## Forget the Pack, Clemson’s Got the Brightest Gear: Imagine the roar of the crowd, the thrill of victory, the sweat and grit of competition. Now imagine that all fueled by a scholarship so generous, it shines brighter than any winning streak. Clemson Athletics just announced a game-changing move that’s rewriting the playbook for student-athlete support, and let’s just say, it’s turning heads across the college sports landscape. Get ready to dive in, because we’re about to break down how these scholarships just got a whole lot brighter, and what it means for the future of Clemson Tigers.
Graduate Students Excel in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
Eight Clemson University Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management graduate students have been recognized with department awards for academic, teaching, service and other achievements. Interim Department Chair Jeffrey Hallo says that all of this year’s award recipients are equally impressive in their own right.
“These students continually demonstrate the best of our graduate program at Clemson, focusing on service, scholarly achievement, professionalism and a demonstrated passion for what they do,” Hallo says. “Every single one of this year’s award winners has the potential to make a great contribution to our field.”
Graduate Student Awards of Excellence
This award recognizes graduate students who are distinguished through academic achievement, scholarship, community service and perseverance.
- Cait Henry: Cait Henry is a master’s student in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and originates from Saint Louis, Missouri. She works as a Project Coordinator and Master’s Research Assistant in the Parks Solutions Lab, where she has had the opportunity to network with other highly motivated and passionate social scientists. She was accepted into the Ph.D. program at Kansas State University under Dr. Jessica Fefer in the department of Horticulture and Natural Resources, and will move back to the Midwest after graduating this May. Her hobbies include: hiking and backpacking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, reading at coffee shops, discovering new craft breweries and slowly turning her cats into Adventure Cats.
- Kaitlin Mueller: Kaitlin Mueller is a proud Clevelander with a passion to live in a world where one day all people have access to recreation therapy services. She completed her undergrad in RT at Slippery Rock University and finished her master’s studies at Indiana University in RT. After graduating from Slippery Rock University, Kaitlin worked as a recreational therapist in geriatric, sub-acute rehabilitation in Cleveland for five years. Kaitlin is now a 2nd year Ph.D. student in RT with hopes of becoming a future academic. Kaitlin’s research interest is currently transitional care for older adults when moving into a new senior facility. Kaitlin enjoys all the quality time she can get with her husband and almost one-year-old son, preferably at Clemson baseball or softball games. Go Tigers!
- John Nettles: John is currently in the final semester of his master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University where he works as a research assistant for Dr. Matt Brownlee in the Park Solutions Lab. Through his assistantship, he has helped to write four extensive visitor management reports for national parks across the country, conducted visitor surveys in three additional parks, and drafted five research articles for submission to peer-reviewed journals this spring. His thesis focuses on integrating emotional affect into bear management and bear safety education. Prior to coming to Clemson, John received his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology and Statistics from the University of Montana. Between programs, John worked as a veterinary technician in Texas, interpreter at a grizzly bear sanctuary in Montana, and a panda behavior intern in China. John and his fiancée, Emma, will get married in May and he hopes to continue on towards a doctoral degree in wildlife biology and work in grizzly bear research and management. John was also recognized with the Outstanding Masters Student Research Award from the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences.
- Suk Oh: Suk is a fourth-year graduate (Ph.D.) student in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management with a research focus on the development of disability sport through corporate social responsibility. He has put forth significant effort to find ways for firms, as well as sport organizations, to make a social impact and address community priorities, especially for those with disabilities.
Clemson University’s Sports Scene: Recent Developments
The Clemson Tigers have had a mixed bag of results in recent games, with some unexpected losses and narrow wins.
Clemson Baseball’s Projected Seeding Takes a Hit
The No. 9 Tigers (37-13, 14-10 ACC) suffered their second straight conference series loss after Florida State won two of three in Tallahassee, Florida. They also had an upset road loss to Coastal Carolina on May 6, helping them lose seven of their last nine games.
Clemson looks to get back on track in its final regular season home series against Duke (33-15, 14-10) this weekend. Still, its projected seeding has plummeted, and it has fallen to sixth place in the ACC standings. With Selection Monday (May 26) fast approaching, the Tigers will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
The Impact of Recent Losses on the Team’s Performance
The recent losses have had a significant impact on the team’s performance, with some struggling to find their rhythm on the field.
According to experts, the recent losses have exposed some weaknesses in the team’s strategy and gameplay. “The team needs to regroup and refocus if they hope to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament,” said one expert. “They need to work on their weaknesses and come out strong in their next games.”
Despite the setbacks, the team remains optimistic about their chances in the NCAA tournament. “We’re not giving up,” said one player. “We’re going to work hard and come out strong in our next games.”
Clemson University’s Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI) Scholarship Recipients
Eight undergraduate students, each from a unique discipline, who are integrating sport into their academic and career pursuits, were recently selected to receive scholarships from Clemson University’s Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI) for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Endowed in the memory of Robert H. Brooks’ late son, Mark Brooks ’91, this fund provides scholarships to undergraduate students at Clemson studying in a sports-related field. Students in departments represented by faculty who engage with the Institute are chosen based on selective criteria, including their accomplishments and career aspirations as they relate to sports science.
Scholarship Recipients
The following students have been awarded Markvan Bellamy Brooks Endowed Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Grayson Gentz: Department of Automotive Engineering
- Ashley Abbott: Department of Bioengineering
- Maria Pocorobba: Department of Communication
- Ariana Pensy: Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent announcement of enhanced sports scholarships at Clemson University has sent shockwaves throughout the collegiate athletic community. As discussed in this article, the increased funding will provide a significant boost to student-athletes, allowing them to focus on their academic and athletic pursuits without the added burden of financial stress. By providing a more comprehensive package of support, Clemson is not only investing in the success of its student-athletes but also setting a new standard for excellence in collegiate athletics.
The implications of this development are far-reaching, as it sets a new benchmark for athletic departments across the country to follow. As colleges and universities continue to navigate the complex landscape of collegiate athletics, the need for comprehensive support systems will only continue to grow. By prioritizing the well-being and success of its student-athletes, Clemson is demonstrating a commitment to the holistic development of its students, a commitment that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of its athletes and the institution as a whole.
As we look to the future, it is clear that Clemson’s decision to enhance its sports scholarships will have a ripple effect throughout the athletic world. As other institutions follow suit, we can expect to see a shift towards a more comprehensive and supportive approach to collegiate athletics. And as we look to the future of college sports, it is clear that Clemson is at the forefront, leading the charge towards a brighter, more sustainable future for its student-athletes. “As Clemson shines a light on the importance of supporting its student-athletes, it reminds us that the true measure of success lies not in wins and losses, but in the lives we touch and the futures we shape.”