POWER, THE CLEMSON ATHLETICS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, PROPELS TIGER FEMALE STUDENT-ATHLETES FORWARD IN PREPARATION FOR SUCCESS IN THE CLASSROOM, IN COMPETITION AND LIFE AFTER GRADUATION. READ MORE INSIDE
The Orthopedic Experts MORE
Specialists Technology Locations
As South Carolina’s most preferred orthopedic provider and o cial team doctors for the Tigers and Gamecocks, our sports medicine and joint replacement experts provide all the care you need.
Whether it’s an unexpected injury or a scheduled joint replacement procedure, we o er the most comprehensive orthopedic services available anywhere. We can also help speed recovery with our one-of-a-kind biomechanics lab and robotic assisted surgery. With more specialists, more technology and more locations closer to you, we’re doing even more to help you be your healthiest you.
23 CR OSS COUNTRY SEASON PREVIEW
The Clemson Cross Country team is ready to step foot in a new season and prepare for success in 2023.
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Robbins
Chandler Simpson
Ross Taylor
Ben Winterrowd
Orange: The Experience is published six 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.
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20 23 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PREVIEW
After making a postseason appearance at the end of last season, the team is poised with the right pieces to excel on the court.
CR OSS COUNTRY SE ASON PREVIEW
Coming off a successful preseason run, these Tigers are ready to prove themselves at the national level.
26 ME N’S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW
The Tigers were voted to take home the ACC crown in preseason voting conducted by the league’s head coaches.
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PO WER: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Q&A
Megan Bornkamp, Women’s Soccer, General Management ’23, MBA ‘25 | Tori Niemann, Assistant Athletic Director for StudentAthlete Development
GY MNASTICS EQUIPMENT UNVEILING
Clemson Gymnastics unveils new equipment ahead of inaugural season.
WO MEN’S ATHLETICS FACILITIES EXPANSION & PROGRAM UPDATES
Three new Clemson sports teams are getting an upgrade for the upcoming year, bolstered by the support of Clemson Athletics donors and the Hear Her Roar initiative.
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OV ERSEAS REFLECTION
The Clemson Men's Soccer team has opened doors to countless extraordinary opportunities, and this trip to Italy was a shining example of that.
Fellow Tigers,
AS WE LOOK AHEAD TO ANOTHER YEAR OF EXCITEMENT AND COMPETITION here at Clemson, I’d like to extend my utmost appreciation to each and every IPTAY donor for making fiscal year 2023 the best year in the history of our organization. All of us here at IPTAY are inspired by your generous hearts. Your generosity allowed us to provide a never-before-seen level of financial support to Clemson Athletics through athletics scholarships, academic support, facilities, nutrition, counseling, strength and conditioning, spirit squad, and Tiger band among other impactful opportunities and initiatives benefiting more than 550 Tiger student-athletes.
Our fall sports teams have gathered back on campus and are hard at work in preparation for what will certainly be another incredible and highly anticipated year for the Tigers. Football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, and volleyball seasons will soon begin, and we hope you will find time to support each of these programs at some point over the next few months. It has been incredible to see such unwavering loyalty to each of our teams, including more than 57,000 season ticket holders for the upcoming season in Memorial Stadium. If you haven’t had the opportunity to plan for the excitement quite yet and would like to learn more about in-season ticket availability, please reach out to the Clemson Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-CLEMSON.
In the realm of athletics facilities and continued enhancements to the Clemson student-athlete experience, construction is well underway and making great progress for the new and updated facilities that will directly support operations and competition for women’s gymnastics, women’s lacrosse, and rowing. The women’s athletic facility expansion project is sure to further enhance a wonderful waterfront community in which to support our Tigers. We are looking forward to welcoming you to these facilities in the upcoming year.
Additional state-of-the-art projects recently received approval from the Clemson University Board of Trustees and will further generate a positive impact with new benefits for all of our sport programs. The new 50,000-square-foot
Performance and Wellness Center will feature renovations to Jervey Gym in addition to a new strength & conditioning facility, a sports medicine clinic, and a student-athlete dining facility.
The Clemson University Board of Trustees also gave Phase I approval for the expansion and renovation of Basketball Operations Facilities at Littlejohn Coliseum and Swann Pavilion. These facility improvements will generate high-level improvements for men’s and women’s basketball operations, technology, team spaces, practice gyms, offices, and recruiting areas in addition to updated spaces for strength & conditioning, nutrition, and sports medicine. We are grateful for the continued alignment between IPTAY, Clemson Athletics, and the Clemson University Board of Trustees, which allows us to further drive our mission and vision forward in a way that is true to what Clemson University represents.
There are so many things to look forward to as we build upon the success of the last year together and prepare for the bright future ahead. With all the inspirational accomplishments of our student-athletes and programs benefitting from your support, we continue to look for opportunities to share more about your impact. As part of this effort, all IPTAY members receive access to Clemson+; the official streaming service for Clemson Athletics. Our Creative Solutions team is working hard to put together a phenomenal inventory for you to access and enjoy with behind-the-scenes content highlighting teams, facilities, individual student-athletes, and more. Please be sure to check in on clemsonplus.com and activate your free account to take advantage of this exclusive benefit.
Thank you again for all your continued investments in the futures of Clemson student-athletes. There has truly been no better time to be a Clemson Tiger! I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our facilities and competitions soon. Go Tigers!
Davis Babb IPTAY CEO
IPTAY MISSION
IPTAY provides resources to support the academic, athletic, and personal development of Clemson University student-athletes and the competitive success of Clemson Athletics.
IPTAY VISION
IPTAY will be the model fundraising organization in intercollegiate athletics providing unmatched support for student-athlete success and exemplary service to our donors.
IPTAY CORE VALUES
STUDENT-ATHLETE SUCCESS
IPTAY will provide the resources necessary to afford Clemson student-athletes the best opportunity to excel academically, athletically, and personally.
TEAMWORK
IPTAY will be intentional and collaborative in all phases of our mission including IPTAY staff, investors, internal (coaches, university staff and board members) and external partners, student-athletes, and stakeholders.
STEWARDSHIP
IPTAY will be trustworthy stewards of the contributions of our donors and volunteers, valuing and expressing appreciation for their time, talent, and resources while supporting all Clemson student-athletes.
INTEGRITY
In all ways IPTAY will lead with honesty, trustworthiness, responsibility, and ethical behavior while complying with all national, conference, and university regulations.
TRANSPARENCY
IPTAY will effectively communicate the purpose and outcomes of consistent and fair policies that drive philanthropic support for Clemson Athletics.
12 YEAR ANNUAL GIVING TREND
MAJOR GIFTS
Clemson depends on the generosity and foresight of donors to build and maintain collegiate athletic excellence. Gifts that build an endowment and support major facilities and large-scale initiatives leave a lasting legacy and are vital to the future and the quality of athletics at Clemson. Major gifts may be in the form of cash, real estate, securities, gifts-in-kind and a number of other options.
DOLLARS OF MAJOR GIFTS
$83.6M
ATHLETICS CORNERSTONE PARTNERS
The Cornerstone Partners concept was implemented in IPTAY 2015. The goal of the initiative was to secure 10 partners with gifts of $2.5M or above. These transformational gifts have been integral in allowing resources for Clemson to offer state-of-the-art facilities for our 21 sport program, impacting 550+ student-athletes each year. Another particular focus of the Cornerstone Partner program is on building the athletic endowment. These gifts build a lasting legacy and ensure the future of the university’s athletic program and the student-athletes who sustain it.
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$144.5M
Planned gifts are a means of ensuring that the priorities of IPTAY continue for years to come. These visionary gifts ensure that opportunities exist for future generations of student-athletes through bequests, life insurance, charitable gift annuities, charitable lead trust, charitable remainder trusts and a number of other instruments that continue long into the future. Many planned gifts are part of major gifts.
DOLLARS OF
$2.6M
IMPACT OF SUPPORT
The continued generosity of IPTAY supporters is imperative to maintaining and enhancing the student-athlete experience of more than 550 Tigers each year. Contributions toward IPTAY have a direct impact on funding all student-athlete scholarships, new and upgraded athletics facilities, academic support at the Nieri Family StudentAthlete Enrichment Center, and student-athlete services such as leadership development, community engagement, sports psychology, nutrition, and strength & conditioning. IPTAY also provides funding for mascots, Tiger Band, and cheer. Each and every donation, no matter the amount, drives the IPTAY mission and values forward and elevates the standard of what it means to be a Clemson Tiger.
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Football, Men’s Track & Field, Baseball, and Women’s Golf combined to secure the most ACC championships in a year since 1998-99.
First-ever
USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Valerie Cagle
National Champion: 60 Meter Hurdles Giano Roberts First-ever
2,100 38 Top-10
total community service hours completed by student-athletes across all 21 programs
3.25
community service collaborations
record GPA academic performance by student-athletes in Spring 2023
community service national rankings for the baseball and rowing programs
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foreign tours, including Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, and Men’s Basketball
BLOCK C CLUB
Block C Club helps to enhance the lifelong experience of Clemson student-athletes. Block C Club has four main purposes as a part of its mission - to provide fellowship among all letterwinners, recognize and honor former student-athletes, provide outreach to letterwinners in an effort to re-engage them with Clemson University and to educate current coaches and student-athletes about the history of Clemson athletics.
$78,275
HEAR HER ROAR
909
The Hear Her Roar initiative was launched in line with last year’s 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking Title IX legislation in an effort to continue raising awareness and financial support for Clemson’s women studentathletes. The momentum behind the growth of athletic opportunities for women at Clemson has never been more tremendous. Within the last decade, Clemson Athletics has added women’s golf (2012-13), softball (2019-20), and announced the sponsorship of women’s lacrosse (2022-23) and women’s gymnastics (2023-24). Later this year, the women’s athletic facility expansion project is slated to be complete with new and upgraded lakefront facilities for lacrosse, gymnastics and rowing. Additionally, this year marked the second cohort of the POWER: Women’s Leadership Academy with countless opportunities for women student-athletes to develop both in and out of competition. Hear Her Roar aims to provide women’s student-athletes with the resources for a premier collegiate experience both athletically and academically. IPTAY is committed to the growth of opportunities and access for the 12 NCAA Division I women’s programs sponsored by Clemson University, while setting up future generations for success at Clemson.
HEAR HER ROAR DOLLARS GIVEN
$2.7M+
HEAR HER ROAR DONORS
189
SPORT-SPECIFIC GIVING
SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE!
New last year, all donors have the opportunity to make gifts that will directly impact a specific program and its student-athletes. In conjunction with IPTAY, coaches and athletic department administrators are able to identify needs for their respective programs and solicit support for those needs.
TOTAL SPORT-SPECIFIC DOLLARS RAISED THROUGH INDIVIDUAL ENDOWMENTS AND SUPPORT YOUR SPORT IN 2023
$1.5M
ELEVATING WOMEN’S ATHLETICS AT CLEMSON
BLOCK C CLUB DOLLARS GIVEN
BLOCK C CLUB MEMBERS
IPTAY continues to expand its footprint in the digital and social space. During IPTAY 2023, the flagship IPTAY Twitter handle crossed the 15,000 follower mark, while the Instagram account following has grown to over 21,500. In addition, IPTAY’s Facebook account continues to grow with over 3,000 likes and 3,400 followers. Follow us on all platforms!
The 64-page glossy magazine, Orange: The Experience, is delivered six times a year. Orange: The Experience is packed with exclusive features on student-athletes, coaches and IPTAY donors, as well as up-close and behind-the-scenes photography.
Clemson Athletics and IPTAY activated several team features and series with behindthe-scenes content on Clemson+, the official video streaming service for Clemson Athletics programs. Whether it’s getting behind-thescenes access to your favorite teams or reliving some of Clemson’s most memorable moments and games, you get it all on Clemson+.
IPTAY donors and IPTAY Collegiate Club members receive access to Clemson+ as a benefit of membership. Tune in on your smartphone, computer or mobile device on the following streaming platforms:
ClemsonPlus.com
Clemson Tigers iOS App
Clemson Tigers Android App
Clemson+ Apple TV App
Clemson+ Roku App
Clemson+ Amazon Fire TV App
Clemson+ Android TV App
ORANGE: THE EXPERIENCE
PAW SITIVE PRESS
HIGHLIGHTING CLEMSON’S TOP PERFORMERS IN ATHLETICS
HUNTER TYSON
Men's Basketball | Alumni
The fifth-year Tiger became the first Clemson player selected in the NBA Draft since 2017 (Jaron Blossomgame). Tyson went No. 37 overall in the second round to the NBA Champion Denver Nuggets. Early NBA Summer League results saw him average 21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting 54.1 percent from the field, 50.0 percent from three and 87.0 percent at the foul line.
KAILEN SHERIDAN
Women’s Soccer | Alumni
The former Clemson standout was named to the Canadian National Team prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In two starts, she has one goal allowed in 180 minutes and a save percentage of 85.7. She’s helped lead Canada to a 1-0-1 record thus far.
JULIE COIN
Women’s Tennis | Alumni
The former women’s tennis All-American will be inducted into the school’s Ring of Honor this fall. She was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012 and is just the fifth woman and second women’s tennis player to earn the Ring of Honor distinction, joining Susan Hill.
ANDREW SWANSON
Men’s Golf | Alumni
The junior qualified for the 2023 U.S. Amateur to be played from August 14-20 at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. Swanson led the Tigers last season in stroke average (71.39) and totaled two top-10 finishes and one victory.
ANNABELLE PANCAKE
Women’s Golf | Senior
The senior finished runner-up at the 2023 British Women’s Amateur after reaching the final. She nearly became the first American to win since 1996.
D’ANDRE ANDERSON
Men's Track & Field | Senior
The senior came away with a gold medal in the 400 meters at the U23 NACAC Championships – representing Team Jamaica. He ran a time of 45.56 – surpassing his personal best by 0.33 seconds that was set at the 2023 ACC Outdoor Championships.
JULY
1
J uly 1, 2023
IPTAY 2024 year began.
NOVEMBER
4 N ovember 4, 2023
IPTAY Day at Clemson Football.
FEBRUARY
15 F ebruary 15, 2024
50% of IPTAY 2024 pledge is due to recieve the 2024 online football ticket and parking application.
S C GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATES LOTTERY FUNDS EACH YEAR.
BY TIM BOURRET
OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS EVERY TIME I HAVE SEEN FORMER
Clemson quarterback Woodrow Dantzler, I would start the conversation by saying, “You were born 20 years too early.”
I was referring to the recent proliferation of quarterbacks in the NFL who are running and passing threats. Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen and many more have changed the way the NFL runs offenses and caused sleepless nights for defensive coordinators.
A look back to the way Dantzler played the game for Clemson from 1998-2001 has a strong resemblance to today’s top quarterbacks. He might have made a lot of money in today’s NFL.
In 2001, Dantzler became the first quarterback in FBS history to rush for at least 1,000 yards and throw for at least 2,000 in the same season. He accomplished that in an 11-game regular season schedule as bowl games did not count towards a player’s statistics until 2002.
That 2001 season, Dantzler had two of the most incredible individual performances I have seen in my 45 years covering Clemson Football. First, at Georgia Tech, he threw for 254 yards and two scores and rushed for 164 yards and two scores, leading Clemson to a 47-44 overtime victory over the ninth-ranked Yellow Jackets.
The 418 yards set a school record for total offense in a game.
The next game at NC State, he shattered that mark by accounting for 333 yards passing by hitting on 23-of-27 passes and rushed for 184 yards in a 45-37 victory over future NFL quarterback Philip Rivers. He accounted for six touchdowns.
Let me put that performance into perspective. There has been just one game in NCAA history where a quarterback threw for 300 and rushed for 200 in the same game. Marquis Tuiasosopo of Washington did it against Stanford in 1999. Dantzler was just 16 rushing yards short from becoming the second. In today’s wide open offensive era, no one has done it since.
When I asked Dantzler recently if he was satisfied with his time and place in history he responded, “I played at the time I was supposed to play. I was happy to be a part of the growth of the quarterback position.”
And that is true. He is in many ways one of the founding fathers of the modern-day quarterback. He set a standard
in becoming the first 2,000/1,000 quarterback. Fourteen years later, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson became the first FBS quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in a season.
Dantzler follows the Tigers and the college game closely, and he appreciates his place in history.
He was honored last May when he was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. “It was a great honor to be inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. It gave me a feeling of confirmation for all the hard work I did. The hard work paid off.”
Dantzler was not drafted by an NFL team in the spring of 2002, but he signed a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He became a running back and kick returner. I encourage you to go on YouTube and watch his 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers when he broke 11 tackles. It is one of the most electrifying kick returns you will see.
When asked to recall his favorite moments of his playing career, he did not reflect on that kickoff return or the 2001 NC State game. “My fondest memories of my time playing football is the relationships. I look at my teammates, my coaches, all the people I came in contact with at Clemson. That is what comes to mind first.”
Dantzler also gave a response I had not heard previously when I asked him that question. “I also cherish the relationships I made with opponents. I am still good friends today with Joe Hamilton [quarterback at Georgia Tech, who was inducted into the same South Carolina Hall of Fame class]. I also have a strong relationship with Lavar Fisher and Ray Robinson [two NC State players of his era].”
After playing the 2005 season in NFL Europe with Frankfurt and preseason camp with the Cowboys, he retired and went into the business world. He has been successful as a pharmaceutical sales rep for many years.
Dantzler also spends time giving talks to youth groups and corporations. He averages about 25 speaking engagements a year throughout the state. “My message is to identify who you are and make the right choices,” said Dantzler. “Don’t be swayed by bad influences.”
Dantzler has been making the right choices for many years and as a result was selected to the South Carolina Hall of Fame class in 2023.
DANTZLER
BEYOND THE GAME
BY
HALLE MACKIEWICZ
AUTUMN FROITLAND
PHOTO BY DAWSON POWERS
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
HM: Broomfield, Colorado
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HOMETOWN?
HM: Not too busy, it’s an intermediate stage between not a lot going on and a city.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING SOCCER? DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A GOALKEEPER?
HM: I’ve been playing since I was fouryears-old. I was actually a forward when I used to play and then I had good handeye coordination so that’s when they decided to try me at keeper.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO WANT TO COME TO CLEMSON?
HM: The family atmosphere and then also the combination of athletics with academics because my academics are also very important to me.
WHAT SETS CLEMSON SOCCER APART FROM OTHER UNIVERSITIES?
HM: I think the family atmosphere. I mean we don’t just care about each other on the field, we care about each other off the field and I feel like that’s how a team is going to be truly successful is if they have that chemistry and care for one another, that goes outside the lines.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GO ON CAMPUS?
HM: Probably Starbucks at the library because I love coffee and I go to study a lot.
WHAT’S YOUR ORDER AT STARBUCKS?
HM: Everyone makes fun of me but I do go for the basic white chocolate mocha.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THIS TEAM?
HM: I think we've got a little bit of everything, which is exactly what you need. We have people who are a little bit more outgoing and we have the people who are a little more reserved and I think we mesh well together.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE PLAYED AT SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?
HM: Honestly, I kinda liked playing in Louisville. I don’t know why, the stadium and atmosphere, it was just fun.
AS YOU ENTER YOUR SENIOR YEAR, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?
HM: I have a lot, mostly just the relationships I’ve built with my teammates I would have to say. And I feel like those are going to go way past me graduating so that’s nice to know.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR GIRLS WHO WANT TO PURSUE COLLEGE SOCCER?
HM: I would say just always do your best, that’s like the bare minimum it seems like but if you’re doing your best then that’s all you can do so don’t worry about anything else and you’ll end up in the right place.
WHAT’S THE DREAM AFTER COLLEGE?
HM: Maybe play professionally a little bit and then ultimately I want to do structural engineering.
HOW HAS BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
HM: I think it’s impacted my life in a positive way because the responsibilities that we have to take on between school and athletics, I feel like it ultimately leads to you building character for life after college.
THIS MOMENT IN HISTORY
The women’s soccer program debuted at the beginning of the 1994 season. It’s first-ever home game came on Sept. 9, 1994. The game was a 5-1 triumph over Loyola (Md.).
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CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PREVIEW
THE CLEMSON CROSS COUNTRY TEAM IS READY TO STEP FOOT IN A NEW SEASON AND PREPARE FOR SUCCESS IN 2023.
BY AUTUMN FROITLAND
AS WE HEAD INTO THE FALL SEMESTER, THE CLEMSON CROSS COUNTRY team is ready to step foot in a new season and prepare for success in 2023.
With talented returners and fresh faces on the 2023 roster, Head Coach Vicky Pounds is optimistic as she looks ahead to the upcoming season.
“I’m looking forward to working with both teams this season. We have some strong returners and some new faces that should move us up in the ACC ranks,” Head Coach Vicky Pounds said.
On the women’s side, Meredith Finley and Grace Hanratty both return for their senior season. Finley finished 16th in the Kennesaw State Dual Meet in the 2022 season, which marked one of her best performances this past year.
On the men’s side, Michael Fabiano and Samuel Garringer are set to return in the orange and purple. In the 2022 season, Fabiano finished 9th at the Kennesaw State Dual Meet in the Men’s 6k while Garringer finished in 13th in the Men’s 6k at the same meet.
At the end of the 2022 season, 14 cross country athletes were named to the All-ACC Academic team. Seven men and seven women earned the recognition for Clemson. Minimum academic requirements for selection to the AllACC Academic Team are a 3.0-grade point average for the previous semester and a 3.0 cumulative average during one’s academic career.
The cross country programs continue to help lead Clemson to a department-wide 95 percent graduation rate and success for student-athletes campus wide.
Director of Track & Field, Mark Elliot agreed on a contract extension that will run through 2025. Elliott is entering his 11th season at Clemson, where he leads both men’s and women’s programs.
For all the most up-to-date coverage regarding Clemson Cross Country, please visit ClemsonTigers.com and follow ClemsonTrackXC on Twitter and Instagram.
VOLLEYBALL SEASON PREVIEW
AFTER MAKING A POSTSEASON APPEARANCE AT THE END OF LAST SEASON, THE TEAM IS POISED WITH THE RIGHT PIECES TO EXCEL ON THE COURT.
BY VALERIE JOHNSON
WITH NINE RETURNERS FROM THE 2022 SQUAD AND 11 NEWCOMERS joining the roster in 2023, the Clemson Volleyball program is ready to attack the third season under the tutelage of Head Coach Jackie Simpson Kirr. After making a postseason appearance at the end of last season, the team is poised with the right pieces to excel on the court.
Fresh off a 15-day foreign tour to France, Croatia and Bosnia, the Tigers, both returners and new, had the chance to bond while competing and sightseeing across Europe this summer. The Tigers embarked on the tour in June that began with two days in Paris. Clemson spent the following 13 days between Croatia and Bosnia in multiple training sessions and competing in a tournament setting. Outside of volleyball, the team bonded on walking tours, boat days and ATVing across the Bosnia mountains following wild horses. The once-in-alifetime trip gave the team and coaches the ability to build a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
The fall roster is highlighted by four-year starter Mckenna Slavik. The setter returns for her fifth season after moving up to fifth in Clemson’s record book last season with 3,863 career assists. She is on pace to move into third by the end of her career behind only Jessi Betcher (1999-02) and Kelsey Murphy (2006-09). Starting in 106 matches through her first four years, the St. Charles, Ill., native will look to build upon her 2022 All-ACC Second Team selection this fall.
Helping Slavik lead the Tigers are junior libero Devan Taylor and sophomore outside hitter Mia McGrath. Taylor, who has 837 digs through two seasons, will once again guide the defense that finished atop the ACC last season in that category. McGrath will look to continue her strong start in the Orange and Regalia after being named to the ACC AllFreshman team last season. Other returners include Sophie
and Caroline
During the offseason, Simpson Kirr, Associate Head Coach Taylor Unroe, Assistant Coach Dan O’Keefe and Assistant Coach Quinn Lukens added four transfers to help bolster the Tiger lineup. Two of these transfers included graduates Adria Powell (Ohio State) and Katie Culumovic (Mississippi State) who bring NCAA postseason experience to Clemson. The final two transfers include junior Kateryna Tkachenko (Oregon State) and redshirt freshman Katie Hurta (Penn State).
Additional newcomers include an incoming freshmen class of seven led by Kennedy Wagner (Valparaiso, Ind.) and Kate Simington (Excelsior, Minn.). Wagner was an AVCA All-Region selection and Second Team All-State outside in 2022 after surpassing 2,000 career kills in high school. Simington, a 6-4 middle hitter, was an AAU Academic All-American and on the 2023 Prep Volleyball Watchlist. Other incoming freshmen include Audrey Armbruster (Cincinnati, Ohio), McKenna Gildon (Plano, Texas), Ava Hewitt (Los Angeles, Calif.), Courtney Nix (Harrisburg, N.C.) and Kitty Sandt (Western Spring, Ill.).
The 2023 season will mark the end of an era at Jervey Gym as fans know it. Following the season, renovations will begin to the space that include raising of the roof, as well as a new locker room, lounge and meeting areas for Clemson’s volleyball program, and major improvements to the gameday experience with new access, restrooms and concessions areas. Their hub would also be centrally located to many of their most commonly used performance spaces. In all, the renovation phase of the project would re-allocate more than 14,000 square feet of space with the goal to be ready to use by the 2024-25 athletic seasons.
Catalano, Azyah Dailey, Becca Micelle, Mia Moore, Maggie Patterson
Sele.
WOMEN'S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW
COMING OFF A SUCCESSFUL PRESEASON RUN, THESE TIGERS ARE READY TO PROVE THEMSELVES AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL.
BY AUTUMN FROITLAND
AS THE 2023 ROSTER BLENDS TOGETHER A GROUP OF NATIONALLY regarded returners, highly skilled reserves and some talented new faces, a new era will begin for Clemson Women’s Soccer. Coming off a successful preseason run, these Tigers are ready to prove themselves at the national level.
“Our group is very much looking forward to the 2023 fall season. We have been working for this moment ever since the start of the spring semester of last year,” Head Coach Eddie Radwanski said. “Our group is dialed in, intense and looking forward to getting after it and competing in the ACC and NCAA. I think we have a little bit of something to prove this year, a little bit of a chip on our shoulder and I think we just need to continue our theme of ‘were just going to worry about us, were going to be the best version of us we can be and we will trust that our results will carry themselves’.”
Ranked No. 25 in the nation, the Tigers bring back a unique force of returners with Hal Hershfelt, Megan Bornkamp and Caroline Conti leading this team in the orange and purple. Both Bornkamp and Hershfelt were named to the Preseason All-ACC Team and were named players to watch by the United Soccer Coaches. Conti led the team in points in the 2022 season as she tallied 13 total points with five assists and four goals on the year.
“I’m excited to be back playing with the team I love and to play another season at Riggs. The atmosphere we have at home games is unreal,” Hershfelt said. “We have a lot of goals this season, and it being my last year it really is all or nothing. We have to do all we can to leave our mark.”
The Tigers wrapped up the 2022 season with an 8-5-5 overall record and a 4-3-3 record in conference play. For the ninth-straight season, the Tigers continued their run in the postseason as they earned a No. 5 seed and a bid to the NCAA tournament where they took on Vanderbilt in the first round to end the season.
Wearing the gloves for the Tigers this season will be Halle Mackiewicz, who was a key component for this team in the 2022 campaign. Mackiewicz started all 18 matches last season and ended the campaign with 59 saves and .759 save percentage.
Also returning to the roster for Clemson is senior Makenna Morris and junior Renee Lyles. Both players were in the top three for total points at the end of the 2022 season as they followed Conti with 11 (Lyles) and 10 (Morris) points.
Putting on the Tiger threads for the first time this season is Jenna Tobia, Tatum Short, Eleanor Hays and Dani Lynch. Tobia and Short impressed all with their preseason performances and will look to continue that success in their freshman campaigns.
The coaching staff of 13 seasons is led by Head Coach, Eddie Radwanski who will look to lead this team to the top. Radwanski is supported by Associate Head Coach Jeff Robbins and Assistant Coach Siri Mullinx. The trio also added Allison Wetherington to their staff as she takes on the role of an assistant coach and will add a professional perspective with her experience in the NWSL as a guiding light.
MEN’S SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW
THE TIGERS WERE VOTED TO TAKE HOME THE ACC CROWN IN PRESEASON VOTING CONDUCTED BY THE LEAGUE’S HEAD COACHES.
BY CHANDLER SIMPSON
WHEN CLEMSON MEN’S SOCCER RETURNS TO THE PITCH ON AUGUST 24 against UCF, Mike Noonan’s squad will in some ways look very familiar, but also very unfamiliar at the same time. The Tigers return the top four goal scorers from last year’s team, as well as the starting goalkeeper, while adding four transfers and 10 freshmen.
The Tigers were voted to take home the ACC crown in preseason voting conducted by the league’s head coaches. Clemson got six first place votes and was also picked to win the Atlantic Division.
Clemson’s home schedule features games against ACC foes Duke, Virginia Tech, Louisville and Boston College and the Tigers will look to continue their run against the South Carolina Gamecocks on September 1 at Historic Riggs Field. Clemson, the 2021 National Champion, will square off against Syracuse, the 2022 National Champion, on October 15 in a game set to be nationally televised on ESPNU. The Tigers will have two other games nationally televised - September 22 at Wake Forest (ACC Network) and October 20 at home against Boston College (ACC Network).
Moha Seye returns to the Tigers for his graduate season after earning All-ACC honors in 2022. Clemson also returns All-ACC selections Ousmane Sylla and Joseph Andema, as well as fifth-year Enrique Montana III. Sylla was named to the ACC’s Players to Watch list in advance of the 2023 season. The Tigers also return Brandon Parrish and Marco Garcia, marking the return of the top four goal scorers from last season.
Arguably the Tigers’ biggest acquisition in the offseason was a pair of All-PAC 12 performers from Oregon State, Gael Gibert and Joran Gerbet. Gerbet was named to the United Soccer Coaches Midfielders to Watch list in August after earning PAC 12 Player of the Year honors last season. The Tigers also picked up Alex Meinhard from Tulsa, who was named to the United Soccer Coaches Forwards to Watch list in August, as well as Jackson Wrobel from Wofford, who was an All-SoCon performer in his sophomore season with the Terriers.
The Tigers open the 2023 season on August 24, facing off against UCF at 7pm at Historic Riggs Field.
FROM THE BROADCAST BOOTH
BY DON MUNSON
THE 2023-24 ATHLETIC CALENDAR WILL MARK MY 30TH SEASON covering Clemson Athletics and will be my tenth in the booth calling Tiger football games. My road to Clemson started with me calling a football game for Furman in the fall of 1993. In those days the Clemson radio network and the Furman radio network were run by the same company. The regular play-by-play guy for Furman, Chris Allen, had to miss a broadcast and he called me to ask if I could fill in for him.
Having been the play-by-play voice at Appalachian State from 1984-1991, Chris and I were pretty good friends. Off I went to Furman on that fall Saturday in ’93 and wouldn’t you know it the right people were listening to the broadcast. About two weeks after doing the game, a gentleman by the name of Mike Whitaker called me. Mike was at that time the General Manager for both the Clemson and Furman networks. He asked if I would be willing to come to Greenville and meet with him. We finally were able to get together in early December for dinner and at that dinner he asked me if I had any interest in coming to work on the Clemson radio broadcasts. It didn’t take long for me to say yes.
My job with the network would be to host the Fifth Quarter Show, the scoreboard show that followed the game broadcast. I would be the solo on-air host and would have two producers and a board operator at the radio station, WFBC 92.5 back in those days, working with me. I was given a blueprint of how the network would like the show to come together over the two hours of production, but I was pretty much given free reign on how I would go about it. Like many of you, I had grown up listening to Clemson broadcasts. For me it started in the midto-late 1970’s. Jim Phillips was of course a legend by that
time and when I started in 1994. Jim had Mike Eppley and Rodney Williams as his broadcast partners for the game. My first broadcast for Clemson was on September 4, 1994. It was a 1 p.m. kickoff versus Furman in Death Valley. The Tiger Tailgate Show started the broadcast day for Clemson at 10 a.m. Jim Phillips would take over with pregame at noon and the game would kickoff at 1 p.m. The Fifth Quarter Show would follow the postgame wrap up of the contest which meant I would hit the airwaves around 5 p.m.
Back in those days there was no internet, so the Fifth Quarter Show was always famous for having recorded reports from other games involving in-state schools and other ACC members. My idea was to take that a step further and have live reports from not only those contests, but also from other major games around the country. To make this happen I had to have a list of reporters that we could call who were at these games. During the week leading up to my first show I must have made 75 to 100 phone calls to various sports information offices all over the country. That first week I showed up with a list of about 35 reporters. Things could not have gone more perfect than they did in that first show. On Monday Jim Phillips called me and told me. “Now that is what a scoreboard show is supposed to sound like!” I was more than thrilled to hear this from someone I admired so much.
That was the start of my relationship with Clemson Athletics. It has grown into a love affair for me in 30 years. I hope I can continue to do it for another 30. All God’s children say, “Go Tigers!”
POWER: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Q&A
MEGAN BORNKAMP, WOMEN’S SOCCER, GENERAL MANAGEMENT ’23, MBA ‘25
TORI NIEMANN, ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR STUDENT-ATHLETE
DEVELOPMENT
BY MEGAN BORNKAMP & TORI NIEMANN
WHAT IS THE INTENDED IMPACT OF CREATING A PROGRAM LIKE POWER: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY?
TN: Our intention behind creating this women’s leadership academy is to bring female student-athletes together to build community and build confidence as they take ownership of their own capabilities. We want them to utilize their strengths of being women to grow as leaders and prepare for their next chapter after Clemson. We wanted to create a program that solely focused on the leadership and professional development of our female student-athletes and through Clemson Athletics administration, IPTAY, and donor support, we have been able to build this program. We have truly seen student-athletes go from timid to leading the charge, from unsure of their career goals to securing internships, and from not knowing student-athletes on other teams to becoming best friends (and even a bridesmaid!) with women from other teams.
HOW HAS BEING A PART OF POWER: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IMPACTED YOU PERSONALLY?
MB: Since starting with POWER, I now understand the importance of being authentic to who I am and surrounding myself with others who support that. As women, we should be cheering each other on encouraging everyone to be the
best versions of themselves. Through the relationships I’ve developed in POWER, I feel like I’ve grown into my own skin and I’m embracing my own character, values, genius, and style more than ever before.
DESCRIBE WHAT IT HAS BEEN LIKE TO BE A PART OF THE ANNUAL EXPERIENTIAL TRIP.
MB: There aren’t enough positive words to describe the trip to Chicago. The women in this year’s cohort, from my peers to the support staff that came with us, made the trip an experience that I will never forget. The brands and people we visited were incredible! The women at Wintrust Bank were so inspiring and gave us great advice about taking risks, navigating workspaces dominated by men, and having a healthy work-life balance. Culligan displayed such a strong company culture and passion for their mission that set the standard for how fulfilling work can be if you surround yourself with the right people. Mellody Hobson from Ariel Investments, Senator Carol Moseley Braun, and Dr. Borlabi from the Chicago Bulls were captivating in the way they reflected on their experiences and how they strive to be agents of change for young women like us. These visits made me excited to be a female in the professional world and have encouraged me to be authentic and confident in the young woman that I am.
TN: We are so grateful to the over 60 professionals that have answered our calls and emails the last two years to host us and network with us in Chicago. Our mission is to expose our student-athletes to as many leaders, industries, and work environments as possible. We want to expand their knowledge of working in a professional setting beyond the Clemson campus. They had the opportunity to visit Wintrust Bank and Gatorade which are both located in historic Chicago buildings downtown. They were able to visit Ariel Investments on the 47th floor in a Chicago high-rise. They got to experience the incredible culture of Culligan and put on lab goggles to experience the water testing lab. These aren’t experiences they get every day and our female student-athletes thrived. They took advantage of the opportunity, asked thoughtful questions and expanded their networks.
DESCRIBE THE STRUCTURE, COLLABORATION AND IMPACT INVOLVED IN THE ANNUAL POWER: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT EVENT.
MB: The Summit is a way that we compile all the information we’ve learned and put it on display for the women of Clemson, from studentathletes and support staff to donors and alumni. We try to organize the material to make it as engaging as possible
so that attendees can have fun while learning. We believe that we learn best from each other which is why a lot of the time isn’t spent lecturing, but instead open dialogue with each other in small groups or Q&As with a panel of speakers. This idea makes our job as facilitators of the Summit even easier because although we may start the discussion, we let the experiences and lessons of the attendees speak for themselves which is more impactful than we could ever imagine. After attending the Summit last year and facilitating this year, I walk out feeling more inspired and empowered than ever to build upon the strong foundation that the women before me have created.
TN: We talk a lot about bringing another woman up with you-and the Summit is the epitome of this idea. Our cohort works together all year long, attending workshops, going on the Chicago trip, and then the Summit is their opportunity to share what they have learned with other women. It’s crucial that the cohort uses their influence to empower their peers and other Clemson women, not keeping the knowledge they gained throughout the year to themselves. The cohort always rises to the occasion, and they are in full control of delivering the content and facilitating the conversations. We had 100 women this summer and that’s a big room full of
people! And our POWER group crushed it. As a staff member, I am always in awe of how our student-athletes excel beyond the field or court, especially when it involves empowering others.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE PARTS OF BEING IN THE PROGRAM?
MB: The trip to Chicago was one of my favorite parts of being in the program because of the experience that was created for us. Travel, dining, shopping, activities…you name it, we did it to the fullest extent. And what made the experience even better were the people I was able to do it with. Being surrounded by women who are driven, intelligent, and passionate makes the experience so much more fun because we are each other’s biggest supporters. But perhaps my favorite part of the program is the Summit. This is where I felt the most joy and fulfillment. Seeing dozens of women come together, collaborate, and learn from one another is a feeling that I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience. Seeing the work of my peers and mentors come to life and impact others is definitely the most memorable part of POWER.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF POWER: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY LOOK LIKE?
TN: We aren’t slowing down anytime soon! We will start taking applications for the Year Three cohort next month. We
will then meet eight times throughout the year doing workshops focusing on leadership, ownership, and professional development. This winter we will start planning for our June trip and then get ready to host the third annual POWER Summit next July! Dr. Janna Magette Butler and I will continue to work on creating an innovative program that we hope continues for many years to come. But we both know we can’t do that without tapping into other professionals, resources and networks.
HOW WOULD ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TOWARD HEAR HER ROAR BENEFIT THE PROGRAM?
TN: My hope is that this program can keep growing and impacting our female student-athletes. Support of Hear Her Roar can come in many forms, and we rely on our supporters, men and women, to provide their time, talents and of course financial gifts. We are grateful for those that have met with our student-athletes and attended the POWER Summit. We hope to have more attend next summer! We’ve enjoyed hearing from speakers that are supporters and of course, none of this would be possible without the generous donations from so many. We all play a part in empowering and supporting our young women.
SPENCER STRIDER
Spencer Strider earned a 2023 MLB All-Star Game selection for his performance during the first half of the season. It was his first career All-Star appearance.
PHOTO BY ATLANTA BRAVES
2022 - 2023
JALYN JIMERSON LACROSSE Collins. N.Y.
REBECCA WELLS GYMNASTICS Smyrna, Tenn.
EVE JACKSON GYMNASTICS Los Angeles, Calif.
HANNAH HANK BASKETBALL Port Lincoln, South Australia
BRIE PERPIGNAN BASKETBALL Upper Marlboro, Md.
MARINA MILLER LACROSSE Pittsburgh, Pa.
AVERY HOWARD ROWING Tallahassee, Fla.
LUCIA COUTANT ROWING Winter Park, Fla.
ISABEL VELASQUEZ ROWING Midland, Mich.
SALMA SHAALAN ROWING Jacksonville, Fla.
CAROLINE CONTI SOCCER Greenville, S.C.
MEGAN BORNKAMP SOCCER Mooresville, N.C.
VALERIE CAGLE SOFTBALL Yorktown, Va.
REEDY DAVENPORT SOFTBALL St. Johns, Fla.
ELENI LOUKA TENNIS Derynia, Cyprus
CRISTINA MAYOROVA TENNIS Barcelona, Spain
KORI CARTER TRACK & FIELD Suffolk, Va.
RILEY LAIR TRACK & FIELD Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
GRACE HANRATTY TRACK & FIELD Old Saybrook, Conn.
DEVAN TAYLOR VOLLEYBALL Spring, Texas
CAMRYN HANNAH VOLLEYBALL Lansing, Ill.
GYMNASTICS EQUIPMENT UNVEILING
CLEMSON GYMNASTICS UNVEILS NEW EQUIPMENT AHEAD OF INAUGURAL SEASON
AN EXCITING ROAD LIES AHEAD FOR THE FIRST-EVER CLEMSON Gymnastics team as they prepare for their first year of competition. In early June, the program held its toppingout ceremony with anticipation of a late 2023 completion. Thursday, June 29 marked a notable day in Clemson Gymnastics as Littlejohn Coliseum was set up with all the apparatuses for the first time. The new equipment will be used during the inaugural 2023-24 competition season. The exhibition marked the first time the equipment was able to be set up and tested for accuracy and spacing within the competition arena. Coach Smith, along with her team, were able to attend and observe the site in preparation for their season which will be hosted in Litteljohn later this year.
Scan below to learn more about the impact of Hear Her Roar and additional opportunities to support!
WOMEN’S ATHLETICS FACILITY EXPANSION & PROGRAM UPDATES
THREE NEW CLEMSON SPORTS TEAMS ARE GETTING AN UPGRADE FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR, BOLSTERED BY THE SUPPORT OF CLEMSON ATHLETICS DONORS AND THE HEAR HER ROAR INITIATIVE.
THREE NEW CLEMSON SPORTS TEAMS ARE GETTING AN UPGRADE for the upcoming year, bolstered by the support of Clemson Athletics donors and the Hear Her Roar initiative. A new $37 million home is well underway to be nestled on the banks of Lake Hartwell for the women’s lacrosse, gymnastics and rowing programs.
In February of 2022, the Clemson University Board of Trustees Finance and Facilities Committee reviewed the plan for the three sports and approved forward movement toward construction on the project.
The breaking of ground began in December of 2022. This project is to be completed in early 2024, allowing for women’s gymnastics to begin using their new practice and operations facility for their first competitive season and women’s lacrosse to use their facility to host competition for the upcoming season in the spring of 2024.
Clemson Women’s Lacrosse completed their inaugural season earlier this year, finishing as one of the country’s top teams. Clemson Gymnastics will begin their official competition slate during the upcoming 2023-24 academic year.
The stunning new project overlooks Lake Hartwell, adjacent to the current rowing facility, and creates a vibrant area for student-athletes. Existing trails in the area will be kept intact.
The development features a new lacrosse stadium, including bleacher seating and artificial turf, and a 9,000-square-foot operations complex, including coaches' offices, locker rooms,
Virtual Facility Tour
Scan the QR code above to view the Virtual Facility Tour of the Women's Athletics Facility Expansion!
player lounge, and other amenities.
The gymnastics team, with competitions to take place in Littlejohn Coliseum, will call a new 21,000-square-foot facility home for day-to-day operations and a full practice facility. Like lacrosse, the gymnastics complex will include a practice gym, offices, locker room, lounge, and training room.
The rowing center will undergo a renovation that updates the training room facility, building infrastructure, and several cosmetic updates.
A new 10,000-square-foot training and recovery facility with designated space for sports science, nutrition, and sports medicine will be constructed to serve the three programs adjacent to their facilities.
Clemson Athletics and IPTAY are committed to providing a world-class student-athlete experience. Through IPTAY and Clemson Athletics, the Her Hear Roar Campaign supplemented funding toward recently completed women’s sports facility investments, including at McWhorter Softball Stadium, the Duckworth Family Tennis Center, Soccer Operations Complex, renovated Littlejohn Coliseum, a new banked track, and expansion at the golf facility.
Those interested in learning more about how to support the Hear Her Roar campaign and naming opportunities within the new facilities should reach out to Director of IPTAY Major Gifts, Lauren Gaulin at lgaulin@clemson.edu.
IPTAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMES THREE NEW MEMBERS
BY BROOKE ROBBINS
IPTAY IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF THREE NEW members to the IPTAY Board of Directors, elected to serve an initial two-year term beginning on July 1. The election process included a large, dynamic, and diverse pool of publicly nominated candidates with the positions slated to be filled by Bobby Conrad Jr. of Charlotte, NC (District IX), Robin Dunlap Wilson of Greenville, SC (District VII), and Ron Smith of Spartanburg, SC (District II).
“We are thrilled to welcome Bobby, Robin and Ron to the IPTAY Board of Directors,” said Mary Anne Bigger, Chair of the IPTAY Nominations Committee. “We feel incredibly grateful for the high level of interest throughout the public nominations process, and look forward to the valuable experience and insight the selected candidates will bring to the IPTAY Board.”
As the new board members become part of the guiding force behind fundraising efforts to benefit Clemson studentathletes and programs, a new era will also begin with the transition of Billy Milam to IPTAY Board of Directors President. Milam has been an integral part of the board’s efforts with his service over the past eight years. Transitioning out of the role of the President is Bob Riggins, who provided incredible leadership and guidance for the last three and a half years.
“It has been a pleasure and honor to serve as the President of the IPTAY Board of Directors for the last three and a
half years,” said Riggins. “I am grateful for the opportunity to remain involved with the mission, vision and values of IPTAY moving forward, and have the utmost confidence in the leadership of Billy as we continue to evolve and support Clemson student-athletes at the highest level.”
In addition to the presidential transition, Mike Crapps (District 3) will become a new guiding force of board leadership, joining the Executive Committee as Treasurer and working alongside Milam as well as other members of the Executive Committee; Rett Rutland (President-Elect), Ben Griffith (Secretary), Eddie Robinson (Past President), Nicky McCarter (Board of Trustees Representative), and Bob Peeler (Board of Trustees Representative).
“Our new members of the board will undoubtedly bring incredible guidance and be excellent ambassadors of the ‘One-IPTAY’ enterprise,” said IPTAY CEO Davis Babb. “As we introduce these three new members, it is also important that we thank Brianna Woodsby and Andrew Smart for their dedicated service to the IPTAY Board over the last six years. Both have represented IPTAY and Clemson to the highest standard, and we are appreciative of all they have done to support our mission.”
A brief biographical background is provided for the new members on the following page:
BOBBY CONRAD JR.
Bobby Conrad Jr. was a member of the basketball team for the Tigers from 1976-1980, earning honors both as an Academic All-American and as the starting point guard on the basketball team that finished in the Elite Eight of the 1980 NCAA Tournament. He was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993 and selected as one of Clemson’s all-time top-25 players in 2013.
Upon graduation from Clemson, Conrad earned his law degree from the University of Virginia and proceeded to carve out a storied legal career taking him from the Upstate to the White House. He currently serves as a United States Senior District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina. Conrad has continued to be an outstanding ambassador for Clemson, serving on the Block C Board of Directors and President’s Advisory Board among many other distinct activities and honors.
Conrad and his wife, Ann, live in Charlotte. They have five children, two of whom, Bobby (2004) and Carrie (2010) are Clemson graduates.
ROBIN DUNLAP WILSON
Robin Dunlap Wilson achieved her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Clemson in 1991. During her time as a student at Clemson, she served on the Board of Directors for Clemson Spirit. She went on to earn a doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1995 and completed her Pediatric Residency Specialty degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1997.
Upon completion of her residency, Wilson joined the pediatric dental practice of Dr. Gordon Bray at Greenville Pediatric Dentistry, where she works today as a partner. She has stayed connected in supporting IPTAY and Clemson Athletics initiatives and has been an active volunteer on the board of Dabo Swinney’s All In Foundation since 2009.
Wilson and her husband, James, currently reside in Greenville and have two children: Blakely and Riley.
RON SMITH
Ron Smith is a former member of the Clemson football team, earning his Bachelor of Arts and Design degree in 1983. Beyond his time as a Tiger on the field, he continued to engage in the greater Clemson community and was a founder and former member of the Spartanburg Clemson Club in partnership with the Clemson Alumni Association.
Following his time as a student-athlete, Smith developed an impressive career in the field of architecture. He currently works as a Founding Principal with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, LLC. Since the inception of the firm in 1987, the business has grown to become the 25th largest architectural firm in the United States. He was also the recipient of the 2001 South Carolina Entrepreneurial Excellence Award by the United States Small Business Administration.
In addition to his distinguished career in architecture, Smith has continued to be a pillar within the Spartanburg community through service as a previous member of the Board of Directors for organizations such as One Spartanburg, the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. He currently also serves on the Board of Directors for the Charlotte Sports Foundation. He is an avid sports and recreation enthusiast and has worked on more than 50 college campuses in the Southeast.
Smith and his wife, Caroline, live in Spartanburg and share three children: Matthew, Mary Caroline, and Bowen.
BOBBY CONRAD JR.
ROBIN DUNLAP WILSON
RON SMITH
OVERSEAS REFLECTION
THE CLEMSON MEN'S SOCCER TEAM HAS OPENED DOORS TO COUNTLESS EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITIES, AND THIS TRIP TO ITALY WAS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF THAT.
BY BRANDON PARRISH
IN MAY I EMBARKED ON AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY WITH THE Clemson Men's Soccer Team to Italy. An adventure that would forever leave a mark in my memory. As I stepped onto the Italian soil, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air, and I knew that the experiences awaiting us would be nothing short of extraordinary.
One of the most captivating aspects of the trip was the immersion in the rich Italian culture. From the cobblestone streets to the historic architecture that seemed to tell tales of centuries past, every corner of Italy showed me something new. The warmth of the locals and their genuine hospitality made us feel right at home, despite being thousands of miles away from our own. It was as if we were living in a postcard, each moment a snapshot of the country's timeless beauty.
Of course, one cannot talk about Italy without mentioning its iconic cuisine. Every meal was a culinary journey. From the first bite of freshly baked pizza to the last spoonful of gelato, our taste buds were treated to a symphony of tastes that reflected the passion Italians have for their food. Sharing these meals with my teammates and coaches deepened our bonds, creating a sense of unity that transcended onto the soccer field.
One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity to witness European soccer games firsthand. The energy in the
stadiums was electric, a testament to the rumors that soccer in Europe creates a more vibrant energy. Cheering alongside thousands of passionate supporters, I realized that soccer is a universal language that bridges cultures and unites people in shared excitement. The experience of seeing these matches up close was a dream come true, and it fueled our own aspirations as soccer players.
Being a part of the Clemson Men's Soccer Team has opened doors to countless extraordinary opportunities, and this trip to Italy was a shining example of that. The camaraderie among teammates, the guidance from coaches, and the support from staff members turned the journey into something even more special. Together, we laughed, learned, and created memories that will forever be etched in our minds.
As we said our farewells to Italy, I couldn't help but reflect on the profound impact this trip had on me. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes and the delicious meals, it was the shared moments with my teammates that truly made this experience exceptional. We weren't just a soccer team; we were a close-knit family that had embarked on a remarkable adventure together. And as we returned home, our hearts full of gratitude and memories, I knew that the spirit of Italy would stay with us, reminding us of the incredible journey we had shared.
THE INTERSECTION OF AMBITION AND HARD WORK
DEVAN TAYLOR, A DRIVEN AND ACCOMPLISHED BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING MAJOR, IS BALANCING HER AMBITION OF ACHIEVING GREATNESS IN ALL ASPECTS OF HER LIFE ONE OPPORTUNITY AT A TIME.
BY CHARISSA COLEMAN
IN THE WORLD OF BEING BOTH A STUDENT AND A COLLEGIATE ATHLETE, young adults have to find and accomplish feats both on and off the court every single day. To do so, athletes like junior libero Devan Taylor must maintain high levels of discipline and hard work. Devan, a driven and accomplished biomedical engineering major, is balancing her ambition of achieving greatness in all aspects of her life one opportunity at a time.
As the Spring, Texas native enters her junior year, she has had the opportunity to work on multiple inquiry projects through the engineering department. These have included working alongside Prisma: Orthopedic Implant Retrieval Lab (REPRO) to help develop a viable Implant Retrieval Program and pursue hypothesis-driven research related to orthopedic implants. The goal is to provide a working repository for retrieved orthopedic implants and to develop the tools and techniques for the systematic evaluation of implant designs, materials, surfaces and function.
Another impactful creative inquiry Devan has worked on was under Dr. John DesJardins within Clemson’s
Bioengineering department. Devan and fellow classmates collaborated with BMW to address a pressing issue faced by BMW’s assembly line workers. The workers were suffering from joint pain and arthritis due to manually inserting plastic inserts into the interior of the cars during production. This dilemma was impacting the health and wellbeing of each member on the assembly line. The challenge was to find a solution that would improve the workers' ergonomics and enhance their overall well-being.
Devoted to their task, Devan and her group embarked on a journey of innovation. They designed, developed and tested nine prototypes, each aimed at assisting the workers in inserting the plastic components. Through meticulous pressure testing using tech scan sensors, they refined their designs to identify the most effective solution. The ergonomic wearable body plug assisted those working on the assembly line by reducing thumb related injuries for at risk line associates by creating a low cost, minimal impact on-line solution that reduces force on thumbs by a minimum of 50 percent and maintains necessary efficiency during
plug insertion. Their relentless dedication and hard work eventually paid off as BMW implemented the prototypes on their assembly lines, reducing worker strain by minimizing repetitive task tissue injuries and optimizing production efficiency.
For Devan, being part of this project was not just about academic achievement; it was about making a real impact on people's lives. As a biomedical engineering major with a specialization in biomechanics, she found fulfillment in using her skills to create tools that improve people's physical well-being. The ability to combine her passion for biomechanics with her engineering expertise was a source of great joy and a reaffirmation of her career aspirations.
As a student-athlete, Devan faces the unique challenge of balancing rigorous coursework in biomedical engineering with the demands of collegiate volleyball. For her, discipline is the cornerstone of her success. Whether it's preparing for an exam or perfecting her skills on the volleyball court, she approaches each challenge with unwavering focus and commitment.
Devan's experiences on the volleyball court have taught her valuable life lessons that she carries beyond her sports career. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down and appreciating the present moment, a lesson she learned during the team's 2023 summer foreign tour. In the fast-paced world of academia and athletics, taking time to acknowledge and savor life's experiences became an invaluable lesson in mindfulness. Traveling with her teammates and coaching staff through three different European countries over the course of 15 days allowed her to savor the moments that were created both on the court and in the moments spent touring Paris, enjoying the water in Croatia and ATVing through Bosnia.
Beyond just being a student-athlete, participating in Clemson’s POWER program – a one-of-a-kind professional development program for Clemson’s female student-athletes – provided a series of immersive experiences during the 2022-23 school year and summer that focused on career development and supplied Devan with valuable insights into her professional aspirations. Getting to participate in eight sessions during the year and traveling to Chicago in June to bookend the experience allowed her to create connections away from the court. As she enters the biomedical engineering industry, she envisions herself working on designing and innovating medical devices, particularly knee implants and replacements. Her goal is to contribute to advancements in the field and to collaborate with surgeons to implement these life-changing devices effectively.
Devan challenges the misconception that academic rigor and athletics cannot coexist harmoniously. Her professors' understanding and support have shattered any notions of a lack of flexibility for student-athletes. Rather than facing resistance, she has been met with empathy and accommodation, reinforcing her belief in the importance of a balanced approach to life.
Devan Taylor's journey exemplifies the transformative power of discipline and hard work. As she surpasses the halfway point of her collegiate volleyball career, she is excited about transitioning into the professional world. The experiences gained as a student-athlete have instilled in her the work ethic and resilience necessary to thrive in the biomedical engineering industry. And so, the driven young woman who once aspired to be a successful volleyball player now stands ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of medical technology, fueled by the unyielding drive and passion for innovation that has defined her path thus far.
COUNTING ON EACH OTHER
A RENEWED EMPHASIS ON ACCOUNTABILITY HAS HEAD COACH DABO SWINNEY EXCITED ABOUT THE 2023 TIGERS.
BY ROSS TAYLOR
ON FRIDAY, AUG. 4, HEAD COACH DABO SWINNEY SAT IN THE GLEAMING
new Smart Family Media Center in the lower level of the Clemson Athletics Branding Institute to address media prior to Clemson’s first practice of fall camp.
His excitement was evident, and according to all internal markers and indicators, it wasn’t unfounded.
“All of the metrics in our program and our indicators for success are at an all-time high for us,” Swinney told assembled media. “Our guys have really done what they’ve needed to do — strength, speed, conditioning, weights, accountability, leadership initiatives. Those are great indicators of the type of team that you have and I’m really proud of what this group has done to this point.”
Somewhat inconspicuous in the middle of his introductory comments was a word that has carried a lot of weight within the Clemson Football program throughout the 2023 offseason — accountability.
Every year, Clemson’s seniors draft the entire roster into eight accountability teams in which team members are held responsible and accountable for the actions of their teammates throughout the entire year. The metrics cross nearly every area of the program, from football-specific activities to sports medicine, strength and conditioning, applied science, nutrition, equipment, academics and community engagement.
“Our accountability, it’s probably the best it’s been in about five or six years,” Swinney said in July. “That’s something we track. We have our accountability teams and I think we had two guys who were negative out of 135 in accountability points and that’s never been the case. That’s one of those little internal metrics for me that gives me an indication of the focus of this group.”
The accountability points are emblematic of a common Swinney-ism: “How you do anything is how you do everything.”
Swinney referenced the accountability numbers being their best since probably 2018, when Clemson’s senior leadership spearheaded by its beloved defensive line of Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence and Austin
Bryant set the tone for a team that went 15-0 and earned the program’s third national championship. The message from Swinney was that it’s not a coincidence that Clemson’s best teams have been its most accountable teams, and accountability in one area of life carries over into all other areas as well.
While all inclinations and qualitative analysis seemed to indicate the team was in improving in that area, the quantitative look at the numbers spoke volumes. On Aug. 3, the team assembled for its final team meetings prior to the start of camp on Aug. 4, Swinney and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Joey Batson presented a slide showing that Clemson’s cumulative accountability metrics had improved by a factor of more than 10 times from the same time period a year earlier.
The renewed focus on accountability started in earnest in January in the staff’s first briefing of the offseason. For any of the Tigers’ perceived struggles in 2022, Clemson was only one point away in its regular season finale from earning another College Football Playoff berth. Better accountability — one fewer missed assignment, one fewer ball in jeopardy — could have drastically altered Clemson’s season outcome.
Again, another common Swinney aphorism applied: If you’re too big for the little things, you’ll be too little for the big things.
Swinney, however, hasn’t had to carry the message alone. Clemson’s 2023 roster includes six “Super Seniors” using their extra year of eligibility afforded by the NCAA from the COVID-19-impacted 2020 season. Returning All-American defensive tackle Tyler Davis was among those who bypassed a high-round NFL Draft grade to return to the Tigers.
"I can maximize myself here,” Davis said as one of Clemson’s representatives at ACC Football Kickoff. “Me and Ruke [Orhorhoro] talked about it. We know that we got Coach [Nick] Eason just got here, and we feel like we had one of our best years just being over here for one year. Then we got our strength coach, Coach Batson, Coach Dennis Love, he prepared me. My body has never felt the way it feels ever since I've been there.
"Just knowing all those and knowing all that, I said, why not? Why not have this chance to go win a Natty [national championship] knowing I’ve got the best linebacker duo and got guys like JP [Jalyn Phillips], Sheridan [Jones], Nate Wiggins, R.J. Mickens and Andrew Mukuba back there in the secondary — why not just go and have one of the best defenses and go win a Natty?"
The respect is mutual throughout the roster. Returning All-America junior linebacker Barrett Carter was among those who took special note of the decision to return made by leaders like Davis.
“We have a bunch of fifth- and sixth-year guys who came back who would have gotten drafted last year, and you really want to lay it all out on the line for them,” Carter said. “You want to do all you can for them, and that’s in all areas — that’s on the field, that’s going to class, being in meetings, it all ties in. I think it starts with the leadership. We want to make those guys proud and empty the tank for them.”
In addition to the leadership and buy-in of Clemson’s players, Swinney has been effusive in praise of Clemson’s support staff for its role in what Swinney calls the “Get
Ready” and “Transformation” phases of the year spanning January to July.
“I love our staff. I don’t think we’ve ever been better,” Swinney said. “Our support staff is amazing… We’ve got a really, really good group from our Bistro staff to nutrition. Man, let me tell you, [new Director of Football Performance Nutrition] Meaghan [Turcotte], she’s a rock star and she crushed it this spring and summer. [Director of Applied Science Dr. Alex] Bina is a rock star. Pat [Richards], our trainer, and our strength staff are amazing. We just have so many quality people throughout our organization that work so hard to get us to this point.”
After Clemson has braved the August heat of its Reeves Complex practice fields and Jervey Meadows, the team’s first test will come on Labor Day night when the Tigers face the Duke Blue Devils in Durham, N.C. That contest is slated for 8 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN. Clemson will then face a short turnaround for its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 9, when the Tigers will host Charleston Southern at Memorial Stadium for a 2:15 p.m. ET game to be aired on ACC Network.
IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY
THE LYNCH SISTERS HAVE TWO ATHLETIC FAMILIES, THE ONE THEY WERE BORN IN TO AND THE ONE THEY CHOSE: THE CLEMSON FAMILY.
BY HANNAH GERTZ AND KRISSY KOWALSKI
THE LYNCH SISTERS HAVE TWO ATHLETIC FAMILIES, the one they were born in to and the one they chose, the Clemson Family. For women’s soccer players Ally and Dani Lynch, growing up playing sports was a family affair. It wasn’t a question of if they would play sports in college, but rather which sport they would play.
The Los Angeles, Calif., natives come from a long family of athletic prestige, with their father Ryan Lynch drafted to the Minnesota Twins franchise and grandfather John Lynch drafted to the Pittsburgh Steelers. On top of that, their uncle John Lynch played baseball and football at Stanford and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is now the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers and has worked in the broadcasting booth as a color commentator for NFL on Fox games.
The sisters growing up played a variety of sports including golf, tennis and soccer. While their father had a love of golf, it was soccer that stole their hearts. Initially, Ally started playing soccer and it led to Dani wanting to play to keep up with her older sister.
“Growing up in a family with athleticism was a lot of pressure at first. But as I grew older, I had so many people that I could go to for advice and to build my confidence. I was able to grow in my sport and as an athlete mentally and physically… Now I’m in college and I have so many different outlets that I could go to and people that are so close to me.” junior goalkeeper Ally Lynch said.
The competitive landscape of college sports is nothing new for the Lynch sisters; growing up, they were able to witness firsthand the one-of-a-kind nature of athletics from their parents and cousins alike. Their father lettered in baseball at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), while their mother attended rival University of Southern California (USC), leading to a house divided when the two schools played each other.
“We’re competitive in everything. Whenever we had practice together at club soccer, every single time we would race in front of the coaches and they would ask which Lynch
sister was going to win and that was always really cool, “ freshman defender Dani Lynch said.
“It’s also really nice because all of our cousins were basically our brothers and sisters growing up and all play college sports in all different sports. Having someone in college, also playing at the same time as us. It is amazing to talk to them about their experiences,” Ally Lynch added.
While the family itself is competitive within themselves they are all supportive of each other in their endeavors and have bought in on “Team Lynch”. Their uncle knows what it takes to be a champion, being a member of the Super Bowl XXXVII winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I think our Uncle has always taught us, even from when we were little, we’re Team Lynch. That’s what we’ve always brought with us into everything we set out to do. The mentality of wanting to work together, be a team, and fight together and for each other,” Dani Lynch noted of the lessons she has learned from her Uncle.
While they might be over 2,000 miles away from home, the lessons that they have learned growing up have been brought with them to Clemson, S.C. These lessons include acknowledging that in soccer and in sports in general you need to be mentally tough and that “pressure is a privilege”.
The sisters might have been born into the Lynch Family but they chose to be members of the Clemson Family. Following each other to the Clemson Women’s Soccer program has given both sisters a collegiate career like no other.
“I’m super excited to play with Dani again. Because of COVID-19, we were going to play high school soccer together, but only got half a season. I am really excited about these next few years that I am going to be playing alongside her,” Ally said about playing with her sister.
Dani echoed her sentiment. “I love having Ally on my team, she is someone I really look up to. I am so excited to play at Clemson with her!”
While the Lynch sisters only have a few seasons together on Clemson Women’s Soccer, they will always be bonded to both of their families through their lifelong love of sports.
ALLY LYNCH
Junior | Goalkeeper | #34
DANI LYNCH
Freshman | Defender | #25
AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
SOPHOMORE FORWARD ISAIAH EASLEY’S JOURNEY TO CLEMSON AND HOW HIS JOURNEY HAS PREPARED HIM FOR THIS SEASON.
BY ANDREW CAMERON
THE CLEMSON MEN’S SOCCER TEAM WAS SLATED TO FACE OFF AGAINST
the NC State Wolfpack in the final regular season home game, dubbed Senior Night, of the 2022 season. Coming off of two back-to-back ACC losses to Virginia and Louisville, the Tigers were in desperate need of a firm win. Even more importantly, the Tigers were seeking to clinch a home seed in the first round of the upcoming ACC Tournament, a prize secured by winning the match by three or more goals.
Midway through the first half, Tiger defender Hamady Diop placed a well struck penalty kick into the back of the Wolfpack net, notching the first tally of the match. As the final minutes of the first half wound down, it looked like the Tigers would lead by a goal going into the break.
With four minutes left in the half, the Tiger offense mounted a powerful attack deep into the right side of the Wolfpack defense, where freshman Marco Garcia served a deft through-ball to fellow freshman Nathan Richmond. Richmond took the ball further into the eighteen-yard box, feeding a perfect cross to freshman Isaiah Easley, who found the back of the net with a precise volley. Easley’s goal marked his second as a Tiger and his second goal in as many games.
This tri-freshman connection gave the Tigers unstoppable momentum going into the second half, where they ended up scoring a third goal later in the match, obtaining the coveted ACC Tournament first round home seed.
While Isaiah Easley’s 2022 freshman season proves he is a blossoming Tiger star, he was not always as fond of soccer as he is now. Growing up in Hawaii, he recalls being far more interested in surfing than soccer.
“Growing up, I surfed a lot with my older brother. That was our main sport and I never really touched soccer until I was
12 or 13 years old. After that, I started getting into soccer with my older brother and really kind of started because he did. We began playing and I realized I was actually pretty good.”
Taking that interest of soccer with him to high school, Easley began envisioning playing at the next level as a college athlete.
“Around my junior year of high school is when I really started taking soccer seriously and realizing I wanted to play at the next level in college. My senior year is when COVID happened so no college scouts could really see me. I had an option for a smaller DI school in Colorado and that’s when I realized I could probably play at that level.”
Deciding not to take the offer, Easley instead decided to spend a year further developing his skills to get a shot at a better offer. He traveled to Valencia, Spain to participate in the ETURE gap-year program, a program designed to develop potential NCAA players.
Since its beginnings in 2017, the ETURE gap-year program has seen over 100 players, with over 65 of those players going on to play at NCAA level schools across the United States. Their concept is centered around providing not just accelerated soccer development, but also opportunities to grow in maturity and competitive experience, to players post high school graduation. It is now a highly scouted program that has succeeded in giving players a shot at the next level.
Easley regards his decision to take a gap year and spend the 2021-2022 season at ETURE to be one of the best decisions of his life and is extremely grateful for the opportunity and relationships he built there. Though moving practically halfway across the globe from Hawaii, he found the experience enjoyable and worthwhile to pursue.
“I feel like most people would get homesick being that far from home and in a new country, but I really enjoyed it. Just being by myself on my own and in a new country was a really growing experience. It helped because I was surrounded by a bunch of other Americans, so I was able to form some bonds there.”
He also notes how the soccer culture is unique in Europe and specifically in Spain, stating that it is more technical and oriented towards ball movement.
“The soccer over in Europe and Spain is so different and really just a lot more technical. They move the ball so well and spending that year over there really helped with developing those skills.”
Although Easley confesses he had never heard of Clemson before his time in Spain, it quickly came to his attention as he began developing a connection with ETURE director and cofounder, Ximo Miralles. Miralles was Clemson’s starting goalkeeper during the 2016 and 2017 seasons and returned to Spain following his time at Clemson.
“I started playing well in Spain and [Miralles] got in touch with Clemson. They ended up coming out to watch me play and I guess they liked what they saw.”
Following a visit from Tiger Head Coach Mike Noonan and a subsequent offer, Easley’s desire to continue his soccer career in the hills of South Carolina kept growing. Despite receiving offers from a few other schools, Easley knew that Clemson was what he was looking for in a college.
“I had a few options coming out of ETURE, but I was really just set on Clemson. My main goal is to play beyond college and Clemson is the perfect place for that. They give so many players that opportunity.”
So far, Easley has thoroughly enjoyed his time as a Tiger and is confident that he made the right decision in attending Clemson. His playing time increased as the 2022 season went on until he became a regular substitution off the bench.
“I’ve been very grateful for the playing time I got last season. It felt like all of the work I had put in during my time at ETURE and beginning at Clemson was paying off and it was cool to see that progress. I’m excited to see what this upcoming year has in store.”
Easley logged two goals, one assist and a total of 229 minutes over thirteen games played last season. Looking forward to this season, he aims to substantially increase those numbers and states he has never felt more prepared or confident as a soccer player.
“Going into this season is the most confident and prepared I’ve ever felt. All of the fitness and work we’ve been putting in has led me to feel super fit and ready. I feel that way about life in general now too. Just very happy and in a good spot.”
The Tiger men officially begin their 2023 soccer season on August 24 with a home match against UCF. They look to extend their NCAA Tournament appearance streak, aided by Easley and other returning young talent.
BOND DISTINGUISHED ATHLETES AWARD
CECIL O. HUEY JR., 2022 AWARD WINNER
BY BILL D'ANDREA
TEN YEARS AGO, MARGARET SEGARS BOND (‘84) AND HER late husband, Steve Bond (‘80), established the Bond Distinguished Athletes Award. The award was established to honor former Clemson student-athletes who exemplify great character, citizenship, and service in their life after college. It is symbolized by a customized gold ring.
To qualify, candidates must have lettered in a sport, have been graduated 10+ years and have given back by spreading their Tiger spirit to Clemson University and their community.
“I’m so thankful for my late husband Steve’s innovative idea to create the Bond Distinguished Athletes Award,” said Margaret. “It was his way of giving back to Clemson. What an amazing journey this has been for me to carry on his legacy through this award. It has not only added value to my life, but also to Clemson University and Clemson Athletics.”
Past winners include former Clemson University Presidents Phil Prince and Jim Barker, Ambassador David Wilkins, noted physicians Dr. Randy Smith and Dr. Jim Sutherland, the Honorable Judge Bobby Conrad, Lawyer Jimmy Addison and business leaders Tom Chapman and Carolyn Creel.
Cecil O. Huey Jr., the former NCAA Faculty Representative and Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, joined them on the list of noted recipients. He was honored last fall at the Syracuse game where he received a custom-designed gold ring, and his name was inscribed on a glass plaque prominently displayed in the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center.
“Cecil Huey embodies the qualities Steve and I set out to recognize and honor,” added Margaret. “His exemplary character and love for Clemson University, family and community make him the perfect choice for this award. Steve would totally agree with my decision to name him the recipient of the 2022 award.”
Huey graduated in 1961 from Anderson Boys High School, where he excelled in track & field under Head Coach Howard Bagwell. Huey was voted team co-captain and set three state records in the 440-yard dash, medley relay anchor and mile relay anchor.
Huey entered Clemson in 1961 on a track & field scholarship, graduated in 1965 with a degree in mechanical engineering and earned his master’s degree in the same discipline in 1968. He later earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 1973.
He continued his success on the track by establishing school records in the 440-yard dash and mile relay. Huey was also involved in various student and university activities as vice president of his sophomore class and
served on the High Court, a judicial branch of student government.
Huey was awarded the Kenelly-Voss Distinguished Emeritus Award, which recognizes emeritus faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the Emeritus College, Clemson University, greater Clemson community and to society.
Huey continues his association with various professional organizations and served on the South Carolina State Board of Registration for Engineers & Surveyors. He continues to teach a variety of courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
His university awards include the Student Government Excellence in Teaching Award, the Eugene Bishop and the Murray Stokely Awards for excellence in teaching and the McQueen Quattlebaum Award for overall achievement.
“Huey is an effective teacher because he encourages students to ‘think outside the box’ and provides them with the skills they need to tackle real-world engineering problems,” said one student nominator.
In addition, Huey received the prestigious Class of ‘39 Award for Excellence and was named an I. Dwaine Eubanks Fellow of the Emeritus College.
Huey has made significant contributions to the university regarding his academic discipline. He also served an essential role as the NCAA Faculty Representative from 1993 to 2006 and chaired the university’s Athletic Council for two years. He was president of the ACC for two terms and served on a number of ACC and NCAA committees.
Most notably, Huey served on the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, NCAA Academic Eligibility/ Compliance Cabinet and NCAA Academic Consultants Committee.
His work with the athletic department and studentathletes resulted in an award being established in his honor. The Dr. Cecil O. Huey Jr. Award is given annually to a senior pursuing graduate studies who has excelled in athletics, academics, and ethical conduct.
Huey also established an ad hoc committee of faculty members that provided guidelines regarding the studentathlete enrichment programs. Those guidelines remain in effect to this day.
He is married to his wife, the former Louise Bero, and has two children, Tripp and Ed, and two grandchildren. In his retirement years, he is a tinkerer with a basement full of toys. For his most recent project, he built a 20-foot steamboat from scratch, engine and all. It operates on Lake Hartwell and is named X11 Mile Maid.
IPTAY DONOR SPOTLIGHT
LONGTIME IPTAY DONOR TREY MILLS AND HIS FAMILY ARE ALWAYS “ALL-IN”!
BY REED KRAMER
FOR 89 YEARS, IPTAY HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE TREMENDOUS generosity of the Clemson Family. For many, the passion for Clemson University and Clemson Athletics is passed down from one generation to the next. That is the case for longtime IPTAY member Trey Mills and his family.
As a boy, his father and grandfather raised him to have a great love and passion for the Clemson Tigers, riding up to Clemson on many Saturday mornings for ball games that afternoon. They would park in Lot 3, and Trey fondly recalls his grandfather placing an old Tiger Rag on the car’s antenna so friends and family could find them in the parking area. From experiences like these, he knew from an early age that in his family, Clemson was the only option for higher education in this state.
However, before Trey’s time came to enroll at Clemson, he was diagnosed with cancer as a junior in high school. Initially, given only weeks to live, he never thought he would have the opportunity to attend college. Conversely, he was blessed to win that battle with the help of so many and attend Clemson, where he was able to build upon and write his own Clemson story. As a Clemson student, he thrived and was active across campus as a member of Sigma Pi fraternity and the Golden Key National Honor Society. He was elected to student government and invited into the Clemson University Honors College and Tiger Brotherhood. Mills was selected to join the highly competitive IPTAY Student Advisory Board and worked closely with the late Bert Henderson as an IPTAY student worker. The culmination of these experiences propelled him toward his great love for Clemson and the resources it provides to so many. Since graduation, Trey has gone on to be a successful attorney in the Upstate. He has found his calling to help
those who cannot help themselves during times of difficulty. He has held positions on the Board for the Cancer Association of Anderson and as an Advisory Board member for the SC Chapter of the American Red Cross. His law firm, Trammell & Mills Law Firm, LLC, focuses on civil litigation involving serious personal injuries and injuries on the job. Through his work, he has continued to find ways to align himself and his law firm with Clemson University and Clemson Athletics. In partnership with P.A.W. Journey, past interns with Trammell & Mills have included football student-athletes Tajh Boyd, Andre Ellington, Brandon Thomas, Tavaris Barnes, and Richard Yeargin. Most recently, the connection between his firm and Clemson Athletics took another significant step becoming an official partner with Clemson Athletics Properties.
"You don’t get anything in life unless you give back."
Upon reflection on why he supports Clemson with such energy and generosity, Mills said, “You don’t get anything in life unless you give back,” which has been a mantra he lives by. The people of Newberry County were there for him and his family during his fight with leukemia as a 17-year-old, and he has been trying to repay that love and generosity ever since. He said, “Clemson is near and dear to our hearts, so why wouldn’t we support it” and he and his alumna wife, Kristen, have done precisely that, giving to IPTAY consecutively since 1998. Commitments by people like the Mills family make Clemson such a special place. Beyond the beauty of the physical campus, it is the people, the energy, the family atmosphere, and beyond that make up “the something in these hills.” It is a place that binds generations together and will undoubtedly be a bond for Trey, Kristen, and their two sons, Jagger and Luca Wyatt, for years to come.
Hello Tigers,
LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF. ALTHOUGH I'VE SPENT (SURVIVED)
THE last 26 years of my life in Atlanta, I grew up in Mauldin, SC and I’m proud to have graduated from Clemson in 1994 with a degree in Architecture. My wife, Pam, and I have three teenagers, who I’m aggressively recruiting to commit to Clemson, and a dog (full name: Trevor Lawrence Milam, or Trev for short). In 2015 I was nominated to serve on the IPTAY Board as the District VIII (Georgia) Director, and as of July 1st, I have the tremendous privilege to serve you, the members of IPTAY, as your President for the next two years.
It’s coincidental that I’m writing this note on August 21st, the 89th “birthday” of IPTAY. It was in 1934 that a group of committed Tiger’s knew that the athletics program at Clemson College needed significant support. A letter written by Dr. Rupert Fike, dated August 21, 1934, stated: “Last night we had a little meeting out at my house and organized the IPTAY Club. The purpose shall be to provide financial support to the athletic department at Clemson and to assist in every other way possible to regain for Clemson the high athletic standing which rightfully belongs to her.” That first year of IPTAY, Dr. Fike convinced 160 people to pay $10 that year and from that humble beginning, the best student-athlete fundraising organization in the country was off to the races. That story resonated deeply with me, as I’m sure it did for many of you. My IPTAY roots run deep as my grandfather was a member of IPTAY for 64 years, starting the year after he graduated from Clemson College in 1949. He taught me the power of “many doing a little, adding up to much” as Rupert Fike had instilled in that small group of Tiger supporters in 1934.
My only regret in serving now is that I’m the one who must follow a tremendous leader in our past President Bob Riggins. For more than 3 years, his steadfast and faith-led leadership principles have made a lasting impression on me, as well as this organization. Bob’s fingerprints run deep on Clemson University and IPTAY, and it’s my honor to do my best to uphold the standard that he set.
We’re also fortunate that at the helm of IPTAY for the last 10 years is one of the best people that I've had the pleasure to cross paths with – our CEO, Davis Babb. He holds clear tenets of humility, vision, deep conviction, and leads with a servant’s heart, underscored by delivering on a clearly defined purpose of serving our student-athletes.
We often hear about the impending financial imbalance in collegiate athletics. Two weeks ago, our head football coach Dabo Swinney was asked about conference realignment and the result of some conferences getting a significantly larger annual payout. His response was succinct and direct when asked how Clemson might begin to fall behind our
competition in conference dollars. He passionately stated that we’ve always had a gap, but one primary reason he felt secure in our future success is because “we have IPTAY. The greatest athletic fundraising organization in the country”.
But who is IPTAY? It’s you – the more than 22,000 Tiger fans who willingly and unselfishly give to support our 550 student-athletes who give it everything they have to represent the orange and purple. Your ample generosity has enabled Clemson to continue to flourish. You have enabled Clemson to maintain our mantra that “best is the standard”. You’ve enabled our student-athletes to have all of the necessary support to be uniquely successful both in college and in life beyond their time at Clemson.
Consider what we accomplished last year:
We exceeded $100 million in donations for the first time in our history
Our annual fund crested $40 million for the first time in our history
We exceeded 22,000 members for the first time in our history
And last year, we launched the Hear Her Roar Campaign to benefit our female student-athletes
Remarkable. But, I also want to be clear we should have no intention of taking our foot off the gas and must continue to have that “windshield mentality”. The landscape of collegiate athletics is evolving, and we need to continue to be agile. We must also never, ever lose sight of our purpose that Rupert Fike outlined for IPTAY almost 90 years ago.
In gratitude to all of you and Go Tigers!
Billy Milam President, IPTAY Board of Directors
2023 CLEMSON ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE SPOTLIGHT
GARY BURNHAM
BASEBALL | 1994-97
• Consistent starter on four NCAA Tournament teams and two College World Series teams (1995, 1996).
• Led the ACC in doubles in 1995, when he left Clemson he was second in that category on career basis.
• Still third in Clemson history in career doubles with 77.
• Fifth in Clemson history in career runs scored with 215, and fifth in career walks with 157.
• Third team All-American by National College Baseball Writers in 1995 when he hit .344 with 27 doubles, and eight home runs. Drove in 62 runs and scored 83.
• Hit career high .391 in 1997 with 15 home runs and 82 RBIs. His RBI total is still sixth in Clemson history for a season.
• For his career a .340 hitter with 29 home runs and 209 RBIs.
• Twice voted by his teammates as the most dedicated weight lifter, and our coaches named him the MVP in 1997, and the Tiger Leadership award winner in 1995.
• Spend 13 years in the minor leagues with Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds. Reached as high as AAA.
• He also played in Taiwan, and in the Japan Major Leagues, and finished his professional career in Italy in 2010.
MILLER MOSS TRACK & FIELD | 2007-11
• National Champion indoors in the heptathlon, Clemson’s only hepathlon national champion in 2011
• His championship was remarkable in that he was 55 points behind entering the final day. Won by scoring 5,986 points
• At the time, Moss’s 5,986 heptathlon points were fifth most in NCAA history
• Named ACC Indoor Track and field athlete of the year in 2011.
• Southeast Region Field Athlete of the Year in 2011
• 2011 ACC Champion in the Heptathlon with 5,881 points
• Member of ACC Championship 4X400 relay team.
• In the outdoor season, Moss was USTFCCCA All-American in the decathlon
• Finished second at the ACC outdoor meet in the decathlon
• Finished third to win All-America honors in the decathlon at the NCAAs in 2011, then finished third at the USA Outdoor Championships.
• Two-time All-American in the indoor heptathlon, he finished eighth at the 2010 indoor meet.
RAYMOND PRIESTER FOOTBALL | 1994-97
• Clemson’s career rushing leader between 1996 and 2020, so he held the record for 24 years, a mark that was broken by Travis Etienne.
• Finished with 3,966 yards on Clemson record 805 carries, still second in Clemson history and 11th in ACC history.
• Rushed for 112 yards per game in 1996, still the single season record. His 110 yards per game in 1995 is still third best in school history.
• Still holds the Clemson single game rushing record with 263 against Duke in 1995
• Had 15 100-yard rushing games, third in Clemson history.
• Three-time All-ACC, second team as a sophomore and junior and first— team as a senior.
• 18th in the nation in rushing as a sophomore and 21st as a junior.
• Second in the ACC rushing in 1995 and 1996 and third in 1997
• Second in the ACC in yards per rush in 1995, third in 1996 and seventh in 1997
• Fifth round draft choice of the St. Louis Rams.
GARY BURNHAM BASEBALL |
1994-97
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE SELECTED TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CLEMSON ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME?
GB: For my family and I to be inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame is the absolute highest honor to my family and myself I could have possibly achieved. It is the greatest accomplishment of my amateur athletic career and is a representation of when talent, hard work, perseverance, and support from family, coaches, and teammates, all comes together for an individual in a 4-year college career. There are many people that have contributed to this honor and I would never have been able to receive it without the love and support of my family, the tireless work ethic of my coaches, and the camaraderie of my teammates. This recognition represents all of us and I am forever grateful that I had to opportunity to play baseball at Clemson University.
DESCRIBE ONE OR MORE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A CLEMSON STUDENT-ATHLETE.
GB: The greatest highlight I had as a player at Clemson University was in 1995 and 1996 winning the regional at Tiger Field to advance to the College World Series. It was the most incredible feeling to throw my glove up in the air and celebrate in one huge pile in the middle of the field with my teammates. It was the most intense feelings of happiness I have had at that point in my life.
HOW HAS YOUR CLEMSON EXPERIENCE IMPACTED YOUR LIFE BEYOND ATHLETIC COMPETITION?
GB: My Clemson experience has provided me the foundation for strong character and work ethic in all areas of my life. Outside of athletics I own and operate a real estate rental property business and am forever applying the same principles of self-discipline, hard work, sacrifice, and teamwork to my business. As a father, husband, and coach I am applying the same team building skills I was taught during my time at Clemson to my family and teams I coach in my community.
MILLER MOSS TRACK & FIELD
| 2007-11
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE SELECTED TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CLEMSON ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME?
MM: It’s a huge honor, I was blown away and totally humbled when I received the call. I can’t believe I am a part of such a prestigious group of Clemson studentathletes. For me personally, it means a lot to be part of that elite Clemson group and I can’t say enough how truly honored I feel. It also means a lot to my family for all of the sacrifices they made over the years, it means so much for them too. I am proud to be a Tiger, I’ll be a Tiger for life, and I’m excited for the future of Clemson Athletics. It means a lot to know that I am going to be wearing that Tiger paw for my entire life with pride.
DESCRIBE ONE OR MORE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A CLEMSON STUDENT-ATHLETE.
MM: My biggest highlight was certainly winning the NCAA heptathlon title indoors in 2011. It was really special to reach a level of success I had never imagined I could achieve. I was recruited on a book scholarship and my first year my biggest goal was just to qualify for the NCAA meet by my senior year. I had no concept of how far I could go in the sport, and it would have been laughable for me to consider winning an NCAA title a realistic goal when I first stepped foot on the Clemson campus. What I remember most about winning the title was the level of support and love I had around me that enabled me to win. My family was there (including my 85-year-old grandmother who drove 5.5 hours by herself to see me compete), my coach Mario Wilson, and of course the entire Clemson Athletics family who gave me an opportunity to compete at the highest level.
HOW HAS YOUR CLEMSON EXPERIENCE IMPACTED YOUR LIFE BEYOND ATHLETIC COMPETITION?
MM: It's impacted me in so many positive ways. One of the best things I think it has done for me personally is instilled me with self-discipline to work extremely hard at whatever I commit myself to. I also think it has given me the gift of understanding my body and taking care of myself physically for the long term. I had some really knowledgeable coaches in the weight room throughout my career, like Rick Franzblau, who is still at Clemson. That knowledge of strength and conditioning has stayed with me personally and has helped me successfully work in the health and wellness industry.
RAYMOND PRIESTER
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE SELECTED TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CLEMSON ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME?
RP: This is an amazing honor and accomplishment. What it means to me to be a member of the Clemson Hall of Fame is that every bit of pain, sweat, and tears, and the love, joy and friendships have all been worth it. I really think about how this can positively impact the kids I coach. So, when I talk to kids that don't necessarily get the opportunity to see a person with the success they want to achieve, I can point to this huge accomplishment and say, if I can, so can you.
DESCRIBE ONE OR MORE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A CLEMSON STUDENT-ATHLETE.
RP: My biggest highlight is that I met my wife at Clemson. She has always been and continues to be my peace. Secondly, I have made lifelong friends here. Athletically, becoming a starter before my freshman year was over. Then setting the single game rushing record and single season rushing record all in the same year. By senior year, I became the all-time rushing leader. Finally, graduating and earning my degree. My Clemson experience has been a great foundation that has strengthened my confidence, and my belief that I can do anything that I put my mind to.
HOW HAS YOUR CLEMSON EXPERIENCE IMPACTED YOUR LIFE BEYOND ATHLETIC COMPETITION?
RP: In the workforce or your everyday life, there is just as much competition as there is on a football field. I took all of the attributes that made me a good athlete and used them to strengthen my appeal to companies to want me as a member of their team and with my family, to be the example of how to navigate life. At Clemson you learn really fast that a lot of your success comes from working hard, having a plan and being able to adapt.
Hunter Tyson drives to the basket for a dunk against the Miami Heat during 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer League.
PHOTO BY BART YOUNG/NBAE VIA GETTY IMAGES
EMAIL PHOTO, CAPTION AND IPTAY NUMBER TO: KELSEY TIBBS
KTibbs@clemson.edu, or mail IPTAY, Attn: Kelsey Tibbs, P.O. Box 1529, Clemson, S.C. 29633
Phil Bechtold (‘66) and fiancé Theresa Frey at St. Andrews Golf Club Swilcan Bridge at St Andrews, Scotland.
4 year old Leighton Barham daughter to Clemson Alums, Jordan Rentz Barham and Ryan Barham ('11) enjoys the win in Death Valley with grandmother Connie Rentz, IPTAY Member.
Jim Compton ('65), daughter Catherine (Lady Tiger BB ACC Champs '99), & Grandsons Cayden (IPTAY), Soren (Tiger Cub), & Lucien (Tiger Cub) at Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.
The McKinney's on a recent trip to St John’s Castle in Limerick Ireland!
William S Baker III ('78) and wife Amy on Mexico beach, April 2023.
Theodore “Teddy” Hoke Skatell, in his late grandmas (Laura Hoke) baby sweater from 50+ years ago that his great grandfather Harold Hoke ('49), got for her.
The Shealy's staying at the El San Juan hotel in Puerto Rico with a touch of class from Clemson!
Roger (’83) & Tina Crawford at the 2023 British Open. Go Tigers!
David Angel (‘73) home from total ankle replacement surgery and rehab to get ready for our Clemson Golden 50th Reunion.
THE LAST WORD
IWAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE BOB BRADLEY AS MY MENTOR WHEN I CAME TO Clemson in 1978. In addition to his basic guidance through my early years in the profession, his presence made my job a lot easier when I had a question about Clemson history. I just had to walk around the corner to the next office to ask him instead of spending hours poring through archives. He attended many of the games I had questions about.
He saw everything about Clemson sports between 1955 when he started as sports information director, until he passed in October 2000.
I also had the good fortune of knowing Brent Breedin, who was Bradley’s predecessor in the position from 1952-55. He was the sports editor of the Anderson Daily Mail before that. He covered the Tigers for that publication and traveled with Head Coach Frank Howard’s football teams.
When I had a question about Don King’s 1952 game at Fordham, the only game Clemson has played in New York, he had all the details I needed for a football program story, which led to a few additions to the Clemson record book.
King took over at single wing tailback for this game at Fordham on November 8, 1952, due to an injury to Billy Hair. “King ran for 234 yards, 215 in the first half, then never played the position again,” Breedin told me.
King ran all over Fordham in that first half, including a pair of touchdown runs of at least 70 yards, but he got hurt at the end of the first half, and could not run much in the second half. He finished with 234 yards in the 13-13 tie, the most rushing yards in a game by a Clemson player until Cliff Austin had 260 against Duke in 1982. When Hair was healthy the next week, King went back to his normal quarterback position.
Even Bob Bradley, reading this article from Heaven, would agree, Breedin had the most diverse career among the history of Clemson sports information directors. He would be our candidate for the Dos Equis beer commercial about “The most interesting man in the world.”
Breedin was born on November 3, 1925, in Beaufort, S.C. He was a Clemson fan as a youth and knew everything about Banks McFadden, but he attended and graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1947.
He began his career as a reporter for the Caller-Times newspaper in Corpus Christi, Texas. Then in 1949, he became
BRENT BREEDIN
BY TIM BOURRET
the sports editor and columnist for the Anderson Daily Mail, the afternoon newspaper back when there were two papers in town. That is when he began a close relationship with Frank Howard and the Clemson program.
He was a go-getter and became a voter in the national Associated Press college football poll. In 1950, he championed Clemson’s cause as a national team throughout its 9-0-1 season. He was one of nine voters (out of nearly 300 voters back then compared to just 60 today) to rank Clemson No. 1 in the final 1950 poll. The Tigers finished 10th that year, the program’s first top 10 ranking.
Howard hired Breedin to be his sports information director in 1952 and he held that position until October 1955 when he received an offer that he could not refuse from the Hunt International Oil Company in Pakistan.
Breedin remained in Pakistan until 1958 when he received an offer to become Senator Strom Thurmond’s press secretary in Washington, D.C. He worked for Thurmond until 1960 when he went back into the business world as the information specialist for the Dupont Company in Wilmington, Ohio.
In 1966 he returned to Washington, D.C. to become the editor of the American College Public Relations Association. In 1972, he began a two-year stint as the director of public relations at Georgetown University and then held the same position at Rice University in Houston until 1987.
In retirement he did freelance work and perhaps his favorite task was to write an occasional article for the Clemson Football game program.
Combined with his time as Clemson sports information director, his time writing articles for that publication lasted 67 years, a record Bob Bradley and I will not touch. His last article appeared in the 2019 Texas A&M program when he wrote a story at age 93 about the success of the Clemson program in seasons that ended in “9.”
Sadly, Breedin passed away this past June at the age of 97. His mind was sharp as could be until the end.
He only worked for Clemson for three years, but Brent Breedin made a lasting contribution to Clemson Athletics through his research and writing. And for many years, he made my job a lot easier.
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