Coast to Coast: Clemson’s Coaching Change Shakes Up College Gymnastics

Courtesy of Clemson Gymnastics

After the program’s second year, Clemson was ready for a change in leadership, and they found their new head coaches right in the ACC.

Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell, the reigning ACC Coaches of the Year, will be taking the reins at Clemson. Over the past 13 seasons coaching for Cal, and serving as co-head coaches for the past seven seasons, the husband and wife built Cal into a dominant team and led them to become national runners-up just two seasons ago. Under the Howells, Cal had 12 consecutive NCAA appearances, top 20 finishes every year since 2013, and seven top 10 finishes in the past nine years.

Graham Neff, Clemson’s Director of Athletics, spoke on the decision to hire the Howells: “We’ve gotten to see the program that Justin and Liz built up close during their first season in the ACC, and the consistent excellence they have achieved speaks for itself. In addition to many competitive accomplishments, their reputation has been praised time and again in our research. We emphasized finding a coaching staff with experience in some of the biggest moments, and who could continue the trajectory of our program – we feel we have that in Justin and Liz. We are impressed with their technical ability, approach to operations, plan for development, incorporation of health, wellness and recovery, and attention to detail. We are excited to see them get to work.”

With this coaching change, one that shocked the gymternet, eyes have now shifted to Clemson and the positive possibilities for the program’s future.

Courtesy of Sydney Snyder (@sydsnyder2026 on Instagram)

Sydney Snyder, a three star recruit, was the first gymnast to commit to Clemson in the Howell era, followed by Morgan Reihl, a four star recruit. Both class of 2026 gymnasts were previously committed to Cal. Snyder and Reihl thanked the Howells in their posts announcing their commitment change, which should be indicative of the culture the Howells have built in collegiate gymnastics and the connection they have to athletes.

Eyes are on Clemson now more than ever with two proven successful coaches with a good rapport with athletes, and I expect more gymnasts to visit the school than before, and commit to the team. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see gymnasts transfer to Clemson, whether those transfers come from Cal to follow their coaches or transfers are drawn to a new team building up to become a powerhouse.

Clemson has been climbing the ranks, finishing 35th in their first season and 29th in their second, with regional appearances both years. The Howells built Cal into the top 10 team we know them to be today, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Clemson break into the top 16 next season.

“I cannot express how excited we are to come to TigerTown,” said Crandall-Howell. “The passion and commitment to excellence that runs through Clemson was clear from the moment we arrived on campus [...] Justin and I believe that Clemson gymnastics can become one of the top programs in the nation, and we cannot wait to get out there and get to work!”

The Tigers began their program in controversy under its first coach, but with two new coaches and a shift in the environment, things are finally looking up for Clemson gymnastics. And I, for one, cannot wait to see this rejuvenated Clemson program!