Morgan Reihl, the two-time National Beam Champion, has officially transferred from Cal to Clemson Gymnastics.

In a move that has sent ripples through the NCAA gymnastics world, two-time National Beam Champion Morgan Reihl has officially transferred from the University of California, Berkeley to Clemson University. The announcement, made jointly by Reihl and Clemson Gymnastics via social media and a university press release, signals not only a seismic shift in collegiate gymnastics talent but also an emphatic statement about the aspirations of Clemson’s rapidly emerging program.

Reihl’s decision marks a pivotal moment in Clemson Gymnastics history. A proven national-caliber gymnast bringing both elite experience and championship pedigree, Reihl becomes the highest-profile addition to the Tigers’ roster since the program’s inception. For Clemson, which just launched its gymnastics program in 2024, the move is an immediate validation of its legitimacy and a sign that the Tigers are already being viewed as serious contenders in NCAA women’s gymnastics.

Morgan Reihl, widely regarded as one of the most elegant and technically precise beam performers in collegiate gymnastics, is transferring with two years of eligibility remaining. She brings with her a resume that few in the sport can match.

The centerpiece of her accolades is her back-to-back national championships on balance beam, a rare feat that established her as one of the NCAA’s most dominant specialists. Known for her poise, seamless transitions, and fearless acrobatics, Reihl’s routines have consistently earned scores in the 9.9+ range, with multiple perfect 10s to her name.

Her time at Cal was marked not only by personal success but also by helping elevate the Bears to the national stage. During her freshman and sophomore years, Cal qualified for back-to-back NCAA Championships, and Reihl’s performances on beam were a cornerstone of the team’s postseason strategy.

But now, with her move to Clemson, Reihl is charting a new path—one that combines personal growth, academic goals, and the desire to be a foundational figure in a program’s legacy.

“I’m so excited to begin this next chapter of my gymnastics journey at Clemson,” Reihl said in a statement. “From the moment I visited campus and met the coaches and athletes, I felt a connection. I want to be part of something special here. Building something new, competing in the ACC, and being surrounded by a group of women and staff who are hungry for success—this felt like the perfect fit for me both athletically and academically.”

Clemson has made waves in the gymnastics world since announcing its addition of a Division I women’s gymnastics program in 2021, officially competing for the first time in the 2024 season. With state-of-the-art facilities, a commitment to excellence, and a rapidly growing fanbase, Clemson has quickly become a destination for elite-level gymnasts looking for a fresh opportunity.

Head coach Amy Smith, a former UCLA standout and rising coaching star, has emphasized a culture built on empowerment, creativity, and high-level performance.

“To have someone of Morgan’s caliber choose Clemson speaks volumes about what we’re building here,” Smith said. “Morgan is not just a champion—she’s a leader, a teammate, and an incredibly driven athlete. Her presence in our gym raises the bar for everyone. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Tiger family.”

The coaching staff’s vision for Reihl extends beyond balance beam. While she’s known for her mastery on that apparatus, she has also competed in all-around lineups, with particular strengths on floor and bars. Clemson is expected to give her opportunities to compete across multiple events, helping the team improve its national standing while also pushing Reihl toward potential all-around stardom.

Transfers in NCAA gymnastics have become increasingly common in recent years, as athletes seek better alignment between their goals and the resources of their institutions. For Reihl, the decision wasn’t about dissatisfaction with Cal as much as it was about maximizing her potential in a different environment.

“Cal gave me incredible opportunities, and I’m forever grateful for my teammates and coaches there,” Reihl said. “But I reached a point where I needed a new challenge and a fresh start. Clemson offered that in every way.”

Sources close to Reihl indicated that academic interests also played a key role. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in sports psychology, and Clemson’s program in that field was reportedly a major draw.

Moreover, the opportunity to be a trailblazer for a new program appealed to her competitive spirit.

“She didn’t want to just join a strong program—she wanted to build one,” said Reihl’s club coach from her pre-college days. “That’s who Morgan is. She leads by example and thrives when the pressure’s on. Clemson’s getting a superstar and a culture-setter.”

For Clemson, Reihl’s arrival is a landmark development. While the Tigers showed promise in their debut season, finishing with a respectable dual meet record and competitive scores in the ACC, the addition of a two-time national champion instantly boosts their profile.

Reihl’s routines are not just high-scoring—they’re headline-making. Her combination of difficulty and artistry has made her a social media sensation within the gymnastics community. The potential to draw national TV attention, inspire fan engagement, and boost recruiting all make her transfer a major win for Clemson athletics.

Her leadership will also be invaluable. While the Tigers are loaded with young talent, they lacked a marquee veteran presence in their inaugural year. Reihl changes that dynamic entirely.

“Having someone who’s been on the biggest stage—who knows what it takes to win a national title—brings instant credibility,” said ACC Gymnastics Analyst Liz Croft. “This is a team that’s looking to make regionals, and with Morgan on board, they might now have the firepower to go even further.”

Reihl’s transfer isn’t just a Clemson story—it’s a reflection of the shifting landscape of NCAA gymnastics. With the growing popularity of the sport, increased media coverage, and a more active transfer portal, programs like Clemson can now compete with traditional powerhouses for elite talent.

And in Reihl’s case, her move will likely intensify the already burgeoning rivalries within the ACC. Gymnastics powerhouses like North Carolina and NC State are watching closely, and the conference is positioning itself as a major force in collegiate gymnastics.

“This isn’t just about one gymnast,” said ESPN analyst Kathy Johnson Clarke. “This is a signal that the balance of power in NCAA gymnastics is expanding. Schools like Clemson are investing in their programs, and athletes are taking notice.”

Clemson’s 2026 season just got a whole lot more interesting. With Morgan Reihl in the lineup, expectations will rise significantly. The team is already working on building lineups around her beam routine while exploring how best to incorporate her into the all-around.

“She’s coming in ready to work,” said Clemson assistant coach Lianne Ziegler. “From day one, she’s been in the gym, encouraging teammates, dialing in details. It’s a huge lift for our whole program.”

Reihl is also expected to be a vocal leader in team culture efforts, mentoring younger gymnasts and helping to instill the mindset needed to compete at the national level.

And on a personal level, Reihl has unfinished business. Though she’s already won two national titles, she has goals beyond that—potentially capturing an all-around championship, anchoring a Final Four team, and setting new personal bests in her final collegiate years.

“I still feel like I have a lot more to give to this sport,” she said. “I’m just getting started.”

At its core, Reihl’s transfer is about more than gymnastics. It’s about how a student-athlete finds the right environment to thrive. It’s about growth, challenge, and leadership. It’s about a rising program proving that it belongs among the NCAA elite.

For Clemson, it’s a statement: the Tigers aren’t content with simply participating—they’re here to compete. And with Morgan Reihl in the fold, they now have a champion who embodies everything they’re striving to become.

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Clemson. And more specifically, on the beam—where Morgan Reihl, poised and powerful, will once again show the nation why she’s one of the best to ever do it.