Clemson Softball’s Underclassmen Making Early Impact to Start 2025 Season

Sam Minish has made her presence felt early on for the Tigers. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

The Clemson Tigers softball team holds a 3-2 record after competing in the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Florida, last weekend. Their home opener against Furman, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed due to rain. Now, the Tigers shift their focus to the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational, where they will begin play tomorrow. Clemson kicks off the tournament with two games facing Missouri at 1:00 p.m. and Auburn at 4:00 p.m., with both games airing on ESPN2. Before the action begins, it's worth highlighting the significant impact some of Clemson Softball's underclassmen have had so far. Let’s break down the key contributors from the team's impactful freshmen and sophomores.

Freshmen 

#5 Marian Collins

Freshman Marian Collins made an immediate impact for the Tigers in the Paradise Classic, showcasing her offensive firepower. She batted .333 at the plate, scoring four runs and driving in three RBIs, including a triple and her first collegiate home run. Her standout performance came against Georgia State, where she went 2-for-4, highlighted by a clutch triple into the left-center gap to record her first career RBI. Collins' strong start adds an offensive boost to Clemson Softball's lineup, proving she can be a key contributor as the season progresses.

#16 Macey Cintron

Freshman Macey Cintron wasted no time making her mark for the Tigers, delivering in both the batter’s box and the pitching circle. She went 3-for-13 at the plate, tallying two runs, six RBIs, a double, and two home runs, which included a two-run blast in her first collegiate plate appearance. Cintron also impressed in the circle, earning her first career win with a dominant performance against Georgia State, striking out eight batters over five innings. Her versatility as both a hitter and a pitcher adds a valuable weapon to Clemson’s roster. 

#20 Sam Minish

Freshman Sam Minish made the most of her opportunities at the plate, going 4-for-7 with three RBIs and a double in the Paradise Classic. She delivered in the clutch against Georgia State, sealing the game with a run-rule double. Minish also showcased her consistency with a three-hit performance against Missouri State, proving to be a reliable bat in Clemson’s lineup. Her early success highlights her potential as a key contributor for the Tigers in her freshman season. 

Sophomores 

#1 Kennedy Ariail

Sophomore Kennedy Ariail made her presence felt in the Paradise Classic, notching her first career home run against Missouri State. She went 2-for-3 across the five games in Boca Raton, driving in two RBIs and making the most of her opportunities at the plate. Though limited in at-bats, Ariail’s ability to come through in key moments showcases her potential as a threat in Clemson’s lineup.

#12 Julia Knowler 

Sophomore Julia Knowler proved to be a key offensive force for the Tigers in the Paradise Classic, going 6-for-17 with two runs scored, two doubles, two home runs, and six RBIs. She started strong on Opening Day with a two-hit performance, following it up with a home run against Kansas in the second game. Knowler’s best showing came against Missouri State, where she recorded a three-hit game, including another home run. Her power at the plate provides a major boost to Clemson’s lineup as the season progresses.

Putting It All Together

These Tiger underclassmen have wasted no time making their presence known, stepping up in key moments to help Clemson Softball to a solid start to the season. From power at the plate to dominance in the circle, freshmen like Marian Collins, Macey Cintron, and Sam Minish have provided immediate contributions, while sophomores Kennedy Ariail and Julia Knowler continue to develop into key pieces for the team in their second season at Clemson. Beyond these standouts, other young players also look to make an impact, adding depth and young talent to the roster as Clemson navigates the early part of the season. As the Tigers head into the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational, the performances of these rising stars will be crucial in shaping the team’s success for the rest of the 2025 season. With this talent making an early impact for the Tigers, the future looks incredibly bright for Clemson softball moving forward.