19:53) – I guess you can call this short term plans., taking a gap year, studying for the LSAT, going to law school. I’m debating between two different, I guess, career paths. I was thinking of being an immigration lawyer because that’s something I hold very close to me. I’ve seen a lot of like in my community, there’s a lot of,, people that I personally know that have been through some sort of immigration experience that it was either good or bad. But also, I’ve had a lot of people tell me that I’d be a good politician. In a way. I’m like, that is a way where I can help people, because that’s ultimately something I want to do be able to help people or inspire them. And personally, the politicians, I don’t hate.
Frida Esparza (00:20:42) – Or that seem like more decent than others. I’ve noticed that they have gone to law school. So even if I don’t become a lawyer or anything, I know that’s going to like give me the tools that I need to go in that direction. It’s still not something that I’m like 100% sold on, because that just seems like so much responsibility and just personally don’t know if I can handle all like the hate you get from people. So just take it day by day and see where it goes.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:21:11) – Well, what do you think people see in you that makes them say, hey, you should think about politics.
Frida Esparza (00:21:18) – I think I’m very passionate when it comes to certain things. That’s I feel like that’s probably the biggest thing. And when I don’t understand something that’s happening in the news or in politics or whatever, I go and read about it. Because I don’t want to make. Any bad comments out of ignorance. Or if I do, I’m like, oh my bad, let me go check and see where the misinformation was coming from.
Frida Esparza (00:21:47) – And then just to correct myself and in general, it’s just seeing things that have happened, living through certain experiences. It’s just. I think that’s where the passion comes from. And that’s what…My friend. See. So.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:22:03) – Oh, I can see it as well, because what you just described is if you were to move into politics, you would be the type of person who, first of all, you care. You see injustices, you see ways that you can help the community, but then you want to make sure that you’re informed. It sounds like you’re a person who’s not out to just be right, but you want to be informed. You want to know what you’re talking about and what you’re putting out there, which honestly seems rare these days. And I can totally see why you would be a wonderful leader in that position. Frida, I am just excited for you. Whatever you whatever path you choose, you are going to excel in extraordinary ways. I have no doubt in my mind.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:22:54) – Just your character alone, just us sitting here chatting today, I strongly feel that. So I’m excited for your future.
Frida Esparza (00:23:02) – Thank you.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:23:03) – Now I have one more question for you before we close out. And that is what does living in BrillianceMode look like for you?
Frida Esparza (00:23:12) – I feel that living in BrillianceMode for me is being my authentic self. In order to show that people evolve, people change, and just sort of to reflect that. Because when I was younger, I always thought who you are at that point and you’re like, that’s what we were going to be forever. Just understanding that we go through phases in life. And showing that to the other people understand that they’re not alone. I feel like that’s a good way to, at the very least, inspire people or help them feel less alone. I think my biggest thing is trying to show people that they’re not alone, because there is some point in my life where I felt like I was so. Yeah. Yeah.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:23:57) – And so you’re able to see when other people are feeling that, and because you’ve experienced it yourself, you’re better able to reach out to those who are in similar situations.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:24:10) – Frida, thank you so much for being here. Thank you for sharing your story, sharing your heart. And again, I can’t tell you enough how I excited I am for your future and your year. I wish you all the best this senior year and beyond.
Frida Esparza (00:24:28) – Thank you so much for having me. I had a great time talking to you.
Kim Hamilton Anthony (00:24:34) – Oh, I appreciate that. All right, let’s stay in touch. Thanks for listening.
If you want to learn more about Frida Esparza, check out our show notes on InBrillianceMode.com/Podcast and to connect with UCLA Gymnastics on Instagram, follow them @UCLAGymnastics.
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