Sophie Stuart is ready to be a Tiger!
A Flip That Just Made Sense
The Clemson Gymnastics program just got stronger — and more exciting — with the addition of 2025 commit Sophie Stuart. Originally signed with Cal, the Utah native made the decision to flip her commitment and join the Tigers, adding even more depth to a program that’s quickly building something special in just its third year of competition.
I had the chance to catch up with Sophie to talk about her journey, her decision to choose Clemson, and what fans can expect when she arrives in Tigertown.
“It’s mostly about the people and resources,” Stuart said. “Liz and Justin create such an inclusive environment and are so positive in their approach to coaching. Clemson has all the facilities and resources to help athletes be successful.” Sophie finished off the question with this answer, “Also, my club coach Jess is joining the coaching staff and I already know what an amazing coach she is. Add the new coaching staff to the Clemson resources and it was an easy decision for me!”
A Familiar Face on Staff
One of the biggest factors in Stuart’s decision? Her longtime club coach Jessie McDonough, who recently joined the Clemson coaching staff. The chance to reunite with someone who’s helped shape her gymnastics career made the move feel natural.
“Coaching is the biggest component of being successful, and Liz and Justin have a proven success record,” Stuart said. “Since Jess has been my club coach for many years, I already know how she coaches, and I couldn’t imagine a better assistant coach.”
Stuart comes from Olympus Gymnastics in Utah, one of the top club programs in the country, “Olympus has consistently been one of the highest scoring gyms in the nation and Jess is a big reason for that,” and she’s quick to point out how much of that success is because of McDonough’s impact.
“She is not only a great coach, but she cares so much about each girl she coaches, and that comes through in every performance.”
With strong relationships and a shared vision already in place, Clemson felt like the right environment for Stuart to grow as both an athlete and a person.
Mindset Matters for Sophie Stuart
A four-time national qualifier and 2024 Region 1 all-around champion, Stuart brings high-level experience and poise to the table. But her biggest growth has come mentally — especially on an event that once challenged her: beam.
“When I was younger, I didn’t really like beam,” she admitted. “I kept telling myself I loved beam until I actually did! When people ask me my favorite event now, I genuinely can say beam.”
That change in mindset has fueled her confidence across the board.
“I try to take that attitude and bring joy to my gymnastics. When you replace fear with joy, it makes such a difference in competition.”
Locked in on Recovery and the Future
Stuart is just as excited about what Clemson offers off the floor as she is about what happens during meets. As someone who’s gotten into cryotherapy, infrared saunas, and red light therapy over the last year, Clemson’s wellness and recovery facilities were a huge draw to her.
“I’m so excited about the wellness and recovery center!” she said. “Clemson has all those things and more.”
She also plans to study sports medicine, making the academic side of her decision just as strong as the athletic fit.
“I also want to study sports medicine, so Clemson feels like such a good fit for that as well.”
Ready to Rep the Tigers
Even before stepping foot in Tiger Town, Stuart already feels welcomed by the Clemson fanbase and can’t wait to be part of the atmosphere that’s quickly growing around the program.
“I’m already blown away by the support of Clemson fans,” she told me. “The community is so supportive, especially with such a new program.”
And when asked what she wants fans to know before she officially arrives?
“I’m so excited to be part of this team and the community and am ready to put in the work to make them proud.”
From a powerhouse club program in Utah to a rising contender in the ACC, Sophie Stuart is bringing her confidence, her joy, and her competitive fire to Clemson. And if our conversation is any indication, Tiger fans should be very excited for what’s to come with Sophie Stuart and Clemson Gymnastics.
