Clemson Gymnastics Opens 2025 NCAA Regionals Against Rutgers in Tuscaloosa

Molly Arnold of Clemson Gymnastics (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

Tigers Look to Continue Historic Season

The Clemson Tigers are gearing up for an exciting matchup as they take on Rutgers in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Regionals on Thursday afternoon. Set in the heart of Tuscaloosa at Coleman Coliseum, the dual meet kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

With just two seasons under their belt, Clemson gymnastics has already made a name for itself, securing an NCAA Regional berth for the second consecutive year. Coming off a fifth-place finish at the ACC Championships, where four Tigers earned ACC All-Championship honors (Tara Walsh, vault; Kielyn McCright, beam; Madison Minner, floor; Brie Clark, floor) , this young but talented squad is ready to prove they belong on the national stage.

The Road to the Regional Final

Thursday's winner will advance to face Florida, Oregon State, and NC State in a high-stakes quad meet on Friday. Meanwhile, the other side of the Tuscaloosa regional features powerhouse programs like Cal, Alabama, North Carolina, and Iowa, all competing for a spot in the regional final on Sunday.

Clemson Gymnastics Standout Competitors

Clemson will be well represented in the individual competition, regardless of the team result on Thursday. Brie Clark, a standout performer all season, is set to compete on floor after earning her second straight NCAA individual qualification. Clark has been a dominant force, earning All-ACC honors and making history as the first collegiate gymnast to successfully land the Biles I in competition back in February. She's posted season highs of 9.900 on beam and an impressive 9.950 on floor.

Freshman Hannah Clark will showcase her skills on bars after making an immediate impact in her first season. She made the ACC Newcomer Watch List, picked up her first career event win at North Carolina, and was named to the ACC All-Tournament Team. Her best scores this season include a 9.875 on bars and a 9.775 on beam.

Madison Minner, a redshirt junior and walk-on from Anderson, S.C., will take the stage on vault. She has been clutch for Clemson, earning a spot on the ACC All-Tournament Team for her floor routine while also posting season highs of 9.875 on vault and 9.900 on floor.

The Strategy for Success

As they take the floor against Rutgers, Clemson will follow the traditional Olympic rotation, starting on vault before moving through bars, beam, and ending it off on floor. Establishing a strong rhythm early will be key for the Tigers as they look to keep their postseason dreams alive.

A Program on the Rise

In just two short years, Head Coach Amy Smith and Clemson gymnastics have built something special, and this week presents another chance to take a step forward. A win on Thursday would be another milestone for the program and a shot at going toe-to-toe with some of the nation's best. No matter what, the Tigers are ready to leave their mark.