IPTAY Update From Davis Babb – 8.3.20

August 3, 2020

Fellow Tigers,

From our entire IPTAY and Clemson athletics team, we hope you and your family are well. During these unique times, on behalf of our staff, coaches, and student-athletes, I want to again express our sincere gratitude for your support. Your gift to IPTAY makes a significant difference in the lives of the young men and women who proudly wear the Paw, and for that I want to say THANK YOU.

Since 1934, IPTAY donors have been the rock-solid foundation for our nearly 500 Clemson student-athletes. Both in the classroom and in athletic competition, there has been much to celebrate across our 19-sport program. In the classroom, the student-athlete all-time department record GPA was set in the fall with a 3.09 mark. While in competition, Clemson athletics has a rich tradition of athletic success which includes six team national championships. Outstanding accomplishments like these start with you, our IPTAY donors.

Annual contributions are vital to the support of the Clemson Tigers and fund millions of dollars in yearly expenses. These dollars are needed to support athletic scholarships, student-athlete enrichment services, and build and enhance facilities. When looking at the entire scope of services that IPTAY provides through donor funding, the annual commitment we have to Clemson athletics to support the basic needs of our student-athletes is approximately $38M. With the upcoming refund options, there is the potential that IPTAY could lose millions of dollars in financial support this year and run the risk of impacting the dollars needed to provide direct, annual support for our student-athletes. Below is a snapshot of annual expenses that we must continue to cover to aid in the support of our nearly 500 student-athletes.

Due to the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic, our 19-sport program is being presented with financial challenges unlike we have seen in recent memory.  If we are asked to refund a significant amount of donations, there is the potential based on the outcome of our fall seasons that we will face the possibility of falling significantly short of meeting our funding requirements.  Through these challenging days ahead we will continue our work of providing the necessary resources to support the academic, athletic, and personal development of Clemson University student-athletes and the competitive success of Clemson athletics.

Please know we are thankful for you and the direct financial impact your annual donation makes in fueling the Clemson Tigers. It is our hope you will continue your commitment to these young men and women, as we navigate the road ahead. In the coming days specific information will be shared about the upcoming 2020 season. Thank you for being a part of the IPTAY family and Go Tigers!

Davis Babb
CEO, IPTAY

Coach Swinney Remarks on IPTAY

Student-Athlete Impact

Eleni Louka

Women’s Tennis – Sophomore – Derynia, Cyprus

“Being a student-athlete at Clemson University is the greatest experience anyone could ever have. Having IPTAY by my side throughout my first year has helped me achieve not only accomplishments on the court but the court as well. IPTAY has provided me with not only a scholarship, but the opportunity to achieve in both my academic and athletic careers, many unforgettable experiences and most of all, provided me with the best team I could possibly have. As a student-athlete, I am lucky enough to have some amazing learning resources like the Nieri Family Enrichment Center that helps me keep up with my studies. IPTAY has given my team and I all the necessary resources and more to be successful on and off the court and for that I am beyond grateful.”