From the Desk of Graham Neff, Director of Athletics
From the Desk of Graham Neff, Director of Athletics
As we close the books on our 2022-23 athletic and academic year, I find myself reflecting on the immense dedication, record-breaking support, and generosity that you all have shown to our athletic department. On behalf of our Clemson Athletic community, I extend our profound appreciation to you.
The past year has been marked by outstanding achievements on and off the field, made possible by your steadfast commitment. Some of the highlights include:
- Four team ACC Championships (football, women’s golf, men’s outdoor track and field, baseball) in a single athletic year for the first time since 1998-99.
- NCAA appearances from football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, softball, baseball, men’s golf, women’s golf, and track and field.
- Lacrosse played its inaugural season, and gymnastics welcomed its first recruiting class in preparation for the 2023-24 season.
- Giano Roberts won an Indoor NCAA Championship in the 60m hurdles.
- Valerie Cagle became the second woman from Clemson in any sport to win a National Player of the Year award.
These are just a small sample of the successes that have invigorated our community and have propelled the Clemson name to new heights.
Off the field, our Tigers have been equally impressive. This past year, our student-athletes earned a record GPA of 3.25, a testament to their hard work and dedication. We also achieved an Academic Progress Rate of 991 as a department, the second-highest on record, and a Graduation Success Rate of 95 percent, tied for the highest mark in school history.
In addition to our student-athletes and coaches, I thank our staff in the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center. This year has embodied the Clemson spirit, balancing academic rigor and athletic commitment, while still making time to serve the community that they cherish so much.
These achievements are not just those of our student-athletes and department – they are yours as well. Your generous contributions to IPTAY have afforded our students the opportunity to excel in their respective sports, while maintaining a focus on academic success. Your support has paved the way for new scholarships, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive academic resources. You have empowered our student-athletes to dream bigger, reach higher, and accomplish more.
We continue to grow as a department – from new sports, to new state-of-the-art facilities, to continued investment in the sports that serve as our engine. Progress.
In April 2023, Clemson University announced the new “Clemson Elevate” strategic plan, and we serve as a critical partner in helping to serve the mission and vision. We’re here to provide a world-class experience – for our students, our student-athletes, our alumni and our partners.
As we look to the future, it’s important that we continue to uphold the values and traditions that make Clemson special. It’s vital that we persist in doing what’s best for Clemson, continuing to enhance the experience of our student-athletes and to elevate the quality of our athletic programs.
I take to heart my role in growing the Clemson brand, and putting us in the best position to succeed and promote this university. In a college athletics world where changes are all around, we must continue to be nimble and provide all the resources necessary in an evolved landscape.
Your continued support will be instrumental in achieving this vision.
Thank you for your belief in Clemson, our student-athletes, and the broader Clemson family. Together, we are building a legacy of excellence and shaping a brighter future for our Tigers.
Go Tigers!