Brie Clark has been a part of each phase of Clemson gymnastics, from team zero to the biggest stage, and now, finishing out her final season in Fort Worth, Texas, Clark couldn’t be more grateful that this is how this chapter ends.
Transferring from Utah State after her freshman season, Clark took the leap of faith to Clemson with five other of her Aggies teammates in hopes of being a part of the beginning of something special. Fast forward four years, and Clark is now one of the most accomplished gymnasts in the program to date, and she was here to see this program grow from the start.
“Team zero had the goal of being able to build a culture and legacy for the program. With ACC championships coming so close to advancing out of regional finals, we didn’t think [at the start of the program] we would be able to be a part of these things,” Clark said. “My freshman-year self wouldn’t believe this is where we ended. I had a great year my first year as a gymnast, but I was struggling with an anxiety disorder, so navigating that was a challenge. I would tell her it really does get better and that you get to end in a much happier, better place … so being here has really meant everything to me.”
Being at Clemson that first year, driving 45 minutes every day to an off-campus facility to practice, being separated into groups to practice, Clark could never have imagined competing at nationals would be where she was just four years later. From a team that only had seven members on its roster in 2022, Clemson gymnastics is now a top 15 team in just its third official season.
In the team’s first season under co-head coaches Justin Howell and Liz Crandall-Howell, Clemson went from finishing No. 29 in 2025 to making the jump to No. 14 this season. Clark attributes that growth to the new staff. “The coaches want us to play gymnastics … they all make the environment light and joyful. … When we heard [Howell and Crandall-Howell] were going to be our coaches, we were all so excited,” said Clark. “It was a learning curve at first, having four new coaches, but it was a fun learning curve because we all got to learn from each other and grow together. Now, when we compete, we compete with freedom. We know they love us and support us no matter what, in and out of the gym, and it has been truly the best experience having them be a part of this program.”
After a historic year, winning the ACC championships, having its best season finish as a team, Clark’s appearance in Fort Worth is the cherry on top to an outstanding year. Even with all the success of the year, Clark shares the love she has for her team, the memories she has from this season and the relationships she has built has been the best part. “Dancing in the gym on Thursdays, playing yoga-ball volleyball, and being all together as a team in the team room and playing games the night before a meet are the memories I will look back on the most,” said Clark.
From being Clemson’s first AAI award nominee, an All-American, and an ACC champion, to name a few of her many accolades, Clark has done so much for the Tigers, and her coaches are ecstatic for her to be able to end her career on the highest note. “We are excited for [her] to have the historic chance to represent Clemson for the first time on the biggest stage in college gymnastics,” said Justin Howell. “She has been one of the steadiest, most explosive gymnasts in the nation all season and has earned the right to compete for a national title, and embodies the “One Day Better” mentality. We can’t wait for the nation to see the joy and skill she brings to the floor. Brie brings such joy to every performance that everyone who watches her can’t help but be drawn in.”
As Clark competes for the final time and rounds out what has been a truly historic, outstanding career with a final floor routine, she wants the legacy to really be the continuation of the foundation she has helped build. “A lot of people counted us out our first year, because we were such a new team, but I hope how we did this season and at regionals puts everyone on notice,” said Clark. “I also want the culture to live on, the love we have for one another and the fun we have with each other, and I cannot wait to see what the team does next year and for so many teams to come.”
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Article by Julianna Roland
