Clemson Gymnastics has proudly announced its 2026 signing class, featuring a group of six exceptionally talented gymnasts. This marks the first complete signing class under the guidance of newly appointed co-head coaches Justin Howell and Liz Crandall-Howell. The recruits, each bringing a diverse range of accomplishments from their gymnastics backgrounds, are set to begin their athletic journeys at Clemson University in the fall of 2026, with competition commencing in Spring 2027.
The 2026 signing class includes:
– Georgia “Yuri” Dunlap from Houston, Texas, representing Stars Gymnastics. In 2025, she earned the title of Region 3 Level 10 vault champion and achieved a remarkable career-best score of 9.975 on vault at the Yellow Rose Invitational.
– Helen Geiger from Callahan, Florida, associated with World Class Gymnastics. She secured silver on vault and fourth place on bars at the 2025 Region 8 Championships, adding multiple Level 10 titles to her accolades.
– Ella Oprea hails from Bucharest, Romania, and is a member of Dinamo Bucharest Sports Club. Oprea, a Romanian National Champion on bars, also claimed a fourth-place finish at the 2025 European Championships during her international competitions.
– Morgan Reihl from Linden, California, representing Royal Gymnastics & Sports Academy, stands out as a five-star prospect with two national beam championship titles and seven Level 10 All-Around meet titles to her name.
– Sydney Snyder from Annapolis, Maryland, associated with Thrive Gymnastics, made headlines as the 2025 Region 7 Level 10 All-Around Champion and showcased her skills at the 2022 American and US Classic.
– Makayla Torres-Melton of Tracy, California, also from Royal Gymnastics & Sports Academy, is recognized for her strong performance at Development Program Level 10 Nationals and has attained a Top 100 ranking across multiple age levels.
Each recruit shared compelling reasons for choosing Clemson, emphasizing a strong sense of community, exceptional coaching, and a supportive environment. Dunlap appreciated the warm atmosphere and the university’s outstanding academic programs, while Geiger felt an immediate connection, describing Clemson as her second home. Oprea complemented the balance between athletic and academic opportunities, and Reihl praised the impressive coaching staff and community backing. Snyder highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities, and Torres-Melton recognized the extensive resources for athletes and the robust support system available.
With the addition of this promising signing class, Clemson Gymnastics is positioned for a bright future. The program, which has accomplished significant milestones including two NCAA Championship appearances, aims to leverage this talent to build on its successes. The co-head coaches believe these recruits exemplify the program’s core values and will significantly enhance both performance and team culture, setting high standards for future athletes at Clemson University as they embark on this new chapter.