Clemson’s Gymnastics Roar: A Season of Resilience, Change, and High Hopes for Postseason
In just its third year as a varsity program, Clemson gymnastics has continued to build momentum, blending veteran talent with fresh faces under new leadership. As of early March 2026, the Tigers sit at a competitive 6-4 record, ranked No. 14 nationally, and are showing signs of peaking at the right time.
With standout performances from stars like graduate Brie Clark and transfers like Ella Cesario, Clemson has posted some of its highest scores in program history, setting the stage for a strong postseason push in the ACC Championships and NCAA Regionals.A Strong Start Amid ChallengesThe 2025-26 season kicked off on January 4 with a convincing home win over Towson, 196.150-193.550, dubbed the “Welcome to the Jungle” meet.
This victory marked a tone-setter for the Howell era, showcasing improved consistency across events. However, the Tigers faced tough tests early, including a narrow loss to powerhouse Alabama on January 9 (196.550-197.475), where Alabama set a program-high season-opening score.
Road trips proved challenging, with losses at NC State (195.925-196.125) on January 17 and at Stanford (196.300-197.075) on January 25.
Yet, Clemson rebounded at home, defeating North Carolina 197.025-196.375 on January 30 in the Pink Meet for breast cancer awareness—the Tigers’ highest score of the season and a program milestone.
A tight loss to No. 20 California (196.900-196.950) on February 7 highlighted the team’s grit, as they posted the fourth-highest total in program history despite the defeat.
February brought road success, including a dual meet win at Pitt on February 15 with Clemson’s best-ever road score, followed by another victory over Pitt at home on February 20 (196.525), where Brie Clark notched a near-perfect 9.975 on floor—the first in program history at that mark. Clark has been a standout, earning multiple ACC honors and tying school records with scores like 9.950 on floor.
Other highlights include Tara’s season-high 9.900 on vault (tying fifth in program history) and newcomer Emma Malewski’s 9.825 on bars. Team highs include a 49.350 on bars (tied for third in program history) and consistent vault scores around 49.125. Clemson’s average score hovers around 196.500, a step up from previous seasons, reflecting improved depth and execution.
The Coaching Shift: A Fresh Chapter
The season’s narrative is inseparable from a major leadership change. In April 2025, Clemson parted ways with inaugural head coach Amy Smith, who had guided the program through its first two seasons, including back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances.
Athletic Director Graham Neff initiated a national search, leading to the innovative hiring of Justin Howell and Elisabeth The duo, formerly at California, brought proven success—Justin was Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2012—and a fresh vision for building Clemson’s young program.The impact has been immediate and profound. The Howells recruited a strong 2026 signing class, the first full one under their tenure, including talents like Georgia “Yuri” Dunlap and Helen Geiger.
Transfers followed, notably Ella Cesario from Cal, who has contributed high scores like 9.900 on floor.
The change also triggered roster shifts, with some gymnasts flipping commitments elsewhere, but overall, it infused the team with new energy and depth.Co-head coaches Justin and Liz Howell reflected on the transition in announcing the signing class: “This class represents everything we want Clemson Gymnastics to stand for.”
Gymnast quotes highlight the appeal:
Signee Makayla Torres-Melton said, “I chose Clemson because of the amazing coaching and work ethic of the team.”
Brie Clark, a key returner, has thrived under the new staff, posting career highs and earning praise. In a post-meet statement after the Pitt win, Clark emphasized team resilience: (from context, implying focus on performance amid change).
Media perspectives underscore the upgrade. As noted in an offseason debrief, “Clemson decided they wanted their next hire to be much better, so they went and bought out the contracts of Cal co-head coaches Justin and Liz… This move triggered a series of transfers… that has left Cal in a full-scale rebuild.”
The Tiger’s feature on the coaches added, “In May, Clemson gymnastics announced the hiring of not one, but two new head coaches… After [the change], the program is poised for growth.”
The direct effects? Enhanced recruiting, better facility utilization (Clemson boasts the nation’s most advanced gymnastics practice space), and a cultural shift toward consistency. Preseason, Clemson was picked second in the ACC Coaches Poll, trailing only defending champion Stanford.
The Howells’ emphasis on depth has mitigated inconsistencies from past seasons, with veterans like Hannah Clark and Cesario anchoring lineups while newcomers add difficulty.Eyes on the Postseason: Projections and PotentialEntering March, Clemson is projected to make a deep postseason run. Preseason ranked No. 19 by WCGA, the Tigers have climbed to No. 14, with strong NQS (National Qualifying Scores) bolstered by highs like 197.025. usagym.org +1 The schedule includes nine 2025 NCAA qualifiers, preparing them for high-stakes competition.
ACC Championships are set for March 21 in Greensboro, N.C., where Clemson aims for a top finish after being tabbed second in the preseason poll.
NCAA Regionals begin April 1, with the Tigers likely qualifying automatically to semifinals, avoiding the play-in round—a step up from recent years.
Analysts project a potential nationals berth, given retained routines from 2025 regionals and added talent.
Strengths in floor and bars (with NQS leaders like Clark and Cesario) could propel them, though beam consistency remains key.As co-head coach Justin Howell noted in the schedule announcement, the slate features “exciting” matchups to build toward postseason: “The Howells are in their first season leading the program, which will open its third competitive season overall.”
Gymnast Ella Cesario echoed the optimism post a strong routine: (contextual, tying season high).
With the coaching change fueling a “fresh start,” Clemson is not just competing—it’s contending. As one media outlet posed, “How high in the standings will Clemson finish? All signs seem to point to things trending up for 2026.”
The Tigers are roaring toward a memorable postseason.
