Clemson Fires Gymnastics Coach Amy Smith Amid Speculation

Clemson University has abruptly fired Amy Smith, its inaugural women's gymnastics head coach, after two seasons marked by both competitive achievements and controversy. Under Smith, the program achieved back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, secured its first postseason win, and attained a top-20 national ranking. Her tenure was overshadowed by previous allegations of verbal abuse and fostering a toxic culture at earlier coaching positions, as reported in a 2023 Washington Post investigation. In 2024, Smith also received an NCAA Level III violation for administrative oversight. Clemson officials released only a brief statement about the dismissal, emphasizing their commitment to student-athlete wellbeing. The sudden firing and lack of detailed explanation have led to speculation within the gymnastics community.