Brie Clark: Clemson Gymnast’s Journey to NCAA Nationals

Brie Clark has established a historic milestone for Clemson University, becoming the first gymnast in the program’s history to qualify for the NCAA Gymnastics Championships. In addition to this qualification, Clark is the first All-American in the history of the Clemson gymnastics program.

Clark is scheduled to compete for an individual national championship on the floor exercise on April 16, 2026. The competition will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, with the event broadcast on ESPN2 starting at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Career Path and Program Milestones

Now a redshirt senior, Clark’s journey with the Tigers began when she transferred to Clemson in 2023. At the time of her arrival, the gymnastics program had not yet held its first meet, marking her as a foundational athlete for the team’s development.

Beyond her individual achievements, Clark was a key member of Clemson’s first ACC title team, contributing to the program’s early success within the conference.

Technical Performance and Routine Details

Clark has demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout the 2026 season. In all 14 of her floor routines during the 2026 campaign, she has achieved a score of 9.900 or higher.

Her floor routine is characterized by a blend of high-level acrobatic feats and specific dance elements. The choreography includes tributes to former Clemson football star Dexter Lawrence and seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.

The performance is set to instrumental music from artists including Beyoncé. Clark often signals a successful performance by slapping her hand on the floor upon completion.

Clemson co-head coach Justin Howell praised Clark’s ability to engage those watching her perform.

Howell stated that Clark has this incredible bright smile and incredible energy, and she performs to the judges and the crowd, and she draws you in.

Family Support and Intensity

The emotional support of her parents, Terry and Tonya Clark, has been a prominent feature of her collegiate career. Tonya Clark is known for mirroring her daughter’s movements and intensity from the stands during competitions.

Tonya Clark described her experience during the floor routine, noting that when the music starts and Brie stands up, I’m like ‘OK, it’s about to go down’.

I always run her routines. I’m doing it with her. I’m willing her body to land and not fall.

Tonya Clark

This dynamic is reciprocal, as Brie Clark frequently sends her mother an excited smile mid-performance if she notices her mimicking the routine. Tonya Clark believes this provides her daughter with the confidence that she can always look to me to give her that ‘You got this kid, go out and nail it’.