Well, if you are a fan, then you have probably been keeping an eye on the seismic shifts happening down in Tiger Town. Clemson Gymnastics, still a young program since its launch in June 2021, has been turning heads in the past few months, and it’s clear the Tigers are building something special, especially with the coaching mayhem that has gotten everyone buzzing.
Back in June 2025, the program welcomed Luke Wasson as an assistant coach, a hire that sent ripples through the gymnastics world. Wasson, formerly the associate head coach at Ohio State for two years (2022-24) and an assistant there for five years prior, brings a wealth of experience from one of the nation’s top programs. Alongside the recent addition of Jessie McDonough and the retention of Director of Gymnastics Operations Tommy Tsimbinos, co-head coaches Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell are rounding out a staff that’s poised to elevate Clemson’s game. But what’s the next chapter in this rapid rise?
Well, hold on to your seats, because the Tigers just dropped a bombshell. Clemson Gymnastics has landed a global talent with the signing of Emma Malewski, a German National Team standout, marking another significant shakeup as the Tigers continue to reshape their roster and facilities ahead of the 2025-26 season. This Hamburg, Germany native, born in 2004 and trained with TuS 1861 Chemnitz-Altendorf, isn’t just any recruit, she’s a 2022 European beam champion and part of the historic German team that snagged bronze that year, the first European team medal in women’s artistic gymnastics.
Another new face headed to Tiger Town!
https://t.co/6haDOqVLV1 pic.twitter.com/0jRftmM3KT
— Clemson Gymnastics (@ClemsonGym) July 16, 2025
Her resume shines with a silver in beam and all-around at the 2023 German Championships, and she even represented Germany at the 2019 Junior World Championships. Howell couldn’t hide his excitement over this signing, saying, “Emma has competed on some of the world’s biggest stages. She will bring a wealth of international experience to our program. Her skills and artistry are absolutely world class.”
This signing, alongside transfers Paige Anastasi and Ella Cesario, and freshmen Sophie Stuart and Celeste Field, feels like a pivotal moment in the program’s evolution since 2021. So, what does this mean for the Tigers’ future?
Implications and future outlook of Clemson Gymnastics
As Emma Malewski steps onto the Clemson Gymnastics stage, the implications for the Tigers are nothing short of electrifying. Her world-class skills, honed on international platforms like the 2019 Junior World Championships and the 2022 European Championships, could elevate Clemson’s competitive edge in the 2025-26 season. With co-head coaches Justin Howell and Liz Crandall-Howell leveraging her artistry and experience, alongside a bolstered roster including transfers Paige Anastasi and Ella Cesario, the team is poised to challenge the NCAA’s elite.
The millions’ worth of practice facility upgrades and a staff enhanced by Luke Wasson’s arrival from Ohio State further signal a program ready to make waves, potentially drawing even more top-tier talent to Tiger Town. But how will this international flair reshape their standing?
Looking ahead, the anticipation is palpable as Malewski prepares to “light up LJC” (Littlejohn Coliseum), as Howell eagerly predicts. The program’s academic success, with a record 3.35 GPA in Spring 2025, underscores a holistic approach that could attract recruits who value both athletic and scholarly excellence.
With the season approaching, this blend of global pedigree and homegrown development might just position Clemson as a rising powerhouse. The big question now is whether this shakeup will translate into medals and national recognition in the years to come.
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