Clemson Gymnastics: New Coaches Replace Amy Smith

Clemson Gymnastics: A new Era with Justin and Elisabeth Howell

Clemson University is making notable strides in its gymnastics program with the appointment of Justin and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell as its new co-head coaches. this strategic move signals a bold investment and a renewed commitment to achieving national prominence in collegiate gymnastics. Following the departure of the program’s inaugural leader, Amy Smith, the Howells bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, setting the stage for an exciting future for clemson Gymnastics.

The Howell Era Begins: A Fresh start for Clemson Gymnastics

Clemson University’s Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Justin and elisabeth Crandall-Howell of Cal on May 12 to lead the gymnastics program. The husband-and-wife duo, celebrated as the 2025 ACC co-head coaches of the year, have been offered matching five-year contracts, each with an annual salary of $225,000. This investment underscores Clemson’s ambition to elevate its gymnastics program to national prominence.

Did You Know? Justin howell coached with the Olympic team in 2016, bringing a high level of expertise and international experience to Clemson.

A Bold Investment: Clemson’s Commitment to Excellence

Athletic director Graham Neff emphasized the significance of this decision, stating, “this is certainly a statement and an investment in Clemson gymnastics.” His words highlight the university’s high expectations and aspirations for national championship-caliber competition. The investment in the Howells, who bring a history of success and innovation, reflects a strategic effort to accelerate the program’s growth.

Pro Tip: When evaluating coaching staff, consider not only their win-loss record but also their ability to foster a positive and supportive team culture. A healthy surroundings frequently enough leads to better performance and athlete retention.

Reader Question: How vital is the coach’s philosophy in building a prosperous gymnastics program?

The Howells’ Impressive Record: A Glimpse into the Future

The Howells’ tenure at Cal was marked by significant achievements, including a 6-0 finish in ACC meets in 2025, where they outshone Clemson in both regular-season and conference championships. Their leadership also cultivated individual talent, such as Mya Lauzon, the 2025 ACC gymnast of the year, who achieved third place at the NCAA championships in the balance beam. Their track record speaks volumes about their ability to develop both team and individual excellence.

Justin Howell’s accolades include being a four-time Pac-12 coach of the year, sharing the honor with Elisabeth in 2021 and 2024. In 2023, they were recognized as the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) co-coaches of the year, further solidifying their reputation as elite coaches.

Addressing Past challenges: Moving Forward with Confidence

The decision to part ways with the previous coach, Amy Smith, followed a period of scrutiny and mixed results. While Smith led the Tigers to a 6-3 record in their inaugural season, the team regressed to 5-7 in the second year. The Howells’ appointment represents a fresh start, allowing Clemson to move forward with a renewed focus on achieving sustained success.

Howell’s Coaching Strategy and Philosophies

Justin and Elisabeth Howell are known for their holistic approach to coaching, focusing not only on athletic performance but also on the mental and emotional well-being of their athletes. Their strategies often include:

• Individualized Training programs: Tailoring workouts to meet the specific needs and strengths of each gymnast.
• Positive Reinforcement: Creating a supportive environment that encourages athletes to take risks and learn from mistakes.
• Emphasis on Team Unity: building a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support among team members.

The Financial Commitment: Understanding the Investment

The financial investment in the Howells is significant. Here’s a breakdown:

coach	Annual Salary	Contract Length
Justin Howell	$225,000	5 Years
Elisabeth Crandall-Howell	$225,000	5 Years

Potential Future Trends for Clemson Gymnastics

With the Howells at the helm, Clemson Gymnastics is poised for significant growth and improvement. Here are some potential future trends to watch:

• Enhanced Recruiting: Attracting top-tier talent from across the country.
• improved Training Facilities: Upgrading facilities to provide athletes with the best resources.
• Increased National Recognition: Competing for championships on a national stage.

Did You Know? Clemson’s athletic department is committed to providing state-of-the-art resources, potentially leading to future upgrades in gymnastics training facilities.

FAQ Section

What are the main reasons for the coaching change at Clemson Gymnastics?

Clemson sought new leadership to elevate the program to national prominence. The Howell’s proven record of success and innovative coaching approach made them ideal candidates.

How much are Justin and Elisabeth Howell being paid?

Each are receiving annual salaries of $225,000 under matching five-year contracts.

What experience do the Howells bring to Clemson?

They have over a decade of experience at Cal, where they achieved significant success, including being named ACC co-coaches of the year and developing top individual talent.

What specific recruiting strategies are being employed to attract top-tier talent to the Clemson gymnastics program?

Clemson Gymnastics: An Interview with Athletic Director Graham Neff on the Howell Era

Archyde News Editor, Archys, hear, adn today we have the pleasure of speaking with Clemson University’s Athletic Director, Graham Neff. Mr. Neff, thanks for joining us.

Graham Neff: It’s my pleasure. Thank you for having me.

Investment in Gymnastics: A New Chapter

Archys: clemson University has made a significant statement with the appointment of Justin and Elisabeth Crandall-howell as co-head coaches for the gymnastics program. Can you elaborate on the vision behind this strategic move and the investment?

Graham Neff: Absolutely. This is a pivotal moment for Clemson Gymnastics. We saw an prospect to elevate our program to national prominence, to compete at the highest level. The investment in the Howells reflects our commitment. Their track record at Cal speaks for itself, and we believe they’re the right peopel to build a championship-caliber program.

The Howells’ Credentials and Coaching Beliefs

Archys: The Howells have an remarkable resume,including ACC Coach of the year accolades. What specific aspects of their coaching philosophy and experience made them the ideal candidates for Clemson?

graham Neff: Their holistic approach is what stood out. They focus on the whole athlete—athletic performance, mental well-being, and team unity.Their individual training programs are tailored to each gymnast’s strengths. Plus, Justin’s experience with the Olympic team in 2016 brings a unique level of expertise and international perspective. They also excel at recruiting and developing talent, as seen by their work with Mya lauzon, which will be key to our continued success.

Addressing Past and Future Goals

Archys: Following the departure of the previous coach, Amy Smith, the Howells represent a fresh start. What primary challenges are the Howells tasked with addressing immediately,and what are the short-term and long-term goals for the program?

Graham Neff: Building a strong foundation is the priority. We expect them to cultivate a positive and supportive team culture, recruit top-tier talent, and improve training facilities. Short-term goals include consistent improvements in the ACC and building a strong recruiting class.Long-term, we’re aiming for national championship contention. We want to compete at the highest level, year in and year out.

Financial Commitment and Program Growth

Archys: The financial commitment is significant,with matching five-year contracts for the Howells. Can you provide more context on the resources being allocated and how this investment will support the program’s growth?

Graham Neff: We are committed to providing state-of-the-art resources. The salaries reflect the Howells’ value and the expectations we have. Beyond that, we’re investing in enhanced recruiting, potentially upgrading training facilities, and other support staff to ensure our gymnasts have everything they need to succeed. We want to give them the best chance possible to compete at the highest level.

Reader Engagement: A Call to Action

[your Name]: Ultimately,what is the message that the athletic department wants to convey to Clemson fans and the gymnastics community regarding this coaching change?

Graham Neff: We are excited. We are investing in excellence. We believe we can compete nationally, and we can’t wait to see the support from the fans. Building a successful gymnastics program is a journey, so please support these coaches and the amazing talent that is coming to Clemson. What aspects of building a successful program do you feel are most vital; the support staff, culture, or athletic ability? We want to hear from you!

Archys: Mr. neff, thank you for your insights and time today. We wish the Clemson gymnastics program great success under the new leadership of the Howells. For Archyde, this is Archys.

Graham Neff: Thank you for having me.