Look at Simone Biles‘ gymnastics successes over the years! If you were a gymnast, wouldn’t you want to replicate that? Possibly, many would even hope to have a mentor like she had. And that was Cecile Landi, who guided her till quite recently, before she decided to leave to join Georgia gymnastics as the new Co-Head Coach. Well, looks like this dream is actually coming true for a Texan gymnast who has found a way to end up under Cecile’s mentorship. She has just played a huge bet, but will the risk pay off?
We’re talking about Brooke Pierson. She’s a Spring, Texas, native, much like Simone Biles herself. Yet, this class of 2025 commit Brooke, was originally committed to Clemson. Back in 2024, she’d said, “I chose Clemson because I love the family atmosphere, the coaches and team, along with the academic focus.” But not anymore. Something’s changed. The big news for now is that she’s decided to shake things up. The reason? Unconfirmed for now. But her mind? Made up for sure!
June 3, 2025, Brooke Pierson took the NCAA women’s gymnastics community by surprise as she decided to make a shocking switch. She took to her Instagram and dropped a post, donning the red and black Gymdogs leo for the first time ever, as she posed comfortably on a black throne chair and wrote, “I’m so excited to announce that I have committed to the University of Georgia on a full athletic scholarship!!!” But what she wrote in the next few lines, hints at a potential reason she might have made this switch.
Brooke Pierson further wrote, “I’m so thankful to God for His guidance and this blessing, and to Cecile, Ryan, Marissa, and Oleskii for this amazing opportunity. Can’t wait for the next 4 years!! Go Dawgs” She showed her heartfelt gratitude toward Simone Biles’ former coach, Cecile Landi, for this opportunity, while the Co-Head Coach herself expressed similar enthusiasm on Pierson’s addition. Yes, Cecile Landi took to the comment section below and wrote, “Can’t wait!!!!!!! So excited ”
May 31, 2024: Brooke Pierson of World Champions Centre competes on the balance beam during the Woman s Day 1 of the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX. /CSM Fort Worth United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20240531_zma_c04_004 Copyright: xKylexOkitax
Well, Cecile Landi even reposted InsideGymnastics’ post confirming Brooke Pierson’s college switch. After all, she knows the value and extensive skill set that Brooke brings to the table. Back in 2024, when Brooke was still slated to join Clemson, the Clemson coach Amy Smith had briefed why exactly would Brooke be an asset to them. “Brooke is an elite gymnast that should compete as an all-arounder for us. Her bars are at an extraordinary level, beautiful lines along with an extremely high level of difficulty, which make her an immediate stand-out on that event. She has a dynamic full-in and back 1.5 to front full on floor, which is huge. Her beam is equal to bars with beautiful lines and high difficulty skills.”
Now, these benefits and skills are moving over to Georgia. And while it’s clear that this commitment will add to the impressive depth Georgia has, there is no confirmed reason behind the same yet. But interestingly, Brooke Pierson does train at the World Championships Centre club, owned by Simone Biles’ parents, where Cecile and Laurent Landi are coaches. So it’s not difficult that she may have adapted to Landi’s coaching technique and found that to be best to shape her skills. However, no official reason is cited.
Yet, one thing is sure. Georgia Gymnastics is surely going to benefit from the incredible skills that Brooke brings on board. Here’s a glimpse of the same.
Simone Biles’ hometown gymnast, Brooke, is a rising star
When Amy Smith mentioned that Brooke Pierson’s strength lies in her bar skills, she wasn’t kidding. No wonder, it’s already started to show in 2025. At the 2025 Winter Cup that was held in Louisville, Brooke bagged an uneven bars silver. She even came tenth all-around.
But while the 2025 season is just about starting, here are some results from her previous performances. At the 2024 American Classic in Katy, Texas, Pierson came 6th on the bars and 9th all-around. But the year before, she had a way better performance on the uneven bars, getting a silver at the 2023 American Classic.
And now, she’s looking to bring her expertise to Georgia and get trained by Simone Biles’ former coach, Cecile Laadi, there. This may further result in the enhancement of her skills. What do you think? Let us know!
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