Clemson University terminated gymnastics coach Amy Smith in April due to allegations of “verbal and mental abuse,” as reported recently. The school pointed to guidelines regarding the “responsible treatment of athletes,” concerns for their welfare, and instances of “physical and/or emotional abuse” in its official communication about the decision.
A parent of one of the gymnasts expressed gratitude towards athletic director Graham Neff for his decision to dismiss Smith on April 18, informing the gymnast’s parents. The parent emphasized that this action sent a clear message throughout the gymnastics community: “abuse is not tolerated in any way.”
While nobody wants to lose their job, the parent noted a hopeful expectation that coaching can and should occur without the use of verbal or emotional abuse.
Smith’s firing was reportedly influenced by an increase in reports received via the school’s anonymous hotline concerning the program’s culture and environment.
Stephanie Ellison Johnson, Clemson’s executive senior associate athletic director, detailed in an email that messages from fall 2024 to spring 2025 pointed to “emotional/mental abuse” within the gymnastics team. She highlighted the need for a thorough investigation, which included a survey conducted in January and individual meetings with 15 gymnasts.
The school involved parents in discussions following a review of concerns raised about Smith, Ellison Johnson, and Neff in February. They engaged legal counsel for guidance regarding the “team culture and environment” before making the decision to fire Smith. Clemson held a meeting for gymnasts with Neff prior to terminating her a week later.
One parent conveyed their reaction to Neff’s notification about Smith’s dismissal. Smith began her role as coach at Clemson in April 2022, leading the new women’s gymnastics program amid prior concerns from her coaching experiences in Utah and North Carolina from 2017 to 2022.
Former gymnast Rain Gordon, who served as an assistant coach, shared her feelings of embarrassment regarding Smith’s tenure. According to reports, Smith once remarked about an injury, implying it was due to her weight.
The past records indicate that ten gymnasts left Smith’s program in Utah in 2019. Clemson indicated to the media that they conducted an “extensive study” of Smith’s background before her hiring.
Neff previously stated that Smith demonstrated a thorough understanding of college gymnastics and was equipped to help student-athletes succeed both in and out of the gym, reflecting the shared vision of building a strong program at Clemson.
