CLEMSON — The Clemson Gymnastics team is writing its own history right out of the gates.

With two record-setting attendances, two dominant wins and a national ranking, the 470 days of anticipation, training, and building a program from the ground up are proving to be worthwhile.

The Tigers opened their inaugural season with wins over William & Mary and Pitt, while doing it in front of more than 8,000 supporters at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Clemson is composed of 18 gymnasts, led by head coach Amy Smith, who previously spent five seasons running the Utah State gymnastics program. Smith brought with her six transfers that dedicated an entire year of preparation before they actually were able to compete.

On Jan. 12, the Tigers made their long-awaited-debut by winning every event against William & Mary.

“It was really emotional. This moment was in the making for two years,” said Clemson’s Rebecca Wells, who was the all-around winner in both meets. “For it to finally come tonight was incredible.”

Brie Clark, a redshirt sophomore, emphasized the continuous growth left to make it throughout the season.

“We’re off to a great start, but we have more (to do). No one’s seen our full potential yet,” she said.

Clark has been first overall in her floor routine in back-to-back meets, with scores of 9.900 (William & Mary) and 9.925 (Pitt).

With two victories already accomplished, including one in the ACC, the Tigers have a lot of confidence heading into Friday’s first road meet at North Carolina.

“It will definitely fuel us. At the end of the day, we are just competing against ourselves,” Clark said.

The Tigers have patiently waited for their time, and their work thus far seems to be paying off.

“We set high expectations for ourselves, so to see them come to fruition in the first (ACC) meet is really exciting,” said redshirt freshman Lilly Lippeatt. “But I know with the way our team is, we are so passionate about fixing those small mistakes. We are already moving onto the next meet and wanting to make those changes.”

Clemson’s next meet is Friday in Chapel Hill, N.C. It is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Maybe the Tigers can continue to write some more history there.

—photo by Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK