Amidst a sea of pink, a stir of excitement buzzed through Littlejohn Coliseum as the Clemson gymnastics team prepared to face off against the North Carolina Tar Heels. With every seat filled and the spirits of 8,631 fans soaring high, Coach Amy Smith’s pride was as palpable as the electric atmosphere enveloping the arena. The No. 24 Tigers did not merely compete on that exhilarating Friday evening; they transcended, clinching a lustrous victory with a score of 197.350-195.500 over the Tar Heels.
From the outset, the Tigers showcased their preparedness, their precision, and, most captivatingly, their passion. As Coach Smith watched her gymnasts, a sense of more than accomplishment filled her—there was also a profound recognition of the sheer dedication and effort that had carried them through to this pinnacle moment.
Vaulting to New Heights
The team’s night began on the vault, where Junior Lauren Rutherford embodied consistency and confidence. Tying her career-high with an impressive 9.925, she sparked a winning streak for the Tigers. Trinity Brown and her high-flying artistry followed closely behind, impressing the judges and audience alike. Rebecca Wells, Eve Jackson, and Molly Arnold added fuel to the fiery start, each scoring a solid 9.800, propelling the team to a season-high event total of 49.200.
Bar-Raising Performances
Transitioning to the asymmetrical bars, Clemson maintained their fierce momentum. Eve Jackson, Trinity Brown, and Rebecca Wells not only met expectations but soared past them, achieving career highs and electrifying the crowd as they flipped and swung with a combination of grace and power. The steeled concentration and fluid movements culminated in a near-flawless 49.250, marking the second-highest total for the Tigers on bars this season.
Balancing on Beam
Moving to the beam—an apparatus known for discerning the most resolute of competitors—the Tigers continued their ascent. Sierra Church, calm and collected, took charge with a commanding 9.925 that merited her the event win. Kielyn McCright followed suit, her confidence unwavering as she matched her season-best of 9.900. With Lilly Lippeatt and Rebecca Wells also achieving 9.850 each, the Tigers not only steadied their lead but also set another season record with 49.300 for their beam team.
A Floor Routine to Remember
But it was the floor exercise that truly demonstrated the day’s theme of surpassing limits. Clemson roared with superiority as five gymnasts achieved scores of 9.900 or higher. At the heart of it all stood Rebecca Wells, who, with the composure of a seasoned veteran, propelled herself to a staggering career-high of 9.950. This astounding performance, blended with equally impressive routines by Brie Clark and Molly Arnold, helped the team notch a collective 49.600—tying for the tenth-highest score on floor across all Division I programs this season.
The match concluded not merely with a triumph, but with a statement: the Tigers solidified their prowess, advancing to a 5-2 record (4-2 in ACC). It was a performance that echoed through the stands, shattering season records and setting a precedent for the meets to come.
Coach Amy Smith could not conceal her pride as she reflected on her team’s achievements, the hard work in practice mirroring the spectacle they created on the competitive stage.
“The entire meet was spectacular,” Said Coach Smith. “The meet built from vault to bar to beam to floor they did well and it was really cool. We tell them your normal is good enough. You do not need to go out there and be a hero.”
With sights set high, the Clemson Tigers march forward to their next challenge—armored with confidence and backed by a wave of unyielding support.
Clemson is scheduled to leap back into the fray on Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. ET. In their first quad meet of 2024, Clemson will clash with the likes of Texas Women’s, Oklahoma, and Penn—all in Denton, Texas. If their recent performance is any indication, it’s clear the Tigers are not just participants in their sport. They are a force to be reckoned with, and their ascent is only just beginning.
