Clemson Gymnastics’ Future is Bright!
June 17 marked the first day all gymnastics coaches in the NCAA could begin extending offers to the class of 2027. For a program like Clemson that is still young and finding its footing June 17 is a very important day.
After undergoing recent coaching changes the overall dynamic of Clemson Gymnastics will see a change in the upcoming season. Two strong head coaches who led Clemson’s ACC opponent Cal to the national championships in Fort Worth, TX back in 2024 have attracted a wide range of recruits both fresh out of high school and from the transfer portal.
Clemson Gymnastics’ Future
With the coaching change came some recruitment changes as well. The most notable may be found in two athletes that had formerly committed to Cal and then switched their commitment to Clemson following the announcement that Coach Justin Howell would be taking over as head coach.
Sydney Snyder, currently competing at First State Gymnastics, announced her commitment to Clemson on May 13. Snyder, who will begin competing for the Tigers in 2027, had visited The University of California Berkeley and Georgia publicly back in 2024 but made her official commitment announcement in May. Snyder will add depth to the Tigers bars lineup as she hit 100% of her bar routines in her most recent season with First State. Consistency is key for a young team like this one.
In addition to Snyder’s switch Morgan Reihl of Royal Gymnastics also made the commitment switch following Howell’s transition from Cal to Clemson. A two time regional and national beam champion Reihl will be a great addition to the Tigers talent on balance beam in the 2027 season.
Another incoming freshman to watch is Celeste Field of Apex Athletics. Field will join the Tigers this upcoming season. She announced her commitment in November of 2024.
“I could not be more grateful. Everything happens for a reason,” Field said in an Instagram post announcing her commitment.
Who’s Returning this Year?
In addition to some key newcomers there are some returning athletes that with the guidance of Coach Howell will take this ACC team to the next level as well.
A stunning competitor on floor Brie Clark made her mark not just on Clemson Gymnastics but on the NCAA as a whole this past season when she became the first collegiate athlete to compete the Biles 1. Clark will be a key member of the Tigers floor lineup in the 2025 season. A 10.0 start value and solid execution mean everything now that the ACC has become more competitive with the addition of Cal and Stanford and Clark’s performances on the floor excersize have both.
Leading the Tigers on Vault next season will be Tara Walsh. Walsh’s consistency on this event was crucial for the Tigers when they faced tough opponents and even led her to make the All-ACC Championship team on Vault.
With a new coaching staff, strong recruits and even stronger returners this young team has potential. The Howells have coached a team to over 50 victories and even to the national championship stage. The future is looking bright for Clemson Gymnastics.
