"New Era, New Culture: How Coach Poppie is Transforming Clemson Women’s Basketball"

Coach Shawn Poppie instructs his team from the sideline during a basketball game this season. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

No one has anything to be worried about when it comes to the Clemson Tigers Women’s Basketball program. I knew when Coach Shawn Poppie was announced as the next coach that he would bring an immediate improved culture and work ethic to the women’s program. For the ones that haven’t watched, you may bring up the team’s record, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. This team and program are better than that record implies. Clemson had some big wins this season, including two top-25 upsets over Cal and Georgia Tech. They’ve also played better defense, improving their points allowed per game by almost six points from last season, down to 64 points per game, and averaging around three blocks per game compared to the previous season. Offensively, Clemson set a school record for three-pointers made in a season, with 226 made this year. Speaking of three-pointers, the Tigers improved their shooting to 34.7 percent from behind the arc, up from last year’s 31.8 percent.

Equally impressive is the increased fan support and enthusiasm around the program. Attendance at home games nearly doubled from last season, jumping to an average of over 2,275 fans per game—a huge improvement from fewer than 900 previously. The community’s growing excitement and engagement speak volumes about the optimism Coach Poppie has sparked within Clemson’s passionate fanbase. The Tigers showed their potential throughout the season with several standout performances, notably the two huge wins over top-25 teams, California and Georgia Tech. These weren’t just lucky moments; they were proof of a new mindset driven by relentless effort, detailed preparation, and an unwavering team-first approach instilled by Coach Poppie. Each of these victories highlighted the clear shift in the team’s identity and validated the direction Coach Poppie is steering the program.

Now, I am not here just to talk statistics. Clemson Women’s Basketball experienced a culture shift within the team this season. I felt it on the day Coach Poppie was introduced as the Head Coach. I had already watched him personally at Chattanooga and saw the immediate improvement he brought to that program. While the ACC is significantly different from the SOCON, the culture and expectations Coach Poppie brings are the same. He brings belief and confidence to the women’s program. He has mentioned several times in postgame press conferences that he wants wins and success for his team as badly as they do. He knows what he has, and he would not put them on the court if he didn’t believe in them. That mirrors the broader Clemson Athletics culture, in my opinion. In football, Coach Dabo Swinney has often expressed similar sentiments. The culture of belief, love, confidence, and hard work rings loudly at Clemson University, and the women’s basketball program under Head Coach Shawn Poppie is following the same trend. It is admirable, and I would unquestionably want my kids to play for coaches like that.

Speaking of community and culture, Coach Poppie has mentioned from the beginning that he wanted the community involved. Now, some may think, “Of course, he wants fans to buy tickets and make more money.” But it is not that simple—look and think a little deeper. He and his players have taken time to greet the public and show genuine appreciation, demonstrating respect and kindness. They don’t shy away from that. Loyal McQueen always thanked me for showing up to the games, and that says a lot. Most players don't show that kind of appreciation. Coach Poppie wants his team to consistently show appreciation and attention to everyone, whether it’s on campus, after a game, or at the local grocery store. He has instilled in them the importance of great character and treating people well, whether it's holding a door open, signing an autograph, or simply saying hi. People often remember these acts of kindness more than any shot made during a game.

Coach Poppie and the basketball team aren’t the only ones involved in the community. Coach Poppie’s wife, Regina Poppie, started a non-profit called Tigers Give Back, which connects local youth with Clemson Athletics. Through this initiative, 132 tickets were distributed to kids to attend the Virginia Tech game—an opportunity they wouldn’t have otherwise had.

In conclusion, the future looks exceptionally bright. Coach Poppie is assembling the building blocks for sustained success through strategic recruiting, comprehensive player development, and a winning culture. With the foundation laid this year, Clemson Women’s Basketball is unquestionably positioned for long-term success in the highly competitive ACC and nationally. Clemson Women’s Basketball is in fantastic hands with Shawn Poppie. Athletic Director Graham Neff’s decision to hire Coach Poppie has already proven to be a home run, and there's plenty of excitement about the program's future. With continued support from fans, the athletic department, and the Clemson community, the Tigers are poised for unprecedented success under Coach Poppie’s inspiring leadership.