When Shawn Poppie was hired as Clemson’s head women’s basketball coach in March 2024, he stepped into his first Power Four head coaching position with an office that overlooked the Tigers’ practice facility and a program that resembled a blank canvas. 

The former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga head coach inherited just two returning players with meaningful collegiate experience, a depleted staff, and slim alumni or fan support. After all, the Tigers had not recorded a winning season since their 20-13 run in the 2018-2019 season. 

Clemson fans had waited a long time for a reset. Poppie delivered it swiftly.

Within months of his hiring, Poppie assembled a 14-player roster from the transfer portal, including four seniors, three graduate players, two juniors, and five underclassmen. 

The 2023 Spalding Rookie Coach of the Year also brought in a handpicked staff, featuring seasoned Ole Miss assistant Chris Ayers, Tulsa assistant and former Mercer University standout player Sydni Means, and longtime collaborator Katelyn Grisillo, who previously served under Poppie at Chattanooga.

For Poppie, however, rebuilding the roster and coaching staff for the 2024-2025 season was only the beginning.

“I think the one thing that a lot of people in the outside world don’t see is that what we inherited was starting at ground zero from every aspect,” Poppie told The Clemson Insider on Tuesday at the ACC’s Spring Meetings on Amelia Island, Fla, earlier this week. “Yes, we built a roster, but we also had to go build a fan base. We had to go build a donor base.

“We had to re-establish relationships with alums… I do think that we’re doing things the right way and building young people up the right way, all while putting a brand of basketball on the floor that’s fun to watch, that’s competitive, and that will only get better.”

Poppie’s efforts paid off in more ways than one in his first year. Clemson posted a home attendance total of 36,408 – the program’s highest since the 2001-2002 season and a 91 percent increase from the previous season. 

With new and familiar faces pouring into Littlejohn Coliseum, the former Limestone guard and his wife, Regina, wanted to ensure that giving was not one-sided. The couple launched Tigers Give Back, a nonprofit that helps children attend Clemson sporting events.

Though it began with the women’s basketball program, other sports, including men’s basketball, joined the effort, offering free game access to local students.

Poppie believes the program’s rising attendance, growing community engagement, and culture-building are deeply connected. The Crescent City, Ill., native believes that when a strong culture exists off the court, success on it will follow.

Despite finishing with a 14-17 record last season, the Tigers pulled off two top-20 upset wins over No. 20 California and No. 19 Georgia Tech. The Poppie-led squad also set school records for 3-pointers made in a season and assist-to-turnover ratio.

“You know, 14-17 doesn’t sound great, but it was very close to being a great year,” Poppie said. “But I do think we’ve established a culture. I just got a text message that we had the highest team GPA in the history of Clemson women’s basketball. That’s a pillar of what we’re establishing, not just on the court, but off the court. So proud of the growth we’ve had, but we have a long way to go.”

Now, entering his second season, Poppie is eager to build on that momentum. With key returners Hannah Kohn, Raven Thompson, and Mia Moore, he is counting on his leaders to weave culture into every program layer.

Clemson’s next chapter begins June 20, when the 2025-’26 team reports for summer training. Through practices, workouts, and community service, Poppie hopes the foundation they laid last season will only grow stronger.

–Photo courtesy of Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images