Last year, the University of California gymnastics program celebrated a major recruiting win. Two of the most promising young gymnasts in the country — Sydney Snyder and another gymnast — announced their commitment to Cal, stirring excitement among fans and coaches alike. Together, they symbolized the future of a powerhouse program: fierce, talented, and already battle-tested on stages like the Nastia Liukin Cup. But in the world of collegiate athletics, nothing is written in stone.

On May 13, Sydney Snyder turned heads when she posted a bright, joy-filled photo to Instagram, donning Clemson’s orange. With a radiant smile and the caption “I can’t wait to be a Tiger💜🧡🐅,” the 17-year-old officially declared her switch from the Golden Bears to the Clemson Tigers. It was a blow to Cal’s recruiting class — a move that left fans stunned and scrambling for answers. And just when the dust was beginning to settle, the wound reopened.

Four days later, Morgan Reihl — Sydney’s former co-commit and a standout talent known for her poise under pressure and electric routines — followed suit. The 17-year-old, who had once stood proudly alongside Sydney in celebrating their Cal days, now made a leap of her own, straight into the Clemson territory. To insiders, maybe the signs were there. Last September, Reihl took her official visit to Clemson. She was photographed wrapped in Tiger colors, soaking in the electric atmosphere of Memorial Stadium on game day. Still, when she gave her commitment to Cal, it seemed the Tigers had missed their shot. But sometimes, timing is everything.

Now, Clemson isn’t just getting one elite gymnast — they’re getting two. And not just any two, but two that have already built a bond, trained side by side, and dreamed big together. For Sydney and Morgan, this decision wasn’t just about gymnastics; it was about shared goals, chemistry, and where they felt they truly belonged. Celebrating that part of the story, the back-to-back national beam champion wrote in her Instagram post, “I am excited to announce that I am now committed to Clemson University on a full athletic scholarship!!” But for Morgan, this was more than a switch. It was a celebration of every step, every turn, every tumble that brought her here.

At the same time, the gymnast didn’t forget those who helped build the path: “Thank you so much to my coach Melia and my parents for supporting me throughout this journey.” That journey? It’s already stacked with highlights. Reihl’s artistry and control on the beam stunned at the 2024 Nastia Liukin Cup, where she soared to second place on balance beam and clinched third in the all-around. Her poise, consistency, and quiet fire have earned her national attention — and now, a spot on one of the fastest-rising programs in the NCAA. 

But in true Morgan fashion, she ended her message not with ego, but with gratitude and excitement. “A huge thank you to Justin and Liz for giving me this amazing opportunity! I cannot wait to be a part of the Clemson family!! GO TIGERS!! 🧡💜,” the Linden native wrote. But isn’t the domino effect what this whole incident points to? 

The domino effect in gymnastics 

It started with a thunderclap that echoed through the collegiate gymnastics world. On May 12, Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell — the driving force behind the University of California’s gymnastics rise — stepped away from their roles in Berkeley. But rather than signaling an end, their departure marked a bold new beginning. Within hours, they were announced as the new leaders of the Clemson Tigers gymnastics program. And that’s when the ripple effect began.

Justin had steered Cal through stormy waters, turning the program into a nationally respected force. Elisabeth, who joined in 2018, brought finesse, strategic brilliance, and a gift for nurturing top-tier talent. Together, they weren’t just coaches — they were the backbone of Cal gymnastics. But once they left, it wasn’t long before the future followed.

Just one day after the coaching shift, top 2025 recruit Sydney Snyder announced she was flipping her commitment from Cal to Clemson. Then, just four days later, the second shoe dropped: Morgan Reihl, Sydney’s fellow commit and one of the brightest young stars in the sport, made the same leap. For Clemson, it’s more than a recruiting win — it’s a cornerstone.

They didn’t just pick up two elite gymnasts. They secured a dynamic duo rooted in loyalty, talent, and a shared belief in the vision of their coaches. With Howell and Crandall-Howell now at the helm, and Snyder and Reihl on board, the Tigers aren’t just assembling a team — they’re shaping a new powerhouse. From the West Coast to the Southeast, this move has flipped the script — and possibly the balance of power — in NCAA gymnastics. Because Clemson isn’t just landing names. They’re launching a legacy.