“After my setback in February this day has become even more fulfilling than I could ever imagine. I’m so proud to announce that I’m #ALLIN and committed to building Clemson Gymnastics legacy on a full athletic scholarship. I’m so excited to be a future tiger.” Those heartfelt words, shared on social media last year by a determined teenager, quickly caught the attention of the gymnastics world. Her announcement became a shining example of how Lancer students can chase their athletic dreams—even in sports that their school doesn’t offer. A highly-rated 5-star recruit, Simone Brown had chosen the Clemson Tigers and was preparing to join the team in 2026. But then…

Last year, she was overjoyed when she announced her commitment to the Clemson Tigers. She had weighed offers from several Power 5 schools before ultimately choosing Clemson for both her gymnastics journey and academic future. On social media, she expressed deep gratitude, writing, “I would like to thank the Clemson coaching staff for how much you believed in me. So a huge thank you. You guys have made me feel special throughout this whole process. I can’t wait to join Clemson gymnastics in 2026.” However, nine months later, Simone returned to social media with a very different update—one that no one saw coming.

On June 15, Simone Brown took to Instagram to announce a major update—she had officially committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks. In her post, she shared her excitement, writing, “BIG news! I’m a razorback! I’m so excited to say that I have committed to Arkansas,” while tagging head coach Jordyn Wieber and several others. Any reason behind such a sudden shift from Clemson? No. The teenage phenom didn’t share reasons. But she added something eye-catching. 

In a heartfelt update on Instagram, Simone Brown shared the latest twist in her gymnastics journey: “Due to the late change in my commitment I will be waiting until 2026 to join the team with my original class. WOO PIG ❤️🐗🙌🏽.” With those words, the rising star made it official—though she originally signed with Clemson, she’s now heading to Arkansas, joining the Razorbacks in time for the 2026 season.

For Brown, the wait is just a slight detour on a journey that began back in 2011, when she first stepped into a recreational gymnastics class alongside a friend. Since then, she’s carved out a reputation as one of the top talents in the nation. Training at the Southeastern Gymnastics Center under coach Ludmilla Shobe, Simone has steadily climbed the ranks. Her standout performance at the 2022 Nastia Liukin Cup—where she placed in the top 10 on vault, uneven bars, and in the all-around—cemented her status as one to watch. Now, while Clemson Gymnastics continues to undergo changes behind the scenes, Brown is choosing a new path—one that still honors her timeline and training goals.

Clemson Gymnastics has seen so many changes in the recent past 

Just weeks after parting ways with their inaugural head coach under murky circumstances, Clemson Gymnastics flipped the script—and sent tremors through the NCAA gymnastics world once more.

In a jaw-dropping move, the Tigers lured in one of the most respected coaching duos in the country: Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell, the visionary pair behind Cal’s dramatic rise to national prominence. Fresh off being named ACC Co-Head Coaches of the Year in 2025, the Howells are now set to lead Clemson’s young program into a bold new chapter. The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Their hiring followed an odd press release titled “Tiger Gymnastics Camps Canceled—Refunds to Follow—Chance to Purchase Leotards,” signed by former coach Amy Smith. The message revealed the program’s summer camps had been canceled because of the absence of a coaching staff—leaving many wondering about the future of the fledgling team.

But with the Howells now officially on board, the fog has lifted—and so has the buzz. Clemson isn’t just stabilizing; it’s reloading with intent. And the ripple effect was immediate. Sydney Snyder, a standout gymnast who once competed under the Howells at Cal, didn’t waste time. She’s now headed to the Tigers, joining a wave of momentum that suggests Clemson isn’t just building a gymnastics program—they’re building a powerhouse. However, Simone Brown has taken a reverse path. Now, with a Razorback jersey in her future and her sights set on 2026, she is ready for what’s next. One thing’s for sure: wherever she goes, she’s bound to make a major impact.