Additions of Jessie McDonough and Luke Wasson bring elite-level experience to Tigers program
Clemson Gymnastics Staff Finalized
The Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell era of Clemson Gymnastics is taking shape quickly, and with it comes a powerhouse staff ready to push the Tigers to new heights.
On June 12, Clemson added a major piece to its coaching puzzle with the hiring of Jessie (Duke) McDonough as an assistant coach. A former standout at Utah and one of the most respected coaches in the club gymnastics world, McDonough arrives from Olympus Gymnastics in Utah, where she led a dominant program for over a decade.
Then, today , June 17, the staff was finalized with the addition of Luke Wasson, who joins the Tigers after seven seasons with Ohio State, including the past two as associate head coach.
These two additions, along with the return of Director of Gymnastics Operations Tommy Tsimbinos, round out a complete and dynamic staff that brings national experience, recruiting strength, and deep technical knowledge to Clemson.
Jessie McDonough: From Club Powerhouse to the ACC
A Utah native and former Red Rocks gymnast, McDonough brings elite-level development credentials. Since 2013, she served as the women’s head coach at Olympus Gymnastics, a club program that became one of the most decorated in the country under her leadership.
In 2021, Olympus was named USA Gymnastics Development Program Club of the Year. That success only continued, as the program posted the highest Level 10 team score in the nation in both 2023 and 2024, a testament to McDonough’s ability to consistently develop top-tier athletes.
Her reputation for producing well-rounded, high-scoring gymnasts aligns with Clemson’s long-term goals, especially as the Tigers continue to build a program capable of contending on the national stage.
Luke Wasson: Power and Precision from the Big Ten
With the hiring of Luke Wasson, Clemson adds not only another experienced voice but a proven coach with a deep track record at the NCAA level.
Wasson spent the last seven seasons with Ohio State, including five years as an assistant coach and the last two as associate head coach. During his time in Columbus, he was the lead vault and floor coach and played a crucial role in recruiting.
Under his guidance, the Buckeyes finished No. 16 nationally on floor in 2022, their best finish since 2018. That same year, he helped vault standout Elexis Edwards post a 9.95 at NCAA Regionals, qualifying her for the NCAA Championships where she placed 15th overall.
His technical acumen on power events and eye for talent development make him a strong complement to the Howell duo’s strategic vision.
Howell Era Taking Shape
With McDonough and Wasson now officially on board, Clemson’s co-head coaches have completed the program’s next chapter of leadership following the departure of inaugural head coach Amy Smith.
The Tigers are coming off their second competitive season, one that was filled with both promise and adversity due to injuries across the roster. With a staff loaded with experience, deep recruiting roots, and championship-level credentials, Clemson gymnastics is positioned to bounce back and rise fast.
What’s Next for the Tigers
The 2026 season is still months away, but the blueprint is clear: the Howells are building a program rooted in development, consistency, and elite potential. With McDonough’s club pipeline, Wasson’s collegiate know-how, and Tsimbinos’ operational steadiness, Clemson is entering a new era of gymnastics — and it just might be the most exciting one yet in only year three of the program.
