Clemson Gymnast Brie Clark achieves historic feat, drawing national attention.
16 A LASTING LEGACY IN CLEMSON LACROSSE
Paris Masaracchia is taking Clemson as an opportunity to go All In.
20 WORTH THE WAIT
Suffering a seasonending injury, baseball’s Andrew Ciufo works toward another crack at a successful season.
24
RESILIENT AND READY
Abi Stuart is ready for her sixth year with Clemson Softball.
28
VENTURING INTO THE FUTURE
Clemson embarks on new opportunities with new in-house commercial revenue entity.
34 LEGACY IN ACTION
Mary Anne Bigger has significantly impacted both IPTAY and athletics at Clemson.
CO-EDITORS
Ashby Burton
Kelsey Tibbs
Ben Winterrowd
ART DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTORS
Trent Alley
Tim Bourret
Ashby Burton
Linda Davis
Jonathan Franchi
Autumn Froitland
Kelsey Tibbs
Brian Hennessy
Nik
Jeff Kallin
Katherine
Billy Milam
Chris Perry
Chandler Simpson
Gabe
Sam
William
Caroline
Ben Winterrowd
38 THE BRANDON WAGNER ERA
As Coach Wagner enters his second season at the helm, Clemson Men’s Tennis grows on the national level.
40 LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY
Sophia Hatton’s experience and the legacy she leaves for the future of the women’s tennis program.
42 COMPETITION AND COMMUNITY
Co-founder of BRAID and Clemson Rower, Joy Neal, is impacting both on and off the water.
44 CROWNING THE CHAMPIONS
Clemson Women’s Track and Field earned the title of ACC Indoor Champions.
46 THE VOICE THAT SHAKES THE SOUTHLAND
The voice that unites all Tiger fans, the face you may not know.
54 MATHIS FAMILY BECOMES CORNERSTONE PARTNERS
Sustaining student-athlete support for generations to come.
Orange: The Experience is published four times annually exclusively for donors to the IPTAY Scholarship Fund. A minimum priority contribution is $60, but contributions of all amounts are welcome. To join IPTAY, call 864-656-2115 or log on to ClemsonTigers.com/IPTAY. To advertise in this publication, contact Mike Money by email at mmoney@clemson.edu If you have recently changed an address or phone number, please call the IPTAY office at 864-656-2115 or visit ClemsonTigers.com and click on the IPTAY tab. You may also send your name, IPTAY number, new mailing address, email address or phone number to: IPTAY, P.O. Box 1529, Clemson, SC 29633.
Springtime in Clemson is always a special season, full of energy and excitement. Campus comes alive with activity, and this vibrant time allows us to connect with so many of you. The overlap of winter and spring sports creates an incredible opportunity to witness our Tigers in action across multiple arenas. What an exciting season it has been!
Our winter sports delivered remarkable achievements, from the success of our basketball programs to the continued rise of our gymnastics team and impressive performances on the track. Most notably, our women’s indoor track team claimed the ACC Indoor Championship, a testament to their dedication and talent.
Building on that momentum, our spring sports are thriving. Clemson Baseball is off to another strong start, softball has secured marquee victories, lacrosse continues to establish itself among the nation’s best, both tennis teams have notched major wins, both golf programs have seen success in early tournaments, and the outdoor track season is well underway. We are incredibly fortunate to have coaching
staffs with the passion and competitive drive that define Clemson Athletics. Truly, there is no better time to be a Tiger!
This time of year is especially meaningful for IPTAY because it presents natural opportunities to gather with you, our valued supporters. We enjoyed connecting with many of you at the Spring Game and look forward to seeing you at upcoming Clemson Road Show stops. If you haven’t joined us yet, we hope to see you in a city near you soon for the Road Show!
As we look ahead, this season is also a key period for guiding decisions regarding donations, and subsequently tickets and parking, for the IPTAY 2026 year. In a time of rapid change in college athletics, IPTAY remains a pillar of strength—a testament to the unwavering support of over 22,000+ members like you. Your continued generosity directly impacts our hundreds of student-athletes, fueling their growth and success.
I encourage you to take advantage of the resources provided by our team, including our interactive parking map, detailed FAQs on our website,
and the dedicated members of our Development and Member Services team. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at 1-800-CLEMSON or email IPTAY@ clemson.edu. We are here to help you make the best decisions for your membership and contributions.
Lastly, I want to highlight the continued importance of the 110 Society as we navigate this new era of college athletics. Many of you have already stepped up, and we are incredibly grateful for your contributions. Gifts to both IPTAY and the 110 Society are crucial to our mission, and we appreciate your thoughtful consideration of these opportunities.
On behalf of IPTAY and Clemson Athletics, thank you for your unwavering support. Your commitment makes all the difference, and we thank you for elevating our Tigers to new heights. We look forward to seeing you soon. As always, Go Tigers!
DAVIS BABB IPTAY CEO
S C GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATES LOTTERY FUNDS EACH YEAR
MOMENT IN CLEMSON HISTORY
Clemson Softball is celebrating five years of excellence as a program, marking a milestone of growth and success in the NCAA. Since its inaugural year, Clemson Softball has made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
TIGER LETTERWINNERS
BY: TIM BOURRET
SPOTLIGHT
Former Clemson defensive back and longtime NFL player Coty Sensabaugh was honored with the Brian Dawkins Lifetime Achievement Award at Clemson’s annual football banquet in January.
The Brian Dawkins Lifetime Achievement Award is presented each year to a former Clemson player who has consistently demonstrated the qualities of leadership, community service, and excellence since graduating from the Clemson program. The award is named after Brian Dawkins, a Clemson All-American who had nine Pro Bowl seasons during his 16-year NFL Hall of Fame career. Dawkins was the first recipient in 2013.
“Coty has a heart to give back,” said Dawkins. “He has been unselfish and an example that you can have success on the field, but also in the community in a way that is tangible here in America and across the world.”
Sensabaugh was one of Clemson football’s greatest overachievers. The Tennessee native arrived at Clemson as a two-star recruit in 2007. After redshirting his first year, he became a consistent contributor in the secondary, playing in 52 career games between 2008 and 2011.
“Coty came here when I was an assistant coach and redshirted his first year. He didn’t become a starter until 2011, his fifth year,” said Head Coach Dabo Swinney. “But he just kept working. He kept the faith and kept going. He became a graduate. His first year as a starter, he was co-captain on our first ten-win season and first ACC Championship team.”
“He was a leader and represented what perseverance is all about. He got better and better, eventually becoming a fourth-round draft pick before playing eight years in the NFL. Today, 14 years removed from this program, he is a special person. This is gratifying for me personally to see him win this award.”
In accepting the award, Sensabaugh thanked many Clemson coaches and former teammates, including Swinney.
“Coach Swinney always gave profound post-practice messages. One day before my senior year, he said, ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’”
“I reflected on that, and it made me realize I was just making excuses for why I wasn’t playing as well as I should,” Sensabaugh added. “It meant so much to me that I got it tattooed on my wrist. I needed to control what happens to my destiny and my future.”
Sensabaugh embraced that mindset. As a senior in 2011, he played 993 snaps as a starting cornerback, still a record for a Clemson defensive player. That year, he led the team with 13 passes broken up. By season’s end, Sensabaugh had been named one of the team’s co-captains, a key factor in winning Clemson’s first ACC Championship in 20 years.
In the spring of 2012, Sensabaugh was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He went on to play in 105 NFL games across eight seasons from 2012 to 2019.
Sensabaugh’s impact extended beyond football. In 2017, he was one of five NFL players to receive the Daily Point of Light Tribute Award, one of the most prestigious honors in volunteer service. He was also featured on ESPN for his partnership with Food for the Hungry, an organization that provides freshwater systems to communities in Haiti.
Perhaps the greatest example of Sensabaugh’s dedication to serving others came in July 2016. After marrying his wife, Dominique, also a Clemson graduate, in Atlanta, the couple asked wedding guests to donate to Soles4Souls, an organization that provides shoes to those in need. Instead of going on a honeymoon, the couple traveled to the Dominican Republic to distribute shoes to people in underserved communities.
Sensabaugh has also raised funds in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of his late brother Jamaar, who died of cancer at age 16.
Continuing his dedication to Clemson, Sensabaugh has remained actively involved with the Clemson PAW Journey program. He also established the Sensabaugh Family Foundation, which aims to improve vulnerable communities through financial development, domestic and global philanthropy, and youth empowerment.
Sensabaugh’s story stands as a remarkable testament to perseverance, selflessness, and the powerful impact of giving back.
CREATE YOUR NEW Tiger Tradition
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When you can’t be here, rent your condo to other fans and offset the cost of ownership through our hotel management rental program.
When you are here, you’ll be just 2 miles from campus, on the lake, and have access to some of the best amenities of a luxury resort, including our restaurant and bar, Traditions on the Lake.
Call us today and start your new Tiger Tradition at Lakeside Lodge.
BEYOND THE GAME
BY: ANDREW FOSTVELT
LACROSSE | JUNIOR | LARCHMONT, N.Y.
CALLIE ROSEBERRY
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START PLAYING LACROSSE?
CR: I started playing in kindergarten. I started playing because my whole family was into the sport and wanted to share their love of the game with me.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A PART OF TEAM 3?
CR: My favorite thing is definitely the chemistry we have built as teammates and a family and watching all of our hard work come together after our first top-five win.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
CR: You have very little control of what goes on around you but total control of how you choose to respond to it.
WHO IS YOUR LACROSSE ROLE MODEL?
CR: My lacrosse role model is Taylor Cummings.
WHO INSPIRES YOU AS A PERSON?
CR: My grandfather has always been my greatest inspiration, and his legacy continues to motivate me every day, both on and off the lacrosse field. He instilled in me the values of hard work and integrity—qualities that have shaped me into the person and athlete I am today. His unwavering dedication to his family and his relentless work ethic serve as constant reminders to push myself to be better. Every time I step onto the field, I carry his lessons with me, hoping to honor his memory through my commitment, determination, and love for the game.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF CLEMSON?
CR: My favorite memory of Clemson was our first game as a program and all the incredible support from the community. It was unforgettable.
WHAT’S YOUR PREGAME ROUTINE/RITUAL?
CR: Wake up, get coffee with some of my teammates, stretch and stick work, and then play!
WHAT’S A FACT ABOUT YOU THAT YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD KNOW ABOUT?
CR: I used to go to ski academy during the winter and was a big ski racer!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CLEMSON TRADITION?
CR: Solid Orange Friday
ORANGE OR PURPLE?
CR: Orange
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
CR: I like to go to yoga and read!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO AFTER LACROSSE?
CR: I want to travel the world!
FLIPPING INTO HISTORY
Clemson Gymnast Brie Clark achieves historic feat, drawing national attention.
BY: CHANDLER SIMPSON & ASHBY BURTON
After I fell on it in January, that fueled me towards really wanting to try it again and nail it.
In a historic moment for collegiate gymnastics during the 2025 season, Clemson Gymnastics’ Brie Clark became the first NCAA gymnast to successfully execute the Biles I on the floor exercise. This move, a double layout with a half-twist, is named after the legendary gymnast Simone Biles, who first performed it at the 2013 World Championships.
Clark’s achievement not only highlights her exceptional talent but also marks a significant milestone for Clemson’s young gymnastics program. The program, just in its second year of competition, has quickly made a name for itself, with Clark’s performance serving as a testament to its rapid development and the caliber of gymnasts.
“The moment I landed it, I felt this sense of relief because it’s something I’ve been working toward for a really long time,” Clark said in an interview with Clemson alum Christine Williamson on SportsCenter. “I also loved that I was facing my teammates when I landed it and got to share the reaction with them.”
The gymnastics community and fans worldwide have celebrated Clark’s accomplishment. The official social accounts of Clemson Women’s Gymnastics shared a video of her performance, which quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and comments. However, the pinnacle of this recognition came when Simone Biles herself commented on the post, expressing her admiration for Clark’s skill and dedication.
Clark’s journey to this historic moment began at a young age. Her
passion for gymnastics was evident early on, and she dedicated countless hours to training and perfecting her craft. Joining Clemson’s Gymnastics program provided her with a platform to showcase her talent and push the boundaries of what’s possible in collegiate gymnastics.
In an interview on Good Morning America, Clark expressed her disbelief and excitement over Biles’ recognition. “I was just in shock,” she said. “To have someone you look up to acknowledge your performance is a dream come true.”
The significance of Clark’s achievement extends beyond personal accolades. It symbolizes the evolution and increasing competitiveness of collegiate gymnastics. Executing a move of such complexity and risk at this level demonstrates the rising standards and the dedication of gymnasts like Clark who continually strive to elevate Clemson Gymnastics and the sport in general.
“Doing this skill in college was something I’ve wanted to do since my senior year of high school. After I fell on it in January, that fueled me towards really wanting to try it again and nail it.”
Clemson’s Gymnastics program, though relatively new, has shown its prominence on campus. With more than 8,000 fans gathering at each meet in its first two seasons. Clark’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring young gymnasts nationwide. With dedication, hard work, and the resources provided by Clemson, moments like this are possible for Brie and sets the stage for future Clemson gymnasts.
She finished the 2025 gymnastics regular season with high marks in her specialized competition areas, balance beam and floor exercise. In eleven meets, she averaged a 9.827 on her floor routine. Her season-high on floor (and her career high) came in a meet against North Carolina in Chapel Hill where Clark scored a 9.950. In eight out of eleven meets, Clark posted a 9.9 or better on floor. Her National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 9.920 was tied 25th nationally.
At the time of this writing, the Clemson Gymnastics team qualified for its
second-consecutive NCAA Tournament, announced at the NCAA Gymnastics Selection Show. The Tigers will compete in a dual meet against Rutgers in the Tuscaloosa, Ala. Regional. In addition to the team’s selection into the NCAA Gymnastics Tournament, Brie Clark qualified individually to compete in the floor exercise against other specialists.
As Clark continues her gymnastics career, her recent accomplishment sets a new benchmark for excellence.
In reflecting on her achievement, Clark remains humble and focused. She acknowledges the support of
her coaches, teammates, and family, emphasizing that this milestone is a collective victory of all involved. Her story is a powerful reminder of the heights that can be reached, not only with Clemson Gymnastics, but in women’s sports. A testament especially in the 50th year of women’s athletics at Clemson.
Brie Clark’s successful execution of the Biles I is more than just a personal triumph, it’s a historic moment that will inspire future generations of gymnasts to continue to evolve in the sport.
A LASTING LEGACY IN CLEMSON LACROSSE
Paris Masaracchia is taking Clemson as an opportunity to go All In.
BY: SAM WALTERS
Three summers ago, history was made. On June 17, 2021, former Clemson Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich announced the creation of a new program: Clemson Lacrosse. This marked the beginning of a new sport at Clemson, one that had previously existed only as a club activity.
Within months of the announcement, the program started to take shape. Head Coach Allison Kwolek was hired to lead the inaugural Clemson Lacrosse team. Kwolek had previously spent nine seasons as the head coach of the Richmond Spiders, where she achieved a 66%-win rate, developed a nationally
History is huge here at Clemson, so I thought that was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. “ ”
ranked team, and made program history. Following her hire, assistant coaches and support staff joined the program. However, the most crucial element was still missing: Clemson needed players.
On November 12, 2021, Clemson announced the signing class for the inaugural season of Tiger Lacrosse.
After months of preparation, the team was finally coming to life.
One of the incoming players was Paris Masaracchia, from the small town of Enola, Pa., just outside Harrisburg. Masaracchia attended Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, Pa., where she played as a defender for the Pa. Express Lacrosse Club. During her high school career, she earned five Under Armour All-American awards, was named defensive MVP twice, and received several other accolades.
“Lacrosse was always my happy place,” Masaracchia said in an
interview. “It’s where I felt at peace, and my family was big into lacrosse, so I just felt like that was something I could always bond with them.”
Lacrosse had always been a passion for Masaracchia since she started playing in third grade. The sport ran in her family: her brother played Division III lacrosse, her cousin competed at the University of Virginia, and her uncle also had a history in the sport. Initially committed to Virginia Tech during her junior year of high school, Masaracchia decided to decommit due to coaching changes and other circumstances. That’s when Clemson caught her eye.
“My club and high school coach told me about the opportunity at Clemson because right when I decommitted was when Clemson announced the new program,” Masaracchia said. “It was perfect timing. Being able to start a new program and be part of history
— history is huge here at Clemson — so I thought that was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
With the signing class in place and 19 transfers joining the program in July 2022, Clemson was ready to compete at the Division I level. On August 23, the Tigers held their first official team meeting, and momentum began to build.
“All of us coming into a new program, we really didn’t know what to expect,” Masaracchia said. “It was all new, all unexpected. My class stuck together. We did our freshman summer together, so there were four of us here before everyone else arrived. ”
In the spring of 2023, the Tigers played their inaugural lacrosse season. Excitement grew as fans eagerly awaited the team’s debut in the ACC. The season began, and national attention followed.
“Going into the first game, we knew we were a solid team, and we knew we were going to have some big upsets,” Masaracchia said. “We didn’t really know what that meant until we got our first win under our belt, and then we started getting comfortable.”
Indeed, Clemson went 12-6 in their first season, reaching the ACC Tournament in their debut year. Although they fell to North Carolina in the quarterfinals, the Tigers made history by earning their first wins against both an ACC team and a top-25 ranked opponent. They also secured a spot in the national top 25 rankings, a strong foundation for the growing program. Masaracchia was the only freshman to start all 18 games, scoring two goals, leading Clemson in ground balls, and earning a spot on the 2023 ACC AllFreshman team.
Heading into their second season, Clemson moved into their own lacrosse facility, the nation’s only standalone women’s collegiate lacrosse facility. With more time to build chemistry and refine their skills, the Tigers aimed to improve on their debut season. Unfortunately, they finished 11-7 and were eliminated early in the ACC Tournament by Notre Dame, missing the NCAA Tournament.
“I think it was a really good season, although we fell short of our goals,” Masaracchia said. “It was still a
successful season, but we obviously wanted more. That’s our drive for this year.”
The determination, born from their second-season struggles, has fueled the Tigers’ third season. They opened 2025 with a 6-2 record, winning their first six games and earning a #9 ranking in the IWLCA Coaches Poll. As for Masaracchia, she entered the season as the #41 ranked player in the nation and is leading her team as a defensive captain.
“We’ve been cut short two years, and we’ve been on the bubble both years,” Masaracchia said. “We’ve made a lot of history in our first two years, but what’s really important for us is continuing to make history.”
Clemson Lacrosse has come off a blazing start from the beginning, and the Tigers show no signs of stopping; their history has just begun.
Jeff Scott
Eric Newton
Jessica Summey Williams
BY: CHRIS PERRY
WORTH THE WAIT
The Tiger infielder suffered a season-ending injury during midseason of 2024 and has waited patiently for another crack at a successful season.
Growing up in New York and spending four years of college at Georgetown, Andrew Ciufo could have never expected to finish out his college career at Clemson.
The shortstop was born and raised in Medford, N.Y. He attended PatchogueMedford High School for three years and Phillips Academy for one year, as he lettered on the diamond four times. It seemed inevitable that the middle infielder would get into baseball from a young age, as his father played baseball at Lynn, a Division II university in Boca Raton, Fla. Ciufo’s older brother, Richard, also played baseball at Brown. All three family members played in the middle infield.
“In terms of why I play baseball, my dad grew up playing baseball. He was the first in his family to go to college. Between him and the way my brother played the game, my dad always said he breeds middle infielders. Between those two people in my life, that’s definitely why I have worked so hard.”
Ciufo’s brother is three-and-a-half years older. The two were able to spend time playing on the same summer ball
teams growing up, which Ciufo referred to as a transformational experience.
“We drove each other, especially when I was at Georgetown, and he was at Brown, for the couple of years that we were in college baseball together. During the season, we could play our games and then come home and talk about our at-bats. As we got older, we became even closer. I actually played a couple of weeks of summer ball with him, and we got to turn some double plays. He’s my best friend.”
Ciufo committed and signed to play at Georgetown after high school. He spent four years at the university playing in the Big East Conference. He believes his time at Georgetown helped him prepare for this stage of his career at Clemson.
“I didn’t honestly have many opportunities out of high school in terms of a college. Georgetown was by far the best opportunity. I had known a few guys who had already been there. The transition from Big East to ACC was definitely a big one. The biggest was the level of pitching that you see on a consistent basis.”
It took me a while to make the decision to come back because part of me was trying to cope with the possibility of my career being done. “ ”
After four years at Georgetown, the shortstop transferred to Clemson in the fall of 2023 to play what he expected to be his last year in college. After a solid start to his Clemson career with a .280 batting average and a walk-off homer to beat rival South Carolina, Ciufo’s season ended abruptly when he tore his ACL in a midseason series at Notre Dame. Ciufo had full reconstruction on his knee. He debated whether his college career was over before ultimately deciding he would return to Clemson for the 2025 season.
“I’ve learned a lot. It’s definitely a long process. This isn’t my first injury, so I knew that it would be months of physical therapy, especially with a knee reconstruction. I wasn’t sure how fast I’d come back. It took me a while to make the decision to come back because part of me was trying to cope with the possibility of my career being done. Another part was trying not to rush into getting a real job and rush the start of my life.”
Above all, Ciufo credited his relationship with Head Coach Erik Bakich as a main driver for his reason to return to Clemson and utilize his final year of eligibility.
“He helped me out with that decision and told me that I would never regret it. Even though it was tough for me, that experience with him built our relationship a lot. We have a very respectful relationship. Myself, along with all the other guys, can connect with him on a personable level or a coach level.”
Undoubtedly, #5 has learned a lot during what many would describe as a “roller coaster college career.” Ciufo hopes that his overall experience on the field, combined with his experience battling through adversity, will continue to empower him and give him an edge in his final year at Clemson.
BY: WILLIAM WARREN
RESILIENT AND READY
Abi Stuart is ready for her sixth year with Clemson Softball.
“
“ I had everything I needed, including resources that helped me recover and bounce back.
For senior catcher Abi Stuart, softball is not just a game or a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Over her six years with the program, she has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and dedication, overcoming injuries and embracing whatever role her team needs to succeed.
Stuart’s journey to Clemson followed a successful high school career at Southern Alamance in her hometown of Snow Camp, N.C. There, she played a crucial role in winning three conference championships and earning AllConference honors each of those years. In 2017, she was named Conference Player of the Year after helping Southern Alamance finish third in the state.
Stuart began her Clemson career in 2020, appearing in 14 games during the program’s inaugural season. The Tigers posted a 19-8 overall record and went 5-1 in ACC play before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on her early years, Stuart said, “My role has definitely changed a lot over my time here. In year one, everyone on the roster was new to both Clemson and college softball, so we were essentially all freshmen. Because of those early years, I feel like I’ve grown as a leader. As I enter my sixth year, I’m more confident in my leadership role and my understanding of the direction the program is heading.” Her leadership has played a key role in the Tigers’ impressive 189-64 record over the program’s first five seasons.
Stuart has faced her share of adversity. During her junior season in 2022, she suffered an injury that sidelined her for the remainder of the year. “It was extremely tough because I had never been hurt before,” Stuart said. “I had never experienced sitting out and not being able to practice or play. I found that having my teammates around me and all the support really helped me during my recovery process.”
Despite the setback, Stuart returned to full strength in 2023, appearing in 17 games. In 19 at-bats, she posted a .286 on-base percentage, recorded four hits, two doubles, and scored two runs, helping the team finish 49-12 and reach its second consecutive Super Regional appearance.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my teammates, coaches, and the support staff,” Stuart said. “I had everything I needed, including resources that helped me recover and bounce back. Everyone made it easy to still be around the game and feel included in the team’s accomplishments. It allowed me to continue learning and growing even when I couldn’t physically play.”
Stuart credits much of her success to her family and support system. “Both of my parents travel to every game, home or away, and my family is at 99 percent of my games supporting me,” Stuart said. “Knowing that I always have someone in the stands cheering me on means a lot. All my teammates have grown to know and love my mom. She
has become the team mom in many ways, and it’s amazing to see her love and support extend to my teammates. It means so much that my parents have sacrificed so much to watch me play and support me, whether at McWhorter Stadium or halfway across the country.”
In addition to her athletic achievements, Stuart has excelled academically, earning recognition on the ACC Academic Honor Roll and the All-ACC Academic Team throughout her career. When she isn’t focused on softball or her studies, she enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, playing pickleball, or hiking with her dog.
The Tigers enter this season with optimism and determination. “I feel like we are going to be very scrappy,” Stuart said. “I’m excited for this year! The whole team is working extremely hard to be competitive. People will get familiar with some new faces on the roster after a large senior class graduated last season, but we’ve added strong replacements that I’m excited to see transition into college softball and the Clemson lineup.”
While the Tigers have consistently found success and earned national rankings, they are still striving to maintain momentum and win a championship. In her final season, Abi Stuart hopes to contribute to that goal and inspire others with her incredible work ethic along the way.
“ ”
It means so much that my parents have sacrificed so much to watch me play and support me, whether at McWhorter Stadium or halfway across the country.
BY: NIK JOHNSON & JEFF KALLIN
VENTURING INTO THE FUTURE
Clemson embarks on new opportunities with new in-house commercial revenue entity.
In response to the ongoing evolution of the current collegiate athletics landscape, Clemson Athletics has launched its newest strategic operation, Clemson Ventures. Clemson Ventures was established in August 2024, designed as an internal affiliated department with the specific purpose of generating commercial revenue and maximizing Clemson Athletics’ financial capacity moving forward into this ultra-competitive modern era of the industry. By integrating several existing departments with some newly formed initiatives, Ventures will act as a full-service corporate partnerships, marketing, content, and NIL agency primed to enable Clemson to sustain its position as a leader amongst both the ACC and its national counterparts. Ventures has a similar organizational structure to IPTAY, including a governing board, and will serve as an affiliate of Clemson Athletics. The three organizations will work handin-hand with one another under the same mission, to ensure Clemson has the resources necessary to be able to continue providing the young men and women who wear the Paw with an elite student-athlete experience for many years to come.
CORE COMPONENTS OF CLEMSON VENTURES:
Multimedia Rights Integration - As one of only a handful of schools nationally that manages its own multimedia rights internally, Clemson Ventures will expand upon this to offer a strategic, customized partnership approach to content distribution, corporate partnerships, digital and social media integration, and hospitality to ensure
maximum impact on revenue generation and market value.
Media and Original Content - Building upon recent investments in both original content and live production infrastructure, Ventures will continue to place emphasis in showcasing the stories of Clemson Athletics and its student-athletes through modern content production. Original content produced exclusively for Clemson+, as well as various affiliated social media accounts, will be used in leveraging modern media platforms to expand the reach of the Clemson Athletics brand.
NIL Agency - Recognizing the need for innovative and sustainable NIL opportunities, Clemson Ventures will leverage its unique position to build a robust in-house NIL agency. In addition to comprehensive support to studentathletes, Ventures will look to facilitate new business opportunities while ensuring adherence to educational and regulatory standards as they continue to develop.
Revenue and Marketing - This unit will drive revenue through innovative sales strategies with intentional focus on ancillary revenue streams within the live-events business, and curating private events across the many unique spaces around Clemson’s athletic facilities. In addition, utilization of cutting-edge marketing and social media campaigns will be leveraged to strengthen Clemson’s connection with fans, alumni, and corporate partners.
Business Operations - The newly established business operations department within Clemson Ventures will focus on optimizing internal
processes, financial management, and operational efficiencies, further enhancing the unit’s ability to generate and sustain revenue.
A first-of-its-kind model within the collegiate athletics industry, Clemson Ventures will operate entirely in-house as opposed to an overwhelming majority of universities across the country who contract these divisions through thirdparty representatives. Its formation serves as the latest example of Clemson’s Director of Athletics Graham Neff’s proactive and progressive approach to leadership through this unprecedented era of collegiate athletics. Ventures is a further development of one of Clemson’s previous innovations, Clemson Athletic Properties (CAPCo), where in 2022 Clemson became one of two power schools nationwide to bring their multimedia rights and corporate sponsorships in-house. Building upon the strong foundation already in place, and merging with other departments under one revenue generation-focused umbrella, that group has now expanded into Clemson Ventures.
As Neff and his team began the initial planning of what ultimately came to be Clemson Ventures, he recognized the value that further growing commercial revenue will have moving forward into this new era. It was evident that in order for Clemson Athletics to continue competing at the championship level, in each of its twenty one varsity sports, a modernized strategic adjustment was necessary. “In the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, finding
additional revenue sources has never been more important,” stated Neff. “The reality in the commercial world is that we need to do everything we can to maximize revenue and further develop opportunities to take advantage of the national brand we have.”
To spearhead operations and lead Clemson Ventures through its inaugural stages as an organization, Neff named Michael Drake as its first Chief Executive Officer in February 2025. Drake, a long-time professional sports executive, comes to Clemson with over twenty years of experience working in the corporate partnership and revenue generating space. He brings a proven track record from his roles with toptier organizations such as the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta Hawks. In his most recent position as Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, Drake managed a $73 million annual budget and secured one of the NBA’s largest arena naming rights deals.
“We have brought in a dynamic leader in Michael Drake who has extensive experience with some of the biggest professional organizations in the world. His vision for what we can become and generate - while keeping Clemson, Clemson - is sincerely exciting,” Neff said. “We couldn’t be more optimistic about this structure and team.” As Clemson’s business strategies have now shifted to emulate more of a professional sports-style model, Drake’s extensive experience in
MICHAEL DRAKE Chief Executive Officer of Clemson Ventures
the NFL and NBA make him the perfect fit to lead Clemson Ventures through its introductory phase.
Drake’s ultimate vision for Clemson Ventures is one that is founded on strategy, data, and building a sustainable model developed with integrity. “We will build a smart, efficient, and sustainable revenue and marketing business, all while being a group that goes about maximizing revenue the right way,” said Drake.
He also emphasized the vital role Ventures has, along with IPTAY, in serving the student-athlete, working to ensure they have the resources needed to succeed both on and off the field of play. It is important to him that Ventures utilizes each of its branches to remain consistent with Clemson’s mission of providing the best student-
athlete experience in the country. “We plan to be a group that creates Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities for our student-athletes, help them build their individual brands, and help make them more marketable. I want to make sure we do a great job there,” Drake noted.
One aspect of Clemson that was most attractive to Drake in the initial stages of the process was its national brand recognition and the brand affinity Clemson has developed with its loyal fan base. He believes this is one of Clemson’s greatest advantages, and plans to optimize its capacity in future business discussions. “That nationally recognized brand will open up some doors for us, with companies and brands that may not even be in South Carolina or around Clemson,” he explained. “The Power of the Paw will help us to get into some of those rooms and have dialogue to see if we can provide solutions for those companies.”
While Ventures looks to pioneer the collegiate athletics landscape with a dynamic and innovative approach, it will stay true to Clemson’s core. Just as it has proven successful for IPTAY throughout its 90 year history, steady collaboration with campus partners will be an essential component of Ventures’ business model. “We will partner intimately with campus, IPTAY, and Athletics to be one cohesive unit that is out helping donors, companies, and brands in various ways,” said Drake. It is important to Drake and his team that Ventures, IPTAY, and the University “go to the table together,” to leverage the Clemson brand, all working collectively to prioritize the best interest of Tiger student-athletes.
As collegiate athletics continues to evolve at a rapid rate, the formation of Ventures serves as the latest testament to Clemson Athletics’ investment in a future of sustained competitive excellence. Through all of the change, Clemson’s ability to adapt and modernize its model, while still doing things the Clemson way, will further solidify its position amongst the nations’ elite collegiate programs for many years to come. “Clemson is at the forefront of it. We are going to go build something that will be sustainable, we will do it the right way, and will do it with the values of Clemson always in mind,” Drake said. “We hope to build something that is envied across both the college and professional landscape.”
PHOTOS OF THE ISSUE
Clemson’s Spirit Squads had the opportunity to compete in the NCA & NDA College Nationals in Orlando, Fla.
Top Left: Rally Cats, Top Right: Small Co-ed Cheer,
Bottom Left: All Girl Cheer, and Bottom Right: Spirit Rally Cheer
LEGACY IN ACTION
Mary Anne Bigger has made significant impacts on both IPTAY and athletics at Clemson.
BY: GABE SMITH
In the 2024-25 year, IPTAY celebrates its 90th anniversary, marking nine decades as a cornerstone of Clemson University’s athletic heritage. Established in 1934 as “I Pay Ten a Year,” IPTAY was designed to financially support Clemson’s football team. Today, IPTAY is integral to every sport and student-athlete at Clemson.
Over its rich history, IPTAY has become vital in sustaining and enhancing the University’s athletic programs. This
milestone also coincides with the 50th anniversary of women’s athletics at Clemson, a journey of progress that further enriches IPTAY’s legacy. Mary Anne Bigger, the first and only woman to serve as IPTAY Board President from 2010 to 2012, is at the heart of this dual celebration. Her trailblazing path reflects the passion and evolution that define these historic anniversaries.
A Legacy Rooted in Student Spirit
Mary Anne Bigger’s Clemson journey began in Lancaster, South Carolina, where she was born before earning her bachelor of science in marketing from Clemson in 1988. She was actively involved in campus life as a student, leading the IPTAY Student Advisory
Board (ISAB) and cheering with Central Spirit. These experiences ignited her lifelong devotion to Clemson Athletics, a bond she later shared with her daughters, Bronwyn (‘18) and Sarah (‘21), through cherished game-day traditions and countless memories.
A Career of Impact and Inclusion
After graduating, Bigger’s dedication to Clemson remained strong. She served as an IPTAY Representative (REP), engaged with Clemson Clubs, and joined the Clemson Alumni Board while also building a professional career. She advanced to Vice President of Bank of America in treasury management before becoming Executive Director of North Augusta Forward and the Arts
and Heritage Center in North Augusta, S.C.
In 1998, she joined the IPTAY Board of Directors alongside Dr. Jim Bostic, IPTAY’s first African American board member, contributing to a growing focus on inclusion. Her presidency from 2010 to 2012 was pivotal for IPTAY as it continued expanding support for Clemson Athletics. Women’s golf debuted in the 2013-14 season, and softball began in 2020, with its planning stages emerging in the mid2000s following Bigger’s presidency. Her tenure strengthened IPTAY’s mission to support all sports, including women’s athletics, a legacy now honored in its 50th year. Bigger took pride in seeing more women gain leadership roles within IPTAY, a development that gained momentum after her presidency. IPTAY continued funding athletic initiatives during her term, paving the way for projects like the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex, completed in 2017. This facility symbolized IPTAY’s longterm commitment to Clemson’s athletic growth, alongside other projects that
College athletics is like the front porch of any university, and no one has embraced that as Clemson has. “ ”
elevated Clemson Athletics to its current stature.
A Vision for Connection and Evolution
For Bigger, athletics represents Clemson’s “common ground,” a unifying force that connects students and alumni alike — a role IPTAY has perfected over its 90-year history. Her presidency, which she describes as a product of being in the “right place at the right time,” capped 30 years of dedicated service. She credits IPTAY’s passionate community, including club members, board members, and supporters, for driving the organization’s adaptability across generations.
Bigger takes pride in watching young girls thrive in sports, reflecting her daughters’ Clemson experiences. This resonates deeply with the 50year rise of women’s athletics. Through her lens, IPTAY’s journey is a story of connection, passion, and progress across generations.
A Lasting Celebration
Bigger’s influence continued beyond 2012 as she chaired the IPTAY Nominating Committee and supported
Clemson Clubs in Aiken and Augusta. In 2020, she earned the Clemson Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award. “College athletics is like the front porch of any university, and no one has embraced that better than Clemson,” she remarked, reflecting a belief she has carried since her student days.
She added, “Adding sports isn’t often heard of, but Clemson is doing it at a high level,” expressing pride in the growth of women’s sports like softball, lacrosse, and gymnastics. She also advocates for the Hear Her Roar Campaign, which advances women’s athletics at Clemson.
Mary Anne Bigger continues to serve on the IPTAY Board of Directors as a Life Director (Past President), reinforcing her lifelong dedication. Now residing in North Augusta with her husband, Bob, her legacy lives on in IPTAY’s 90year journey and the 50-year evolution of women’s athletics — testaments to her commitment that began on campus and helped open doors for future Tigers, especially women in sports.
BUILT FROM WITHIN
Jeff Kallin’s journey through Clemson Athletics has been shaped by his dedication and embracing Clemson’s tradition of building from within.
BY: JONATHAN FRANCHI
Clemson has always fostered a culture of growth through its athletics and academics. Rooted in its family atmosphere, Clemson has always focused on investing in the current students and student-athletes on campus. Whether on the gridiron, on the hardwood, or in the classroom, Clemson is continuously built from within. Clemson’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications, Jeff Kallin, is a prime example of that. Once an undergraduate student
equipment manager for Clemson Basketball, Kallin has grown into a leadership role where he oversees the publicity of all 21 of Clemson’s varsity athletic programs. His story reflects hard work and the opportunities that Clemson presents to its students, and he wants to keep building from within to continue Clemson’s excellence.
Growing up in Medway, Mass., Kallin’s parents were not the biggest sports fans, but that was not the case with him. Kallin was a passionate
Boston sports fan, and his interest in sports information came from his childhood hobbies.
“I used to play sports video games on my GameBoy and Nintendo 64, and I really enjoyed sports through gaming. I was also a big baseball card collector. I loved the idea of getting a picture and then reading the players’ stats on the back, and I was always fascinated by that.”
He enjoyed everything around the game of sports and knew that he wanted to be immersed in a place with a large sports environment, but working in the sports industry was not always on his mind. When deciding on a college, coming down south to Clemson was an attractive option for him to get involved.
“One of the reasons I chose Clemson is I wanted a place that had big-time college athletics around. Working in sports wasn’t something that was necessarily the stated goal for me. It was very much a situation where it was, let me see what door this opens, and then what door does that open? And so I’ve been really fortunate here at Clemson to have the opportunity to grow.”
As a student, the Massachusetts native grew every step of the way. Going through the internship process during his junior year, Kallin landed a communications internship with the Philadelphia 76ers, his first introduction to sports communications.
After graduating from Clemson as an undergraduate student, Kallin was offered the communications graduate assistant opportunity with Clemson Athletics, eventually leading to a fulltime position as the primary sports information contact for the women’s basketball, women’s tennis, and volleyball programs. In addition to these responsibilities, Kallin began taking on a larger role in graphic design. After working for six years in sports information, Kallin transitioned to working full-time in graphic design for the next five years, where he eventually rose to become the Director of Creative Solutions for Design and Digital Platforms. During his time in the Athletic Department, Kallin worked on several projects, such as the design of the life-size C.J. Spiller poster and assisting in the launch of the new ClemsonTigers.com website, but one
project in particular stands out in his memory: helping design the 2016 National Championship logo.
“It was something we had worked on for probably a month or two leading up to it, and we probably had 80 variations of it. We had turned in the logo before the playoffs even started. Having sort of forgotten about it in a sense and then being there in Tampa seeing the flags come out with the design all of a sudden after the game was something that was really cool for me.”
Now, Kallin is in his fifth year as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications, where he is responsible for the communications and public relations of all 21 varsity athletic programs. The Clemson alum is responsible for developing communication strategies, managing social media for Clemson Athletics, and ultimately, “providing the right people with the right information at the right
time.” However, Kallin’s favorite aspect of his job is something that’s not in his job description.
“One of the most rewarding things I get to do is assist with career development. I’m proud that our department has 50 students working in so many different roles, and so that part is really fulfilling for me. I love seeing the light come on for students trying to figure it out.”
Just like how Kallin was once a young Clemson student who developed into a leader through hard work and dedication, he is now in a position to help the next generation of Tigers grow in their professional careers. Through every role he has held, Kallin has continued to grow, exemplifying the opportunities for growth at Clemson. He has been a part of Clemson in a number of roles since 2003 and aspires to continue the storied Clemson tradition of building from within.
THE BRANDON WAGNER ERA
As he enters his second season at the helm, Head Coach Brandon Wagner is already helping Clemson Men’s Tennis grow on the national level.
BY: AUTUMN FROITLAND
Many Clemson teams have found and seen success in the 20242025 season as there is a large amount of eyes on the Tigers across a variety of sports. When discussing success, it would be practically impossible to not dive into the incredible season that Clemson Men’s Tennis has had at the hands of Head Coach Brandon Wagner.
Coach Wagner, who is currently in his second season as head coach, has helped create history for the program, as this season alone, he has achieved historic wins, placed Clemson in the national rankings and put the team on the map for the first time in a long time. While the excitement around the program grows, Wagner is not a stranger to successful programs as he has helped bring top moments and achievements to a few different institutions and professional players.
Before joining Clemson, Wagner was part of the Texas Longhorns’ coaching staff as both an assistant and associate
head coach since 2019. In his final season at Texas, he helped lead the team to a National Semifinal appearance and a Big 12 Championship in 2023. That same year, he was honored as the Texas Regional ITA Assistant Coach of the Year. Over four seasons, Wagner played a crucial role in Texas’ success, contributing to an impressive 81-24 overall record. Under his guidance, the Longhorns advanced to two National Semifinals and reached the Round of 16.
Prior to his tenure at Texas, Wagner worked as a professional circuit touring coach, playing a key role in the development of American tennis star John Isner, who climbed nearly 100 spots to break into the ATP’s top 80. He also coached WTA top40 players like Olga Govortsova, Ajla Tomljanovic, and Melanie Oudin, while mentoring junior players who ranked in the top five nationally within the USTA. Wagner also served as Associate Head Coach at the University of South
Florida from 2012 to 2015. Under his leadership, USF secured back-to-back American Athletic Conference titles and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, the Bulls made history by reaching the NCAA Round of 16 for the first time and achieving their highest final ranking at No. 16.
Wagner always knew he wanted to become a head coach as that was a title he aspired to have in his coaching career. When the opportunity arose to coach at Clemson, it all felt right as the timing lined up and he was able to return to a place that felt similar to home.
“I felt like I was getting everything I needed to be successful and to contend for a championship and it’s an amazing place,” Wagner said. “I grew up in the south so I’m closer to some family and friends so it was a little bit of a combination of all that stuff put together and the timing, the stars aligned.”
I felt like I was getting everything I needed to be successful and to contend for a championship, and it’s an amazing place. “ ”
One of my biggest goals is to give all these players an amazing experience. “ ”
As Wagner has stepped into his second season, the goal was always to improve and keep growing as individuals and as a team. One of the main elements that Wagner and the other coaches focused on was creating a great team culture, which is something that they began to work on as early as last fall.
“We spent a lot of time working on culture in the fall and it was a priority for us when we started the year,” Wagner said. “We have had a couple guys have a lot of really good success this year and step up in their own way and in their own version.”
In addition to building a solid team culture, Wagner also prioritizes the relationships he has with each individual player as he wants to see them succeed both on and off the tennis court.
“One of my biggest goals is to give all these players an amazing experience,” Wagner said. “I wouldn’t have changed my decision and my experience for anything and that is one of the ways I want to give back as a coach. I want to have a really strong relationship with the guys and have a lot of trust there. I pride myself on doing really well in player development so making sure, besides the growth of them on the tennis court, but also preparing them for after with good character and representing the program with class.”
The Clemson Tigers have already showcased their growth and depth as a program as this season has been full of Top 25 wins and historic starts as the team will look to continue its success throughout the remainder of the campaign and the postseason. Wagner has given the Tigers the ability to dominate on the court while also focusing on their individual development as people and studentathletes. The Brandon Wagner Era of Clemson Men’s Tennis has only just begun and it is already one for the record books.
LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY
Sophia Hatton’s experience on the Clemson Women’s Tennis team and the legacy she leaves for the program’s future.
BY: KATHERINE KLEIN
Sophia Hatton, a graduate student from Syracuse, N.Y., is co-captain of the 2024-2025 Clemson Women’s Tennis team. Hatton, the only returning player from last season on the team, has taken on the unique experience of being a leader to a brand new group of girls. With this new, young team, Hatton has used her experiences from past seasons to lead and inspire through high and low moments. As
Hatton competes in her final season at Clemson, she hopes to leave a legacy that inspires a belief in the success of the individual, the team, and the program. She works to show that this belief in oneself is the identity of what it means to be a part of Clemson.
Hatton started playing tennis when she was around six years old. Hatton shares that “my mom’s huge love of the sport” inspired her career in tennis,
which began at a young age. She played in USTA tournaments throughout middle and high school. When she was around 15 years old, she began playing in more international and pro tournaments to compete against the elite competition. From there, she knew she wanted to play in college and compete at the collegiate level. Clemson was on her radar early on in the college search. She shares that
when she visited, she “loved everything about Clemson. I loved the facility, I loved the coaches, I loved the girls.” Excited about all Clemson had to offer, she committed during her visit.
Hatton has the unique experience of being a co-captain to a team of girls, mostly three to four years younger than her. While the team did not have captains during the 2023-2024 season, Hatton has experience being a co-captain for the 2022-2023 season.
This previous co-captain experience taught her many lessons on how to be a leader. In her earlier season as cocaptain, the team was all around the same age, so having to be a leader for a younger group of girls has allowed her to step up and apply the lessons she has learned at Clemson to inspire the team. She explains that having the experience of overcoming difficulties during past seasons has helped her become more of a leader during those moments this season while also celebrating the high, joyous moments and accomplishments. She highlights that, “Sharing my experience with them has been a great leading point.” Hatton is also the only returning player on the tennis team from last season, making this a brand new group of girls she is playing with. She shares that it “feels like a new family but also an extended family.” She has enjoyed being a leader for this new group of girls who share the same love of tennis and the drive to be successful that she has.
Hatton has been on the team since the beginning of Head Coach Boomer Saia’s career leading the Clemson Women’s Tennis team. His presence has created such a positive environment for the program and team, “Most notably, he has such a strong belief in this team,” said Hatton. This strong belief in every player pushes the team every day to be the best version of themselves, both as individuals and as teammates for each other. She recognizes that he strives to make them a “better person on and off the court daily.” She appreciates his drive in focusing on the player but also the person they are off the court.
Being Team 50 has been a big part of the team’s season. It means a lot to Hatton to be a part of something as special as Team 50 in her time here at Clemson. Creating a unique identity for this 2024-2025 tennis team is a cool idea. She shares, “With Team 50 being our identity and such an important number, we are trying to start a legacy here at Clemson.” She has already seen the impact this number has created for the team with their success so far this season and hopes it continues to inspire hard work for the rest of the season.
Hatton clinched the match for the Tigers, winning the final singles point and securing the win against South Carolina. She shares that the team’s goal that day was to go out there to compete and fight hard. When Hatton realized that she was in the position to clinch the match, she exclaimed, “I wanted it that much more for the team, and it felt so great with it being my last season. It was just the cherry on top.” She will never forget this special moment from her time as a Tiger.
Looking forward to the rest of the season, their goal is to continue to grow upwards. Reaching the top 16 ranked
team nationally for the first time since 2010 was such an exciting moment for the team, but she wants them to strive to go even higher. She shares that even in mid-season, they still work hard to build their identity as a team every day. To maintain this success for this season and the seasons to come, Hatton explains that she works to show how professional you need to be, and even though it’s a college sport, you need to act like you are a professional tennis player. She believes this team does a fantastic job of understanding the need to be accountable for one another, which has helped contribute to the great environment that the team has.
With Hatton graduating this year, she hopes to leave an impact on the team that contributes to the program’s future success. She has worked to inspire the team with the Clemson legacy and set up a belief in the players and the team as a whole. She wants the team to continue to hone in on an identity on who Clemson is that inspires a belief in themselves.
BY: CAROLINE JAMES WARNER
COMPETITION AND COMMUNITY
Joy Neal, rower for Clemson’s Women’s Rowing, and co-founder of BRAID, is making an impact both on and off the water.
Since her freshman year of high school, rowing has played a central role in Joy Neal’s life. Not only has the sport significantly helped Neal grow athletically, but it has also fostered friendships and self-discovery. A junior at Clemson University, Neal has proven to be an integral member of Clemson’s Rowing team.
Neal’s journey with rowing began in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. After observing the collaborative culture of her high school’s rowing program, she decided to take it up. Having been a dedicated swimmer previously, Neal craved a sport focusing more on a group’s collective efforts rather than an individualized one.
Toward the end of her junior year of high school, Neal knew she wanted to continue with the sport collegiately. After visiting Clemson University, she was confident that Clemson was the program and college for her. “For a couple of reasons, the team was a big draw for me.” Neal wanted to be a part of an athletic culture that would
foster friendships with other athletes, and she recognized that potential in Clemson Rowing’s culture and athletes. Reflecting on her seasons as a rower at Clemson, Neal feels the individuals on her team have impacted her athletic college experience. “I feel like I’ve made lifelong friends here through rowing. Both of my roommates I met through the sport, and I feel like I just have a really good support system here.”
Neal has placed first in multiple collegiate races, including the 20222023 Carolina Cup and Secret City Head Race. When asked about her favorite memory as a rower for Clemson University, she recalls Class Week, a yearly tradition where Clemson rowers participate in a week of competition, competing by class. “Specifically, sophomore year, on our last day, we did an Erg Race and ended up winning. It was just a really fun atmosphere. And I think bonding with athletes, specifically in my class year, was really fun.” So far, Neal’s favorite collegiate race is Clemson’s 2022 match against Alabama. “It was my first collegiate race. It was a lot of fun to race at the collegiate level for the first time and get a snippet of what college rowing was.”
Neal’s collegiate career has not been without challenges. Faced with repetitive cases of COVID-19 during her sophomore year, Neal did not race in the 2023-2024 season. The virus, combined with her underlying condition of asthma, significantly impacted her respiratory system. Neal explains that her struggles with illness revealed the depth of her resilience and her ability to overcome adversity. She says, “My year of recovery also taught me more of my love for the sport of rowing, just because, like, you know, it has been a lot of hard work coming back, but I think it’s all worth it, just because I love the sport, and I love what I do every day.” This season, Neal is set on being back on the water and competing in collegiate races, specifically with her eyes set on the ACC Championship.
Neal’s athletic impact reaches beyond races and statistics. In 2024, Neal, along with the University of Delaware’s Amari Randall, co-founded BRAID (Black Rowers Amplifying Inclusion and Diversity), an organization dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering space for Black rowers to connect, grow, and thrive. Neal explains that BRAID aims to foster fellowship,
build community, and affirm that each athlete belongs in the sport of rowing and by validating their presence and contributions, [BRAID] wants to amplify the message that Black rowers are invaluable and essential to this space. Through advocacy and mentorship, Neal and Randall’s organization provides resources and connections that empower Black athletes to navigate and succeed in rowing at every level.
“I think there’s a lack of support in the rowing world for athletes of color in general, and I think BRAID has helped a lot of athletes navigate the adversity they have faced in the sport because of the color of their skin.” She adds that BRAID has helped athletes make “longlasting connections for both athletics and also in life.”
A sociology major, Neal became passionate about social sciences in high school when learning about social
psychology. “I love the study of people and how society works together, and people work together. I’ve always found that really interesting.” Neal has her sights set on law school after her time at Clemson University. “I want to give a voice to people and stand up for people who may not be able to stand up for themselves.”
Clemson Rowing has taught Neal that she is more capable than she thinks. Neal reflects, “I can always strive to do more than I think I can. I can take risks in life; you never know where you will fall and what you can accomplish.”
Neal will take the confidence, selfdiscovery, and connections formed as a rower at Clemson University long after earning her diploma. “I think I learned so many lessons about myself and have grown so much as a person. And I have learned so many lessons I can use past my time as a Clemson rower.”
CROWNING THE CHAMPIONS
With nine medals, three individual champions, and an MVP, Clemson Women’s Track and Field earned the title of ACC Indoor Champions.
BY: AUTUMN FROITLAND
After being named the ACC runnerup at the 2024 ACC Indoor Championships, the women of the Clemson Track and Field program knew they had something to prove this indoor season. With the addition of three new institutions, the women did not let the added competition slow them down as they wanted to prove themselves when it mattered most. They wanted to prove that they deserve the spot on the top of the podium. They wanted to prove that they can take home gold medals. They wanted to prove that they can hold up the ACC Championship trophy. And this year they did prove it, and they held that trophy up high.
The Clemson women were crowned the 2025 ACC Indoor Track and Field Champions for the first time since 2015.
Throughout the indoor season, the Clemson women were finding success at each meet and were impressing on the national level. Clemson spent each and every week of the indoor campaign ranked in the top 25 in the
country, at one point they were ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation. With the combination of star-studded returners and high-level new additions, the team was showing their dominance week after week.
With a large number of newcomers, it can be hard to stand out but freshman Aniyah Kitt was the star of the show the minute she stepped foot on the track. Kitt set the new school record in the women’s 300 meters in her very first meet as a Clemson Tiger. Kitt shined throughout the season in her events as she was named ACC Women’s Freshman of the Week three times in row during the indoor campaign. The freshman brought that energy to the ACC Championships as she found herself on the podium in both the events she competed in.
Kitt was crowned the ACC Champion in the women’s 200 meters as she earned her first gold medal in a Tiger uniform. The freshman secured second place and the silver medal in the women’s 60 meters as she scored 18
points total for Clemson. Kitt went on to be crowned the ACC Women’s Most Valuable Performer in her championship debut for the Tigers.
Creating history for both herself, Clemson and the ACC was Oneka Wilson as the junior was crowned the 60 Meter Hurdles ACC Champion for the third time in a row. Wilson became the first woman to three-peat in the 60 meter hurdles at the ACC Indoor Championships. The junior continued her success on the national level as she finished third overall at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the 60 meter hurdles and was named a First Team All-American for the first time in her collegiate career.
Securing the third and final gold medal for Clemson was Shantae Foreman as she was crowned the champion in the women’s triple jump for the second year in a row. Foreman also continued her run into the postseason as she finished fifth overall in the triple jump at the NCAA Indoor Championships and was named a First Team All-American.
The Clemson women walked away with nine ACC medals total in addition to the three gold medals. The Tigers also earned four silver medals and two bronze medals in a variety of events. While competing at the championships, two school records were broken as the Tigers set a new record in the women’s distance medley relay and Judy Kosgei set the new record in the women’s mile.
The Tigers dominant performance at the ACC Indoor Championships was a testament to their hard work, depth, and resilience throughout the season. Winning their first ACC Indoor title since 2015 was more than just a victory, it was a statement. From record-breaking performances to championship moments, the Clemson women showcased their ability to rise to the occasion and solidify their place among the best teams in the nation. The Tigers finished the championship with 89 points total, the runner-up was Stanford who finished with 65 points.
Clemson dominated across all events and proved how much they wanted that championship title.
Beyond their conference success, the Tigers also left a mark on the national stage. With multiple First Team AllAmericans and top-five finishes at the NCAA Indoor Championships, Clemson proved that they can compete with the country’s elite programs.
As the indoor season comes to a close, Clemson now shifts its focus to the outdoor season, where the Tigers are eager to build upon their momentum. With many of the same key athletes returning, expectations are high for continued success. Kitt, fresh off her record-breaking freshman campaign, will look to add to her medal count in the sprints, while Wilson aims to defend her dominance in the hurdles. Foreman will seek another title in the jumps, and the distance squad, led by record-setters like Judy Kosgei, is ready to make an impact.
With a championship mindset and the confidence gained from their indoor triumph, Clemson is poised to take on the outdoor season with the same drive and determination. The Tigers are ready to prove themselves once again with their sights set on even more titles, records, and national recognition.
THE VOICE THAT SHAKES THE SOUTHLAND
The voice that unites all Tiger fans, the face you may not know.
BY: ASHBY BURTON
“And now, in a salute to Tiger fans everywhere, it’s the song that shakes the southland: Tiger Rag!”
“Now, feast your eyes as Tiger Band moves into the classic Tiger Paw formation.”
“Tiger Fans, it’s game time in Death Valley!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s game time in Doug Kingsmore Stadium; play ball!”
You can hear the voice of each of these lines in your head, but not many get to see the man behind some of the most iconic lines in Clemson. Meet an important figure in Clemson Athletics, Tim Willis, the voice that shakes the southland.
Tim has been integral in bringing Clemson gameday to life for over 30 years. After serving as the PA announcer in Death Valley for one year, Willis has been the voice of Tiger Band since 1994. A native Texan and a graduate of East Texas A&M, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the
My entire Clemson experience, 40 years, can be summed up into one word, and that’s family.
“
Graduate Theological Foundation, he served as a college minister for 31 years, 23 of which were at Clemson. He has also served as an Intentional Interim pastor, Life Coach, Conflict Consultant and Chaplain at a retirement community. He retired at the end of 2017 after 43 years of ministry. But his involvement with Clemson did not stop there.
Tim has been a fixture with Clemson’s Tiger Band for 30 years. He has had incredible opportunities, in addition to the best seven Saturdays in the fall spent in Death Valley. He’s traveled to away games, bowl games, and national championships, helping bring Tiger Band to life wherever the Band That Shakes The Southland travels. Even when the Tigers are on the road, it feels like home when the microphone clicks on to the voice of Tiger Band.
“After I was the football PA announcer that first year, I got asked to join Tiger Band as their announcer,” said Willis. It was a natural association, as his role as campus minister had him scheduling the football invocations, a responsibility then held by Tiger Band. “I had a background as a radio disc jockey (DJ), so I was comfortable with the microphone. I had my style, more of a deep growl, and that’s how we’ve arrived at the version of ‘The song that shakes the southland: Tiger Rag!’ that you hear in Death Valley today. I’ve always had a passion for contributing and enhancing the gameday experience.
Dr. Mark Spede (Director of Tiger Band)
has worked to add in small things over the years, that’s how we arrived to ‘It’s game time in Death Valley!’ I’ve really enjoyed helping bring his ideas to life.”
When Erik Bakich was hired as the head baseball coach prior to the 2023 baseball season, the Clemson Athletics Fan Experience team saw that as a time to make changes to the baseball gameday atmosphere that matched the energy Coach Bakich was bringing to the program. What better addition than an iconic voice that brings energy to Doug Kingsmore Stadium and the classic baseball feel?
“When I got the email about the opportunity to be the baseball PA announcer, I sat in my living room, chuckled to myself, then had a big smile on my face,” said Tim. “I had recently retired and was enjoying retirement. But I wanted something that filled time that I enjoyed. I’ve always loved baseball, and this was just the right thing at the right time.”
A moment that came full circle, as Tim had coached former Clemson Baseball Coach Jack Leggett’s son in Little League, and Leggett joked with Tim that he should be the baseball PA announcer. “I’ve been around Clemson Athletics for a while,” said Willis. “This opportunity is special. I felt like what I did was and is valued. Clemson is all about the people. I always describe it as a family. Tiger Band has always been like a family to me, and now the people I get to work with around baseball are an extension of that family. My entire
My philosophy on life is to make a difference, and that is exactly the passion and joy I want to bring to what I do here. “ ”
Clemson experience, 40 years, can be summed up into one word, and that’s family.”
Now, it’s hard to imagine starting a game in Doug Kingsmore without hearing, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s game time in Doug Kingsmore Stadium, play ball!” as the catcher throws the ball down to second on the last warm-up pitch for the Tigers. Tim’s voice and flair are important elements of gameday, not only for the fans but for the student-athletes, too.
Early in his time as the Clemson Baseball PA announcer, Tim workshopped a specific way that he would announce each name. In his deep, Texas drawl, you can probably say the name of each batter along with Tim as you sit in Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
Getting to know the team early in that first season on the mic, Tim recalls talking with now junior, and Clemson Baseball standout, Cam Cannarella. “I was standing in the dugout pregame talking with the team and coaches, and I reached out to fist bump Cam,” said Tim. “In a really quiet voice, Cam said to me, ‘I like the way you say my name.’ Hearing that was reassuring for what I was doing as the PA announcer and the student-athlete experience at their game. This is not just a ‘job’ to me. My philosophy on life is to make
a difference, and that is exactly the passion and joy I want to bring to what I do here.”
“We love working with Tim, both in Death Valley and at Doug Kingsmore Stadium,” said Michael Marianos, Clemson Athletics’ Director of Videoboard Operations and lead Marketing and Fan Experience contact for Clemson Baseball. “He’s a crucial part of our gameday, and everyone loves working with Tim. Coming to Doug Kingsmore after a long day, sitting through a rain delay, or working long hours during an NCAA Regional Weekend, Tim is always going to put
a smile on your face with his positive attitude, make you laugh with a joke, and deliver the energy on the mic that makes Clemson gamedays special. Tim is first-class in the work he does and is a world-class person.”
Well into his third season on the mic in DKS, Tim continues to solidify his place in the Clemson history books. Now, when you hear those iconic lines the next time you’re in Death Valley or Doug Kingsmore Stadium, you’ll know the face behind the voice that brings gameday to life and shakes the southland.
2025 FOOTBALL GAMEDAY DESIGNATIONS
Clemson Football releases its promotion schedule for the 2025 home season.
The Clemson Athletic Department, in conjunction with IPTAY, the Alumni Association, Student Affairs and other campus groups, announced home gameday designations for the 2025 football season in Memorial Stadium.
Clemson’s marquee matchup with LSU opens the home slate, which also includes 2024 CFP participant SMU, a Syracuse program that won 10 games last season, a Duke program that won nine games a season ago, Florida State, Troy and Furman.
Clemson is one of just two programs scheduled to play four or more home games against Power Four opponents with nine or more wins in 2024.
Aug. 30 vs. LSU – IPTAY Day & Land Grant Day
·Founded in 1934, IPTAY is one of the oldest and most successful athletic fundraising organizations in the country. This celebration is a way to honor and thank donors for their
commitment to Clemson studentathletes.
·The University’s mission as a land grant institution is highlighted.
Sept. 6 vs. Troy – Football Reunion & P.A.W. Journey Day
·The football program welcomes back its anniversary teams and the P.A.W. Journey development program is highlighted.
Sept. 20 vs. Syracuse – Family Weekend
·Clemson welcomes families of students back to campus.
Oct. 18 vs. SMU – Breast Cancer Awareness Day
·The pink game provides a platform to support breast cancer awareness and research.
Nov. 1 vs. Duke – Homecoming
·Homecoming is a tradition dating to 1922 in Clemson, and with it comes Tigerama, floats on Bowman Field, and several other activities.
Nov. 8 vs. Florida State – Hall of Fame Day & Extra Yard for Teachers
·The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be recognized. The class is yet to be announced.
·The CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development.
Nov. 22 vs. Furman – Military Appreciation & Senior Day
·A day of gratitude and recognition for those who have served. Fans are encouraged to wear purple during the game.
·The football program recognizes its seniors with a solo run down the Hill during pregame.
New season ticket requests are still available. Visit ClemsonTigers.com/Tickets to learn more.
ANOTHER POWERFUL YEAR
POWER Women’s Leadership Academy announces the Clemson female student-athletes selected for its 2025 cohort.
POWER Women’s Leadership Academy has announced the release of its 2025 cohort. POWER is a program dedicated to empowering Clemson female student-athletes, and the 2025 cohort highlights a new group of dynamic women leaders who are ready to make an impact.
One of the few programs in the nation focusing on this area, POWER embodies the strength of Clemson female student-athletes while incorporating the WE name. A new student-athlete group is interviewed and selected each year for this opportunity. This program culminates with an annual trip that puts the skills and principles learned to the test. The 2025 cohort will take a summer trip to Kansas City.
Before the annual trip, the cohort participates in eight-sessions of workshops and classes focused on personal and professional development, leadership, and life skills. What is learned in this program is tested through the annual trip, and the POWER Summit held each summer for all female student-athletes and administrators.
The Clemson staff behind the POWER Women’s Leadership Academy includes Executive Senior Associate AD of Sports Administration/SWA Stephanie Ellison-Johnson, Administrative Coordinator Keshana Ham, Supporter of Inclusivity & Equity in Sport Kristin Neff, Senior Associate AD of
Compliance Amanda Gray Richardson, Clemson Athletic Leadership Lecturer & POWER Co-Founder Janna Magette Butler, Assistant AD of Student-Athlete Development & POWER Co-Founder Tori Niemann, Director of IPTAY Major Gifts Lauren Gaulin, and Executive Senior Associate AD of StudentAthlete Services & Performance Natalie
Honnen. POWER is entirely donor-funded and operates on the generous financial support of donors to Hear Her Roar. To learn more about how you can contribute to the POWER Women’s Leadership Academy, contact Lauren Gaulin at IPTAY by email at Lgaulin@ clemson.edu
JORDAN DEBLASIO LACROSSE Mount Sinai, N.Y. | Junior
KRISTEN DUTKIN ROWING Niles, Ill. | Senior
SHANTAE FOREMAN TRACK & FIELD Kingston, Jamaica | Junior
ADDY HOLGORSEN SOCCER Charlotte, N.C. | Junior
MOLLY ARNOLD GYMNASTICS
Bloomington, Minn. | R-Junior
JAMISON BROCKENBROUGH SOFTBALL Locust Grove, Ga. | Junior
ANNA BROWN LACROSSE Kennett Square, Pa. | Sophomore
ANNABELLE DAVIS TENNIS Somerset, England | Graduate
MIA MOORE BASKETBALL Alpharetta, Ga. | Junior
ELIZABETH MUELLER ROWING Louisville, Ky. | Sophomore
BELLA NEBEL TRACK & FIELD Sarasota, Fla. | Sophomore
MADISON ROUSH TRACK & FIELD Greenville, S.C. | Junior
KATHERINE SANDT VOLLEYBALL Western Springs, Ill. | R-Sophomore
IVY SCHULZE GOLF Anderson, S.C. | Sophomore
TARA WALSH GYMNASTICS Waterford, Mich. | Graduate
ISAB ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP
The 2025-26 executive team has been elected.
DAVAN McHALE PRESIDENT
The IPTAY Student Advisory Board (ISAB) has elected its executive team for the upcoming academic year. After presenting their visions for the year ahead, candidates were voted on by their peers to fill the roles of president, vice president, and secretary. Davan McHale was elected president. A senior marketing major from River Edge, N.J., Davan will be serving her third year on ISAB. During the 202425 academic year, she held the role of secretary and has also contributed to Clemson Athletics as a graphic design student worker with Creative Solutions. This summer, Davan will be interning with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in New York City.
CARTER PARISE VICE PRESIDENT
Carter Parise was elected vice president. A rising senior from Kennett Square, Pa., Carter will be entering his second year on ISAB. In his first year, he played a key role in organizing “Derby at the Doug,” a baseball-style event exclusively for IPTAY Collegiate Club members. He has also served on the ISAB events committee, working to provide exclusive benefits for IPTAY Collegiate Club members. This summer, Carter will be working in sales for Otis Elevator Co. in the Philadelphia, Pa., area.
CAROLINE HOWARD SECRETARY
Caroline Howard was elected secretary. A rising senior from Brentwood, Tenn., Caroline is a health sciences major entering her third year on the board. She has contributed to several committees, most recently serving on the social media and marketing committee, where she played a pivotal role in managing the Collegiate Club’s presence across the @IPTAYCC social media channels. Caroline will spend the summer working for a nonprofit organization in the Nashville, Tenn., area. Next for ISAB is welcoming new members to the board. As the current senior class graduates, new members will be appointed in late April.
Clemson University is charging fiercely into the future by igniting innovation and unlocking the full potential of every changemaker in our community.
From groundbreaking research to transformative student experiences, Fiercely Forward is more than a rallying cry. It’s a commitment to shaping the future. Together, we’re launching lives of significance and driving ingenuity to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.
MATHIS FAMILY BECOMES CORNERSTONE PARTNERS
Sustaining student-athlete support for generations to come.
BY: NIK JOHNSON
On February 8, 2025, IPTAY and Clemson Athletics officially welcomed the Mathis Family, Anthony L. Mathis (‘86), Stephanie Mathis (‘89), as the newest Athletic Cornerstone Partners.
The family’s Cornerstone gift will impact hundreds of Tiger studentathletes each year, as a significant part of the gift will directly support Clemson’s Student-Athlete Development program. After becoming involved with Clemson Football’s P.A.W. Journey program in recent years, it was important to Tony and his family that a specific portion of their gift was designated to help provide all student-athletes with opportunities for holistic development, empowering them through areas of community outreach, leadership development, and personal responsibility.
“We believe Clemson continues to do a phenomenal job driving the number one student experience, driving cutting-edge research, and driving transformational impact across the entire nation. We can personally attest to the life-changing value of not only a Clemson education but the
unbreakable Clemson bond. We see this gift as our opportunity to pay it forward and to partner with the University to help provide these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Tiger student-athletes,” said Tony and Stephanie.
Tony and Stephanie Mathis both earned their undergraduate degrees from Clemson. In 1986, Tony graduated with his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Clemson University College of Engineering. He also has an MBA from Xavier University and a master’s in mechanical engineering from California State University. Stephanie graduated in 1989 with a degree in Economics and Rural Sociology and went on to obtain her MBA from Wright State University in Ohio.
Tony began his career at GE in 1997 and served in a variety of executive roles. Before his retirement in 2024, Tony was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Edison Works, a division of GE Aerospace that focuses on creating future technologies and business opportunities for next-
generation military combat engines and systems. Early in her career, Stephanie worked for Northrop Grumman for over 20 years. She currently works for PM2 Strategies and serves as a business analyst for various military programs. The couple has two daughters, Jasmine and Carmen. Jasmine is a second-year law student at Emory University, and Carmen is a high school senior that will be attending Clemson in the fall. As a current member and immediate past chair of the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors, Tony has continued to serve Clemson University decades after his time as a student. During his tenure at General Electric, he was the GE liaison to Clemson, facilitating collaboration between the two parties to provide student opportunities and increased funding to the University. In 2018, Mathis was awarded the Clemson Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor for a Clemson graduate, for his successful career and lifelong dedication to serving both his community and Clemson University.
He has served on the Snelsire, Sawyer, & Robinson Clemson Career Workshop Board where he served as the chair of the fundraising committee. Tony is a member of the Presidents Advisory Board, the Committee on Philanthropy and the Honors College Advisory Board. Tony is also a proud member of the Chi Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. Stephanie was inducted into the Lambda Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
In recognition of the impact their incredible generosity will have on the future of Clemson Athletics and Clemson student-athletes, the previously known Coliseum Club in Littlejohn Coliseum is now officially named the Mathis Family Club. Clemson Athletics and IPTAY celebrated the naming dedication throughout the men’s basketball game vs. Duke on February 8, 2025. The Mathis family was joined by members of their family, friends, Clemson Athletics administrators, IPTAY staff, and Mathis Family Club season ticket holders, all gathering together to recognize Tony and Stephanie for their incredible generosity and loyalty to their alma mater. Director of Athletics Graham Neff, IPTAY CEO Davis Babb, Tony Mathis, and others spoke to the crowd
before a toast was made to officially dedicate the Club in the Mathis family’s honor. During the first half of the game, the family was recognized at mid-court as the naming dedication was made public and announced to the sold-out Littlejohn Coliseum. The night was capped off perfectly by a 77-71 Clemson win over #2 Duke and the season’s second court storm, all as the family watched from their courtside seats.
The Mathis family gift represents a significant moment in fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence at Clemson. Their leadership and generosity serve as an inspiration to the entire Clemson Family and beyond, demonstrating the power of giving back to create lasting change. As the Mathis Family becomes Clemson’s first Cornerstone Partners of color, the family’s gift reinforces the values of the Clemson Family and will help equip Clemson with the resources necessary to compete and excel in a new era of collegiate athletics. IPTAY thanks the Mathis Family for all they have done and continue to do to make an impact on Clemson Athletics and Clemson University. Their generosity and support for Clemson student-athletes will be felt by generations of Tigers for years to come both on and off the field of play.
COLLEGIATE CLUB CLASSIC CREATES COMMUNITY
IPTAY Collegiate Club hosts third-annual Collegiate Club Classic.
BY: ASHBY BURTON
The IPTAY Student Advisory Board (ISAB), dedicated to engaging IPTAY Collegiate Club members with IPTAY and Clemson Athletics, hosted its third-annual Collegiate Club Classic (CCC) on the floor of Littlejohn Coliseum in March. This year, the group introduced new elements to improve the event and expand its reach on campus.
The Collegiate Club Classic is a skills challenge modeled after the NBA’s All-Star Skills Challenge. Exclusive to IPTAY Collegiate Club members, the event is one of several membership benefits available throughout the
academic year. Participants are timed as they navigate a dribble course, attempt a distance pass into a target, make a layup, and sink a three-pointer to finish. The faster the time, the better the score. Top-performing students are eligible for prizes.
With the success of the women’s basketball team under first-year head coach Shawn Poppie, ISAB strategically aligned the event with a home women’s basketball game to showcase CCC while supporting the program. The event drew a significant student crowd to the team’s final home game, which also honored
the senior class—another meaningful show of support for Clemson studentathletes.
A standout addition to this year’s CCC was ISAB’s improved preparation process, an initiative led by the executive team. “We always do a walkthrough of the event to ensure everyone feels comfortable in their roles on event day,” said junior Davan McHale, ISAB secretary. “This year, we wanted to make that practice beneficial for ISAB members while also bringing the event to a new area of campus. We saw how Clemson’s athletic programs
invite the ClemsonLIFE program to their practices, and we thought, ‘Why not do the same with CCC?’”
The ClemsonLIFE program at Clemson University offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through academic coursework and career exploration. Designed for students seeking a postsecondary experience on a college campus, ClemsonLIFE has strong ties across the Clemson community. Davan, a ClemsonLIFE mentor, championed the idea, and ISAB invited ClemsonLIFE students to their own exclusive CCC event in Littlejohn Coliseum.
On the night of the ClemsonLIFEexclusive Collegiate Club Classic, nearly 40 students from the program participated alongside ISAB members. What started as a fun evening turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of the year for ISAB’s 27 students. “In my first year on ISAB, some of my best Clemson memories have been through our work,” said Zach Freeman, a junior and first-year ISAB member. “Doing CCC for ClemsonLIFE is definitely a top-two moment—and trust me, it’s not number two.”
“Watching the smiles, the cheers, the high-fives—I think I had a smile on my face the entire two hours,” said Kelly Geiger, IPTAY’s Director of PreCollegiate and Collegiate Programs and ISAB staff advisor. “I love that our students had this vision and brought it to life. We value our connections across campus, and this was yet another way ISAB has worked to connect Clemson Athletics and IPTAY to every corner of campus.”
As the semester winds down, ISAB has a busy schedule ahead. The group will soon welcome new members, elect a new executive committee for the 2025-26 year, assist with transitioning Collegiate Club seniors to the Young Alumni program, and focus on Collegiate Club renewals for current students. The final months are poised to be some of the busiest yet.
Stay connected with ISAB and their ongoing efforts for IPTAY by following IPTAY Collegiate Club on Instagram (@IPTAYCC), and watch for more updates in future editions of ORANGE: The Experience magazine.
FROM THE IPTAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
For generations, our athletic programs have been a powerful source of pride, uniting fans, alumni, and students in a shared passion for our Tigers. For over 90 years, IPTAY has been the heartbeat of Clemson Athletics, driving that success forward.
In today’s ever-changing collegiate athletics landscape, we know that standing still simply isn’t an option. That’s why this spring, IPTAY is launching a bold new strategic plan—a roadmap to ensure we continue to build on our strong foundation while navigating the dynamic world of college sports. Our plan centers on three core priorities: Power of the Paw, IPTAY Leads the Way, and Fund Our Future. This comprehensive vision will enhance the student-athlete experience, elevate our donor engagement, and strengthen IPTAY’s financial stability.
Power of the Paw: Investing in Student-Athletes
At the heart of this plan lies our unwavering commitment to Clemson’s student-athletes—the young men and women who pour their hearts into representing our university. The “Power of the Paw” is about more than just competing; it’s about transforming lives.
We remain dedicated to fully funding athletic scholarships. We will continue
to provide robust academic support to ensure Clemson’s graduation rates remain among the nation’s best. Beyond that, we will elevate initiatives that prepare our student-athletes for success long after their playing days end.
Programs like Paw Journey and POWER: Women’s Leadership Academy will continue to deliver impactful learning experiences that prepare Tigers to excel in their chosen careers or the next chapter of their journey. Funding of programs like these are at the heart of this pillar.
Why does this matter? Because at Clemson, we believe in building leaders of influence, individuals who will make a meaningful impact in their communities long after the final whistle blows.
IPTAY Leads the Way: A Higher-Level Donor Experience
The second pillar, “IPTAY Leads the Way,” is all about the remarkable people who make everything possible: our 22,321 IPTAY donors. Quite simply, our goal is to deliver the best donor experience in college athletics. Period.
We are committed to more personalized communication, fresh engagement opportunities, and a genuine sense of community for everyone who gives, whether they’re
first-time supporters, young alumni, or lifelong IPTAY members.
We will enhance transparency in our procedures, ensuring donors have greater clarity and improved access. Supporters will have more opportunities to attend exclusive events, hear directly from student-athletes about the impact of their generosity, and see firsthand how their contributions shape lives. IPTAY will embrace advanced technology, frequent input from donors, and innovative events to make every donor feel valued, heard, and connected.
The result? A stronger IPTAY family where every supporter knows their impact extends far beyond the scoreboard.
Fund Our Future: Securing IPTAY’s Strength
Finally, “Fund Our Future” ensures that Clemson Athletics, through IPTAY, continues to thrive on the national stage for generations to come. This is about smart financial growth, raising annual funds, expanding membership, and building our endowment to $100M for athletic scholarships by IPTAY’s 100th anniversary in 2034.
It’s an ambitious goal, but one that reflects the bold spirit of our Clemson Family. Through new partnerships, creative fundraising campaigns, and a greater emphasis on legacy giving, IPTAY will leave a lasting mark. We are also committed to meeting IPTAY’s $800 million pledge to Clemson’s Fiercely Forward campaign: a monumental investment in Clemson Athletics that will shape our university for years to come.
Why It All Matters
This strategic plan is more than just words on paper—it’s a promise. A promise to our student-athletes, our donors, and to Clemson’s legacy. While IPTAY has grown far beyond what Rupert Fike and his friends envisioned 90 years ago, their spirit of excellence continues to inspire us today.
At our core, IPTAY is and always will be a mission-driven organization. From humble beginnings to becoming a stabilizing force in the evolving world of collegiate athletics, IPTAY’s vision remains clear: when our donors’ passion meets a life-changing purpose, incredible things happen.
In the months ahead, I look forward to sharing more about our vision for the Power Behind the Paw. I believe Rupert Fike would be proud, and I hope you will be too.
Go Tigers!
BILLY MILAM PRESIDENT, IPTAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
IPTAY MEMORIALS
In loving memory of kind, generous, and dedicated IPTAY members.
Name: Stormy Young, III Passed: February 10, 2023. Years of Membership: 45
Name: Robert Burdine Passed: May 24, 2023. Years of Membership: 8
Name: Wayne Reed, II Passed: March 7, 2023. Years of Membership: 44
Name: Samuel Plowden Passed: November 5, 2023. Years of Membership: 34
Name: Virgil Childers Passed: January 4, 2024. Years of Membership: 21
Name: Dorothy Branham Passed: January 12, 2024. Years of Membership: 59
Name: Francis Dunn Passed: May 14, 2024. Years of Membership: 59
Name: William Hunter Passed: May 24, 2024. Years of Membership: 46
Name: Francis Lawton Passed: June 11, 2024. Years of Membership: 46
Name: Thomas Cameron Passed: June 21, 2024. Years of Membership: 34
Name: Wade Godfrey, Jr. Passed: September 12, 2024. Years of Membership: 47
Name: Richard Franklin Passed: September 21, 2024. Years of Membership: 31
Name: Philip Clayton Passed: October 4, 2024. Years of Membership: 41
Name: Lloyd Gurley Passed: October 21, 2024. Years of Membership: 62
Name: Clyde Long Passed: October 22, 2024. Years of Membership: 58
Name: John Meetze Passed: November 2, 2024. Years of Membership: 64
Name: Furman Harvey, Jr. Passed: November 22, 2024. Years of Membership: 22
Name: JoAnn Shook Passed: November 30, 2024. Years of Membership: 66
Name: Michael Padgett Passed: December 3, 2024. Years of Membership: 45
Name: Alton Whetsell Passed: December 14, 2024. Years of Membership: 56
Name: Claudia Jenkins Passed: December 30, 2024. Years of Membership: 82
Name: Ellen Thompson Passed: January 2, 2025. Years of Membership: 48
Name: Ester Higginbotham Passed: January 12, 2025. Years of Membership: 71
Name: John Boyette, Jr. Passed: January 16, 2025. Years of Membership: 59
Name: Michael Wiggers Passed: January 24, 2025. Years of Membership: 53
Name: Ethan Ackerman Passed: January 25, 2025. Years of Membership: 4
Name: Wilbur Mahony Passed: January 25, 2025. Years of Membership: 48
Name: Jack Whitesides Passed: January 27, 2025. Years of Membership: 63
Name: Jerry Whitmire Passed: January 31, 2025. Years of Membership: 55
Name: Stanley Stroud Passed: February 4, 2025. Years of Membership: 40
Name: Patricia Rutledge Passed: February 19, 2025. Years of Membership: 49
1. Jeff Anderson (‘80) on the .... famous Swilken Bridge on .... the 18th hole at St. Andrews, .... Scotland - Old Course on .... January 29, 2025.
2. Phil Bechtold (‘66) and wife ....Theresa in Aruba celebrating .... their first wedding
.... anniversary
.... on January 3, 2025.
3. Carly Hackett (‘10) & her .... husband Alex Crowe visited .... Peter Knobel (‘73) & his wife .... Silvia with Heather Hackett .... (husband Tim (‘73), .... deceased) at the top of Mt. .... Rigi in Lucerne in September .... 2024.
4. Greg Padgett, wife Betty, and .... extended family holding the ....Tiger Rag in Norway with .... friends Ken Grant (‘71) & wife Kaye Grant (‘76).
5. Matthew Vlacich (Left) and ....Will Lawson (Right) enjoying .... SOF in Mexico on their Senior .... Spring Break Trip!
6. Hattie Baldock, Lauren ..... Simmons, Maggie Andrews, ..... and Caroline Howard ..... enjoying baseball at DKS. .....Go Tigers!
7. ISAB members Witt Miles ..... and Caleb Krick with their ..... friends at Shealey’s BBQ, .....Caleb’s favorite spot. The boys had a great time ..... celebrating Caleb’s future ..... marriage!
8. Hattie Baldock (right) with ..... best friend Lily Heller (left) ..... showing their Clemson pride ..... on a boat in Turks and .....Caicos!
9. The newest Tiger fan is Jesse ....Campione, daughter of Chris ....Campione (‘14) (‘15M).
10. Jackson Wilkie (Left) with ...... his mom (Middle) and ...... brother (Right) hitting the ...... slopes in Zürs, Austria.
11. University Lutheran Church Campus Ministry took a ...... trip to Jonesville, Virginia. ......The group spent spring ...... break building a porch and ...... serving the community with ...... Appalachia Service Project
...... (ASP).
12. Ashley Thornton Palmer ...... (‘10) and her future Tiger, ...... Adley.
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CLEMSON CULTURE
LAST WORD
In this era of college athletics, you hear more and more coaches and media talk about a program’s culture. The topic has become more and more important as you see rosters around the country become more transactional.
We are in the fourth quarter of one of Clemson’s most successful all-around athletic and academic years in history and many have sighted the Clemson culture as a reason for the program’s success across the board.
How do you measure the impact of a program’s culture? Those who have followed my writings over the years know I am a stats person, as most sports information directors are.
When it comes to measuring a program’s culture, however, there really isn’t any empirical data.
But you know it when you see it. In early March, I took note of some examples of the Clemson culture.
Clemson’s spring football practice began on Friday, March 1, and Head Coach Dabo Swinney met with the media to preview the 2025 team. At the beginning of the press conference, he talked about the success of all the other sports programs at Clemson. He did a ten-minute monologue that showed how much he follows and supports all the sports at Clemson.
You can say the same thing about all the head coaches at Clemson. They all have each other’s backs and that spreads to their student-athletes who support their fellow student-athletes across sports. I won’t soon forget going to a Korn Ferry Tour event in Greenville to follow former Clemson All-American
Jacob Bridgeman. The tallest person in his gallery that day was former Tiger basketball player PJ Hall.
Leading into the first weekend of March, Clemson Baseball faced rival South Carolina in front of a record crowd of over 6,800. In the middle of the fourth inning, military veterans were invited to stand and be recognized. During that time, the available Clemson players went into the stands to shake hands or even hug the veterans.
It is an idea coach Erik Bakich developed after watching the Savannah Bananas do it during their visit to Clemson last fall. This is now a tradition at every home Clemson Baseball game, a tradition that has caught the eyes of the national audience.
On Saturday, March 1, Brad Brownell’s basketball team won its 24th game of the year, its seventh in a row on the road at Virginia. After the game, Clemson players returned to the court to meet with family and friends. I looked across the court from my broadcast location and saw a familiar face.
Talking with his former Clemson teammates was Jack Clark, one of the key members of Clemson’s Elite Eight team from the 2023-24 season. He transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for his final year of eligibility. Clark had played the night before in a VCU victory, scoring 18 points thanks to 4-for-4 three-point shooting. He then made the early two hour trip from Richmond to Charlottesville, Va., to see his former team and visit with them after the game.
BY: TIM BOURRET
I was just struck how a player who had transferred made that effort to see his former teammates. It just told me all you needed to know about Clemson’s basketball culture.
When the Clemson team arrived back at the Anderson Airport from Virginia, longtime super fan Paula Grooms was there to meet the team with congratulatory hugs, as she does on each of the Tigers’ trips back home. Many times, when people think of a program’s culture, it is easy to substitute the phrase family atmosphere.
There isn’t a more omnipresent image of the Clemson family when it comes to the basketball program than Paula Grooms. I can’t think of many times that she has missed a sendoff or a welcome back home, win or lose.
On Sunday, March 2, I attended the Clemson Women’s Basketball game against Virginia Tech. It was senior day and the 50-Year anniversary celebration of Clemson Women’s Basketball. It was a great turnout of former Clemson greats, including six members of the first team and its head coach, Mary Kennerty. It was another demonstration of the Clemson culture.
But one moment stood out to me and it didn’t involve any player past or present. During one of the timeouts in the first half, the public address announcer introduced senior manager Ross Hicks. He joyfully went on the court to acknowledge the applause.
Hicks is a member of the ClemsonLIFE program at Clemson. ClemsonLIFE is embraced by each of the athletic teams here. Nearly every team has a day where the ClemsonLIFE members attend practice and hang out with the team. The student-athletes look forward to this day as much as the ClemsonLIFE students. Many of these students serve as managers for our teams, too. In my 47 years at Clemson, I can’t think of a more tangible example of the Clemson culture, not just with athletic teams, but with the entire University.
This first weekend in March is just a small example of Clemson’s culture, but I bet if we analyzed every weekend of Clemson Athletics, this is a trend we would see across all sports in every season.
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