Sun Devil Gymnast Izzy Redmond Advocates for Change

In addition to Redmond’s achievements in these powerful areas, her passions extend beyond the gym and into the classroom as well. A conservation biology and ecology major, Redmond loves learning about the ocean and has a special interest in manatees.

When asked about what interested her in studying biology, she laughed, and recalled a time as a teenager when a documentary about the ocean sparked her interest. Redmond then went on to take an environmental class where she became intrigued with conservation. 

“That kind of pushed me into that major in college and ever since it's been keeping me interested and keeping me focused on protecting the ocean and finding ways to limit human impact, to keep it protected and pristine,” Redmond said. 

In the future, Redmond hopes to work in the field, rehabilitating marine wildlife while creating and advocating for policies to protect the ocean. 

Since coming to ASU, Redmond has immersed herself into her studies, while also competing with the Gym Devils. However, it is the work she does outside of the gym that has had the greatest impact. 

As a sophomore at ASU, Redmond joined the Pac-12 Gymnasts for Peace, Action and Change (GPAC). This student-athlete driven organization strives to ignite lasting change by sharing experiences, providing others with educational resources and creating an authentic, safe space for fellow student athletes. 

“I was really looking for a way that I could kind of make my voice heard and create change within my own community,” said Redmond.

As a member of GPAC, Redmond has created video presentations on Black history, LGBTQ+ rights, provided resources and tools to different schools and educated teammates. A stand-out memory for her was being a part of ASU gymnastics’ first Black History Month meet. 

“That was just really powerful and emotional for me. You can feel your team at your back, you can feel how much they support you and care about your cause,” Redmond said. “And I'm so happy to have that kind of support here at ASU.”

On campus, Redmond is the president of the Black Student-Athlete Association, an organization for student athletes at ASU to have a safe space. In her role, she educates athletes, coaches, students and staff on social justice issues and Black history. 

Redmond organized BSAA’s first ever Soul Devils event in February 2022. The formal student-athlete event was centered around the history of soul food in Black culture and brought together student-athletes of all sports. The event had five guest speakers, including the Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson, who spoke about the significance of BSAA and about how special this event was for Sun Devil Athletics. Redmond spearheaded the event by working on the promotion, outreach, and catering the event. 

“She has definitely walked into this leadership role with a lot of experience and has completely grown into this role,” said DEI/Title IX Officer and Senior Associate Athletic Director Deana Garner-Smith. “I think that she will do a fantastic job in laying the foundation for a legacy.”  

Boyer joined BSAA after being inspired by Redmond and is currently serving as the vice president. 

“I saw how passionate she was about it and how much of a positive impact it was having on those around and those involved with it,” Boyer said. “I really wanted to be a part of it, and I think it's a great program and platform for all student athletes.”

The two will lead BSAA together this academic year and will continue to grow the program. 

Redmond's mother, Carrie Mead, and younger sister, Riley Redmond, have also had a front row seat to Redmond’s growth in leadership and activism. Riley Redmond, who also attends ASU and is a little over a year apart in age from Redmond, said that she is in awe of her older sister. 

“It really inspires me and makes me want to do more because she is just all about helping people,” Riley Redmond said. “She has grown so much and has followed such a path of wanting to do things that better the world and help other people, it's been amazing to watch.”

Mead, who lives in Michigan, is looking forward to attending her daughter’s meets this season. She said one of the biggest things she has learned from her daughter is to have a positive outlook on the world. 

“I just love that she's found her voice,” Mead said. “She knows why she's at school — to contribute to this world for the rest of her life. She cares about the planet, she cares about people, and that is really awesome.”