Sophia Hoermann sends Euro Trash (8A+)

Sophia Hoermann, with 18 7C+’s under her belt, has done Pagan Poetry (8A) and Euro Trash (8A+). ”Two days before collegiate nats rope qualis and I was super pumped by the end... didnt bode well lol. Took a few seshes and just a little bit of grit/luck on my weird redpoint crux going to the lip and throwing the toe up. First two moves felt impossible when I first did euro roof, psyched to feel like im improving! first 8a+!”

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
I really enjoyed my process on this line because it felt like I could use it to see measurable progress in my outdoor climbing and projecting mindset. When I started trying Euro Roof (7C+) seriously, I begrudgingly worked out beta that fit me, instead of fixating on the beta I didn’t feel able to use. It was a pretty frustrating experience at first but I felt like I overcame something the day I finally sent. That same day, I played around a bit on the moves of Euro Trash but I got pretty shut down and pivoted to easier climbs in the canyon. Almost exactly a year after sending Euro Roof, I went out with some friends and just played around on the moves of Euro Trash, surprising myself with how much progress I was making. I went back the next day with no luck but was able to send a few days later. For me, it didn’t feel easy when I did it but I felt like I got close to mastery on some of the moves which is always really fulfilling. First 8a+ too which is cool!

What is your climbing background? Only in 2025, you have done eight 7C+ boulders, including a flash.
I started climbing consistently when I was 7 but my family and I celebrated my 4th birthday in Bishop and I climbed in Keens with some power spotting from my dad. I competed until I was 19 and once I was properly burnt out on competing I started focusing on climbing outside and I’ve been spending most of my time on real rock ever since.