Sports Insight
National Girls & Women in Sports Day: Spotlighting women across Clemson Athletics
In celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day on February 4, the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute highlights seven female student-athletes. Representing a variety of sports, these athletes share their experiences as women in sport, reflect on the role of sports science in their development, and offer advice to the next generation.
Sade Gray – Track and Field
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
What does it mean to be a woman in sports?
To me, being a woman in sports means being strong, resilient, and unstoppable. It gives women the opportunity to chase goals at a high level, earn respect through work ethic, and open doors for younger girls watching. I want them to be able to think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.”
What aspect of sports science have you found most interesting or impactful in your athletic experience?
The most impactful aspect for me has been recovery and nutrition. You can train hard every day, but recovery can truly make or break performance. Getting the right nutrients to heal injuries and build power and strength has helped me put my best foot forward consistently.
What is your advice for aspiring women in sports?
Believe in yourself before anyone else does. People will try to tell you who you are or limit your future, but it’s your life and your passion. Don’t give up on yourself—work hard, stay focused, and go where you are appreciated.
What has been your favorite or most interesting class taken at Clemson?
One of my favorite classes has been Women’s Global Perspectives. Learning about the challenges women face around the world—especially those who don’t even have the freedom of choice—has inspired me to fully embrace the woman I’m becoming. It motivates me to pursue my dreams boldly and never let anyone take my voice.
Bianca Martinez – Volleyball and Track
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
What does it mean to be a woman in sports?
For me, being a woman in sports is all about representation and feeling confident in myself. Being able to be a role model for younger female athletes and someone they can look up to and see someone living out a reality that they are dreaming about. It also means a place where I have found my confidence, and somewhere I have strived to be the best I could be, and always working towards a goal, but while still knowing who I am and my reasons for playing.
What aspect of sports science have you found most interesting or impactful in your athletic experience?
Definitely has been recovery, and what specific things my body needs to be able to fully recover for another whole day of practice. I feel like being at Clemson, specifically the access we have to recovery, is absolutely amazing, and we are truly blessed here. I have learned so much about what exactly works best for me to feel my best, especially on game and competition days.
What is your advice for aspiring women in sports?
My advice for aspiring women in sports is to always give yourself grace and be kind to yourself. There will be really good days and hard days, and both are part of the journey. It’s so important not to beat yourself up on the days when things don’t go as planned. Positive self-talk matters more than you realize, because the way you speak to yourself can either build your confidence or tear it down. Learning to encourage yourself the same way you would a teammate can make all the difference.
What has been your favorite or most interesting class taken at Clemson?
My favorite class I’ve taken at Clemson so far is my Civil Rights History course, which I am currently enrolled in. As a Global Black Studies student, I understand how important Black history is and how critical it is that it continues to be taught accurately and intentionally. This class has helped me deepen that understanding by connecting historical movements to ongoing struggles for justice today. Professor D’Ondre Juwan Swails is also one of my favorite professors and makes the material engaging and meaningful, which makes the class genuinely exciting to be a part of.
Madison Roush – Cross Country and Track
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Greer, South Carolina
What does it mean to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sports means having a big community of strong and inspirational women to look up to. We are all there to support one another and celebrate our accomplishments.
What aspect of sports science have you found most interesting or impactful in your athletic experience?
I’ve found that the recovery aspect of running is the most interesting to me because it’s where I’ve seen the greatest success in the sport. Learning about the different ways to help muscles recover from training is fascinating, and the way my body feels after adequate recovery is night and day compared to running while not fully recovered.
What is your advice for aspiring women in sports?
My biggest piece of advice is to say yes to opportunities that come your way and not be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself. More often than not, people miss out on opportunities simply because they don’t put themselves out there or use their voice. By saying yes and asking to be involved in organizations that support women, I’ve been able to meet so many amazing and inspiring women from around the world.
What has been your favorite or most interesting class taken at Clemson?
My favorite class I’ve taken at Clemson is Sports Engineering. In this course, I learned so much about the body and how it functions during training and recovery, which helped me better understand my own body and improve as a runner. It’s especially rewarding to learn material that you can directly apply to yourself, and that genuinely interests you. Dr. Harvey is also a great professor who teaches the class in an engaging way that keeps it interesting.
Tatum Short – Women’s Soccer
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
What does it mean to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sports means showing up with strength, discipline, and confidence in spaces that haven’t always made room for us. It’s about resilience and showing younger girls that this path is possible and worth it.
What aspect of sports science have you found most interesting or impactful in your athletic experience?
Nutrition has been the most impactful area of sports science for me because it has a direct impact on my energy, recovery, and performance on the field. Learning how to correctly fuel my body allows me to train harder, recover faster, and maintain consistency throughout the season.
What is your advice for aspiring women in sports?
Believe in your abilities and don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. Work
hard, stay confident, and support other women along the way.
What has been your favorite or most interesting class taken at Clemson?
Women and Psychology has been the most interesting class I’ve taken at Clemson
because it has taught me so much about the challenges women face around the world. It’s
given me a deeper understanding of different experiences and perspectives, and how
those shape women’s lives and choices.
Trinity Webb – Gymnastics
Major: Communication
Hometown: Smithville, Missouri
What does it mean to be a woman in sports?
Being a female athlete means a great deal to me because it represents strength, resilience, and the ability to take up space with confidence. It means embracing the pressure that comes with higher expectations and learning how to carry myself with purpose both in competition and in everyday life. As a woman in sports, I am often aware that performance is only part of how I am judged, which has pushed me to develop a strong sense of self and confidence in my identity. At the same time, being a female athlete is empowering; it gives me a voice, a platform, and the opportunity to represent younger girls who are watching and learning what is possible. For me, it means proving that women can be powerful, disciplined, and competitive while staying true to who they are and using sport to grow not only as athletes but as people.
What aspect of sports science have you found most interesting or impactful in your athletic experience?
One aspect of sports science that has been most impactful in my athletic experience is nutrition, especially for female athletes. Proper fueling plays a major role in performance recovery and overall health it is often underestimated. I have learned that nutrition directly affects energy levels, injury prevention, and consistency in training. When athletes feel their bodies correctly, they are better able to recover and perform at a higher level over time. For women in sports, Understanding Nutrition has helped me view food as a tool for strength and performance rather than limitation, making it one of the most important aspects of sports science in my experience.
What is your advice for aspiring women in sports?
My advice for aspiring women in sports is to trust yourself, especially during times when you may be underestimated or overlooked. There will be moments when others doubt your abilities or fail to see your potential, and learning not to let that define you is important. Confidence has to come from within, not from external validation, and that is something I am still learning myself. Growth in sports is not always linear, but believing in your worth and staying committed to your goals can make all the difference. continue to show up, work hard, and advocate for yourself, because your presence and voice matter just as much as your performance.
What has been your favorite or most interesting class taken at Clemson?
My favorite class I’ve taken at Clemson has been criminal law because I enjoy learning about how the legal system works and understanding the reasoning behind laws and Court decisions. I find it interesting to see how real-life cases are analyzed and how the justice system impacts people and society, especially when it comes to justice being taken.
Shanque Williams – Track and Field
Major: Psychology
Hometown: St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
What does it mean to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sports means embracing both strength and vulnerability while constantly pushing myself to be better. It means overcoming challenges, proving my abilities, and staying confident in spaces where women are sometimes underestimated. As a female athlete, I take pride in representing where I come from and showing that women can be powerful, disciplined, and resilient. Competing as a woman in sports has taught me self-belief, perseverance, and the importance of using my voice and presence to inspire others.
What aspect of sports science have you found most interesting or impactful in your athletic experience?
The most impactful aspect of sports science in my athletic experience has been recovery
and injury prevention. Learning how proper recovery, rest, and monitoring fatigue affect
performance has helped me understand that recovery is just as important as training.
Paying attention to things like muscle soreness, sleep, and overall readiness has allowed
me to take better care of my body, stay healthier throughout the season, and perform at a higher level during competition.
What is your advice for aspiring women in sports?
My advice for aspiring women in sports is to stay persistent and never let stereotypes
define your limits. There will be moments when people doubt your abilities or
underestimate you, but those moments should fuel your motivation rather than discourage you. Stay committed to your goals, trust your work, and continue showing up even when it’s difficult. By staying consistent and believing in yourself, you not only prove others wrong, but you also create space for more women to be confident and successful in sports.
What has been your favorite or most interesting class taken at Clemson?
My favorite and most interesting class at Clemson has been PSYC 2030: Fundamentals
of Psychology. This class helped me better understand human behavior, mental processes, and how the mind influences performance. As both a psychology major and a student-athlete, the course has been especially meaningful because it connects directly to motivation, focus, and mental resilience in sports.
Oneka Wilson – Track and Field
Major: Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management
Hometown: Portland, Jamaica
What does it mean to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sports means pursuing passion and excellence while often overcoming inequality and stereotypes. It’s about empowerment, resilience, and claiming space in a traditionally male-dominated field.
What aspect of sports science have you found most interesting or impactful in your athletic experience?
As a track athlete, nutrition has been the most impactful. Eating properly helps fuel training, improve recovery, and maintain consistent performance.
What is your advice for aspiring women in sports?
Believe in your ability, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Stay disciplined, build a strong support system, and remember that your presence in sports matters.
What has been your favorite or most interesting class taken at Clemson?
My favorite class at Clemson has been my PRTM EDGE class because I met a lot of new people and made friendships that are still strong today.
Clemson Tiger Racing is hitting the track for first-ever endurance race
By Nathan Inman
On January 24, the American motorsports season officially kicked off with the running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Among the attendees at the event was Tyson Tucker, team principal of Clemson Tiger Racing (CTR).
CTR is Clemson’s student-run endurance motorsport team, giving students of all majors and backgrounds a chance to work on a race car, and even potentially drive one. Tucker recently sat down for an interview with the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute to explain the history of the organization and give insight into what this semester looks like for the team.
CTR was founded in 2023 and has continued to grow ever since. Over the previous two years, CTR has participated in track days, which are solo test runs with no real competition, to build up to their goal of endurance racing. This month, that goal comes to fruition.
“This February will be our first ever wheel-to-wheel race,” Tucker said. “That’s kind of our biggest thing for this semester. We’ve been promising this is the point we want to get to, and now we’re actually able to do that, which is really awesome.”
The event will take place on February 28 at the Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. The journey to the track has not been easy, though; as anyone familiar with the racing scene would attest to, entry into motorsports can be a costly endeavor. For that reason, teams in all facets of racing rely on sponsorship to fund their programs, and CTR is no different.
Most recently, CTR signed its newest sponsorship with Celsius to become the official energy drink of the team. Tucker explained that the continued growth of the organization is what has allowed CTR to sign deals such as this one. When he first joined the team, Tucker said there were maybe 25-30 members. As of the Spring semester, CTR is home to 100-plus students.
“It has grown immensely over the last couple of semesters, which is amazing,” Tucker added. “It’s allowed us to do a lot of really cool things, and with some of these new members we’re bringing, we’re able to reach more sponsors.”
As the organization has grown, students with prior racing experience have been able to help prepare the team for the upcoming event. From karting to Spec Miata, there are several team members with a background in racing who hope to have the team set up for success later this month.
In addition to drivers with on-track experience, CTR is also partnered with the Collegiate Racing Series (CRS), which was co-founded by Jack Hobbs, a recent Clemson graduate and founding member of Clemson Tiger Racing. CRS partners with organizations from schools across the country, providing students with educational tools to learn about race craft, fundraising and managing a race team. Along with these resources, CRS also leases Miata race cars to student organizations to assist them in getting their program started.
With the chance to earn hands-on experience with a race team and connections to a large network within the industry through the Collegiate Racing Series, Tucker says CTR can provide amazing opportunities for students looking to find their way into motorsports. Students interested in joining or learning more about Clemson Tiger Racing can find more information on TigerQuest, or at clemsontigerracing.com.
RHBSSI celebrates excellence in sports science with 2025 GRIT Award recipients
By Katie Gerbasich
At the conclusion of Clemson University’s Research and Creative Endeavors in the Sports Sciences (RECESS) Symposium, hosted by the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute the week of November 10, 2025, four Clemson faculty were honored with 2025 GRIT Awards. These awards recognize nominated individuals or groups who distinguish themselves in various areas of sports science. A trophy was presented to the following winners.
Community and Outreach in the Sports Sciences
Felipe Tobar, Ph.D. – Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Tobar studies the intersection of sport, tourism and heritage. He also serves as the head coach of Clemson’s Paralympic Soccer Program and co-founded the Football Tourism Institute, which aims to understand football tourism at the local and global levels.
Over the summer of 2025, Tobar travelled internationally conducting sports research. In early May, he took a group of students to Germany to study the Culture of Remembrance and Political Activism in German Football. While abroad, he conducted two research studies: one examining stickers in and around stadiums as a form of fan expression and political activism, and another exploring how German soccer clubs suppress or communicate Holocaust history.
Tobar’s inclusive and critical teaching practices earned him the 2025 Junior Tenure-Track Outstanding Teaching Award from Clemson University’s College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. His commitment to experiential learning includes organizing class field trips to venues such as the Bank of America Stadium and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, facilitating networking opportunities with more than 41 sports industry professionals, and supporting undergraduate students as they participate in local sporting events.
For his dedication to both the Clemson and global community, the Institute has awarded Felipe Tobar with the GRIT Award for Community and Outreach in the Sports Sciences for the 2025-26 academic year.
“He is richly deserving of this award,” commended Greg Ramshaw, Ph.D., Tobar’s colleague in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.
Research in the Sports Sciences
Chris Corr, Ph.D. – Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development, Athletic Leadership Program
Corr’s scholarly research examines the institutional and organizational settings of collegiate athletics, with attention to the impact and outcomes of participation on various stakeholders. He serves as the executive director of the College Sport Research Institute and is the program manager for the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.
“Dr. Chris Corr exemplifies the spirit of the GRIT Award in Research in Sports Sciences through his exceptional productivity, interdisciplinary collaboration and measurable impact on the study and practice of sport,” Sarah Stokowski, Corr’s colleague in the College of Education, said.
Over the past three years, Corr has produced an extraordinary body of scholarship, authoring or co-authoring more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, multiple book chapters, and numerous presentations at national and international conferences.
In a recent article, Corr explored public sentiment surrounding Clemson University’s decision to proceed with a football game the day after Hurricane Helene. The case highlighted the importance of organizational transparency when confronting crises.
Corr’s work has consistently been supported by competitive funding sources, including RHBSSI, the NCAA, the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), and USA Ultimate, demonstrating the quality and applicability of his research.
“Equally important, Dr. Corr’s collaborative spirit enriches Clemson’s research environment,” Stokowski said. “He actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, co-authors with emerging scholars, and engages in applied projects that extend Clemson’s land-grant mission.”
Student Engagement in the Sports Sciences
Sarah Stokowski, Ph.D. – Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development, Athletic Leadership Program
Recognized for her unwavering commitment to student success, Sarah Stokowski, Ph.D., has made an impact on graduate education and student engagement within the Athletic Leadership program. She has supervised more than 75 doctoral students across both the Higher Education and P12 concentrations.
“Dr. Stokowski is unbelievably passionate and committed to student learning and success,” noted her colleague from the College of Education, Chris Corr, Ph.D. “She is tremendously caring and committed to students’ scholarly achievement, and students walk away from her research methods course with a tangible academic publication and, more importantly for their professional development, an in-depth understanding of the research process.
Her commitment to publishing with students has led many graduate students to continue their education by pursuing terminal degrees.
“While Dr. Stokowski is an all-around tremendous scholar and influential member of the campus community, her commitment to student excellence and achievement is to be marveled at,” Corr said.In addition to her mentorship efforts, Stokowski was awarded a 2025 ESPN Research Fellowship by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute (IGI). Through this fellowship, she will research how student-athletes perceive and engage with online sports betting content. To learn more about her work, click here.
Friend of the Institute
Reed Gurchiek, Ph.D. – Department of Bioengineering
Gurchiek is the principal investigator in the Human Movement Biomechanics Lab (HuMBL), where his team uses standard motion capture technologies for human movement analysis and biomechanics.
A recent project, funded by RHBSSI, involved developing a passive assistive hamstring device to support muscle recovery. Read more about the work here.
Gurchiek has also been integral in collaborating with the Institute on plans for the University’s new human performance center on the ground floor of the student wellness center, which has recently broken ground.
“The Institute is very appreciative to Dr. Gurchiek for his continued leadership in the development of this new facility that will bring human performance research at Clemson to national prominence,” said John DesJardins, Ph.D., director of the Institute.
An ‘AWSM’ opportunity empowering Clemson women in sports media
By Katie Gerbasich
‘Awesome’ is now a four-letter word for many female students: AWSM, or the Association of Women in Sports Media. AWSM is dedicated to empowering and supporting women interested in sports media. The Clemson chapter, advised by Department of Communication Assistant Professor and Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute Faculty Fellow Rikishi Smith-Rey, Ph.D., is part of the nationally recognized AWSM network of schools.
“I’m really excited to be with them now, because I feel like I have a lot to bring to them, whether it’s sharing my network or what I know about sport and media,” Smith-Rey said.
Department of Communication student Erin Mason has always had a passion for supporting women in sports. She joined AWSM as a first-year student, dreaming of the day she could work in the industry.
“Growing up around sports, I saw how male-dominated the field was and witnessed women in sports be doubted and pushed to the side,” Mason said. “Seeing this made me want to make a positive impact on women in the industry and women looking to break into the industry.”
She initially described the club in her first year as having only a couple of meetings a semester, featuring guest speakers. Now, as president, she has helped AWSM expand.
“Watching this club grow over the years has been truly amazing,” Mason said. “Now, AWSM has over 140 active members, bi-weekly meetings, as well as drop-in meetings and other events. We provide professional development opportunities & resources consistently to all active members.”
A highlight for Mason has been the launch of its new athletic credentialing program last semester. Members now have the opportunity to apply for an accredited photo or press pass for athletic events. Following the event, members must promptly create and publish media.
The organization worked with Jeff Kallin, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications, to establish the importance of getting students in front of cameras and working with cameras in front of coaches. Additionally, having to learn what the sports world is like, with a quick turnaround on product time. AWSM covered 46 events across 55 different credentialed members last semester.
“It’s a competitive process to be able to get a pass, but we have someone at every single sporting event,” Smith-Rey said.
Community Outreach Chair, Caity Eng, has been managing the credentialing experience.
“Our members have put in so much hard work, and it has been so wonderful to see them shine, whether it is their first sports photography or reporting experience, or to expand their current skills and portfolio,” Eng said.
“Seeing and hearing about everyone’s passion for sports media and their time working on the sidelines and the press box has been so fulfilling.”
Last semester, the club participated in a professional photoshoot utilizing the Nieri Family Student-Athlete Enrichment Center’s studio. Members received a camera workshop before the event. Exclusive experiences like this are what Smith-Rey believes make the organization unique.
“These students wouldn’t ever really have that opportunity if this association didn’t exist,” Smith-Rey said. “I love that it’s specific to females to give them a voice and a chance to grow.”
Female students across all majors can connect through the common thread of sport.
“You see business students talking with sports communication students, talking with engineering students, and it’s a really cool way for them to be like, ‘Oh, I didn’t think we had anything in common, but you love sports, and I love sports,’” Smith-Rey said.
Looking ahead, the organization hopes to continue strengthening its relationship with Clemson Athletics to make a greater impact on students’ professional development and the community.
“In such a male-dominated field, women in sports must stick together, support one another no matter what, and unite on issues that pertain to us,” Mason said. “As female representation continues to grow in the sports industry, I hope to be a voice and supportive figure for women in the industry.”
Meet RHBSSI’s student interns for Spring 2026
By Katie Gerbasich
Happy New Year, from the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute. For the Spring 2026 semester, RHBSSI welcomed three new and two returning student interns. Additionally, through the UPIC Beyond the Game program, two student-athlete interns will join the group. These students bring a multitude of experiences that will help drive new ideas that support the Institute’s mission.
Evy Lane, Communications Lead
Evy Lane is a senior Marketing major and Spanish minor from Piedmont, South Carolina. In her fourth semester with the Institute, she will serve as the Communications Lead, which entails creating a content calendar and editing or posting blogs across RHBSSI social media handles. Lane has two cats, Otto and Lottie, whom she adores dearly.
Katie Gerbasich, Writer/Editor
Katie Gerbasich is a senior Sports Communication major and Women’s Leadership minor from Houston, Texas. In her third semester with the Institute, she will be assisting the team in detailing the stories of sports science endeavors. Gerbasich has prior experience with Clemson Baseball’s Sports Analytics team and has written sports articles for Tiger View Media.
Nathan Inman, Writer/Editor
Nathan Inman is a junior double majoring in Sports Communication and Marketing from Spartanburg, South Carolina. He has been involved with The Tiger student newspaper for three years and was recently appointed Assistant Sports Editor. This semester, Inman looks forward to continuing to grow as a writer and collaborating with the rest of the team.
Sofia Cordi, Events Lead
Sofia Cordi is a senior at Clemson University pursuing a B.S. in Management with an emphasis in Human Resources, a concentration in Entrepreneurship, and a Global Leadership Certificate. She serves as the Events Lead intern for The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute, where she supports the planning and execution of events that foster collaboration, innovation, and community engagement across sports science and performance disciplines.
Previously, Sofia worked with Incora Health, a women’s health startup developing patented smart earrings that capture real-time biodata, where she supported community engagement, content strategy, and cross-functional initiatives. Her experience also includes work with Kognitos, a generative AI company in healthcare automation, and Clemson’s Brook T. Smith Launchpad. Sofia is passionate about innovation, strategic planning, and building meaningful connections through events and community-focused initiatives.
Katie Colton, Graphic Designer
Katie Colton is a Graphic Communications major with a minor in Brand Communications from York, South Carolina. This past year, she worked with Clemson Creative Inquiry and Undergraduate Research’s Decipher Magazine. Colton traveled to Italy over winter break.
Shanque Williams, Beyond the Game Intern
Shanque Williams is a sophomore Psychology major with a minor in Business Management. Williams is a track and field athlete from Jamaica. She’s excited to meet the team and begin working.
Kevin Collins, Beyond the Game Intern
Kevin Collins is a senior Economics major with a Minor in Business Administration from Waldorf, Maryland. He competes in shorts sprints with track and field.
Clemson professor’s NIL research cited in Tennessee legislation
By Katie Gerbasich
Kathryn Kisska-Schulze, J.D., LL.M., a Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute Faculty Fellow and the Elliott Davis Associate Professor in the School of Accountancy in The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, recently published work on athlete name, image and likeness (NIL) rights that was relied upon by the Tennessee legislature in 2025. Her article, An Evolving Landscape: Name, Image and Likeness Rights in High School Athletes, co-authored by Adam Epstein from Central Michigan University and Nathaniel Grow from Indiana University, was cited as a research reference and practice aid in drafting Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-25-1103, which addresses NIL rights.
The article examines the evolving NIL landscape for high school student-athletes, identifying potential financial risks and proposing a framework to better protect minor student-athletes entering endorsement agreements.
“This honor showcases the impact our research can have on major state legislative interests,” Kissaka-Schulze said.
In spring 2024, Kisska-Schulze launched the School of Accountancy’s first undergraduate sports law course. She also teaches a graduate sports law course for the College of Business’ Master of Science in Sports Business and Analytics program.
Kisska-Schulze has served as chair of the Sports and Entertainment Law Section of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, represents the College of Business on Clemson University’s Faculty Athletic Council, and was recently named a Brooks Sports Science Institute Fellow.
Campbell professor publishes timely study on drug of concern
Individuals who suffer from chronic pain have increasingly come to rely on kratom, a Southeast Asian plant whose principal psychoactive alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), may soon become Schedule I Controlled Substances in the United States. The two compounds bind to, and partially activate, opioid receptors in the brain.
“People in Southeast Asia have long relied on teas brewed from kratom leaves not only to manage pain but to ease the symptoms of opiate withdrawal,” said Bryan E. Denham, Ph.D., Campbell Professor of Sports Communication in the Department of Communication at Clemson. “Although kratom is not entirely safe, it appears to be less hazardous than concentrated, synthetic versions of 7-OH, manufactured by unscrupulous firms. Synthetics are sold at gas stations and vape stores and are packaged to attract the attention of high-school and college-aged individuals.”
Denham’s study appears in the Journal of Substance Use and addresses the extent to which kratom use correlates with health concerns and signs of dependency on other substances. One finding showed that individuals struggling to quit prescription pain relievers were more than four times as likely as others to have used kratom, a substance the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers “drug of concern.” In July 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised the DEA to add mitragynine and 7-OH to the list of Controlled Substances, and the DEA is currently considering that recommendation.
“It will be interesting to see what the DEA chooses to do in the coming months,” Denham said. “It announced plans in 2016 to ban mitragynine and 7-OH, but it received significant pushback from kratom users. This time, the FDA has made it a point to state plainly that its recommendation does not include the kratom plant itself. It is primarily interested in the two alkaloids and especially the hazardous synthetic products. A trade group, the American Kratom Association, has endorsed the recommended actions on mitragynine and 7-OH.”
Denham studies the media, health, and policy aspects of substance use in sport and society. He said that in sport, athletes have used kratom to increase energy and to recuperate from intense exercise. Some athletes believe it enhances their focus during competition, and some experiment with it for pain relief. Technically, kratom is not a banned substance, but the United States Anti-Doping Agency advises athletes to avoid using it given potential side effects. Athletes and non-athletes alike should appreciate that kratom is a drug, not a dietary supplement, and they should be aware of manipulative labels on synthetic substances.
In addition to his study in the Journal of Substance Use, Denham has examined the agenda-building function of mass media on kratom policy, exploring how coverage in major national news outlets and regional news organizations has impacted regulatory action. Denham said the Tampa Bay Times, in particular, has examined kratom use in depth, and its reporting has impacted coverage elsewhere in addition to policy conversations at the state and national levels.
Four Brooks research assistants are changing the game within the Departments of Communication, Marketing
By Griffin Barfield
Each year, the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute supports Clemson’s student body by expanding access to scholarships and enhancing experiential learning opportunities, providing funding to various undergraduate and graduate students who are studying sport in their disciplines.
Through annual research awards and professorship funding endowed to faculty in the Departments of Automotive Engineering, Communication, Marketing and Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, graduate students are hired to engage in research activities affecting the field of sports science.
This year, two of the Institute’s ‘legacy professors’ – Bryan Denham, Ph.D., in the Department of Communication in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences and Angeline Scheinbaum, Ph.D., in the Department of Marketing in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business – funded two graduate students each at Clemson University.
These students are four of the seven graduate students that the Institute has supported over the last academic year.
Within the Department of Communication, two research assistants have been analyzing social networks and sports on a global scale with sports communication faculty.
Cassidy Gruber and Erin Knight have been researching social media responses that have been presented during the PGA Tour and LIV golf merger, looking to find the role of care during organizational changes. After reworking the literature review, they aim to have a manuscript titled Understanding the role of care in communicating organizational change: A social network analysis of the PGA Tour-LIV golf controversy, published in the Social Media + Society journal.
Assistant professors, Virginia Harrison, Ph.D., and Brandon Boatwright, Ph.D., will be spearheading the manuscript.
“The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute has given me a unique and rewarding opportunity to incorporate my strategic communication background into sports science research this semester,” Gruber said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a motivated research team and contributing to meaningful projects!”
Knight is also working to understand the social media conversation of sportswashing and nation branding, which has become a rising issue from the political lens of sports. This is her first assignment as a research assistant, and she will continue her work into the Spring 2026 semester.
“It’s been really exciting to be a part of the research process in this way,” Knight said, “especially with such an interesting focal point.”
Boatwright and Harrison are also faculty fellows of the Institute.
In the Department of Marketing, research assistants Sairah Abraham and Cara Levin work closely with Dr. Scheinbaum, the Institute’s Dan Duncan Endowed Professor of Sports Marketing.
The two have centered their research on sports marketing and consumer behavior, focusing on Corporate Social Responsibility over the last year with their team. The pair have been examining sport sponsorship as a form of corporate community involvement, investigating how local consumers view sponsor brands and exploring their feelings of gratitude.
Their team has found outcomes through four large-scale field studies across three professional sports: automotive racing, PGA golf, and USA professional cycling. The research project under the direction of Dr. Scheinbaum found that consumer-corporate identification perceptions help the sponsor-event fit, and the consumer intentions to support sponsor brands, allowing the results to assist with local sponsor brands’ strategies.
“As a Brooks RA, it’s exciting to see how psychology, sports and marketing can team up,” Abraham said. “Each brings unique strengths to interdisciplinary studies that advance research that captures both the science of people and the spirit of the game!”
Levin has also looked into how sponsorship and community engagement initiatives influence consumer perceptions of the brand’s authenticity, ethical leadership and trust. She has a background in Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology, using that to see how corporate strategy and stakeholder response are affected.
“Clemson’s drive powers both our athletics and research,” Levin said.
As their research wraps up and the semester comes to a close, the students will be reporting on any outcomes or taking their work into 2026.
Fall 2025 interns share their experiences with the Institute
By Lucy Hart
With the Fall semester coming to an end, we are sad to say goodbye to two valuable interns, Griffin Barfield and Lucy Hard, who will be graduating this December, but luckily, interns Katie Gerbasich and Evy Lane have signed on for another semester with the Institute. From writing articles and designing graphics to testing grip strength and hosting lab tours, these interns have impacted every corner of the Institute.
GRIFFIN BARFIELD
Griffin Barfield is a senior Sports Communication major and Spanish minor from Oceanport, New Jersey, and was the Institute’s Co-Writing and Editing Lead this semester.
“My experience with RHBSSI has helped me grow as an intern,” Barfield said. “Professionally, the Institute helped me understand my role in group work, assisted with my confidence when interviewing faculty and students, and allowed me to form positive relationships with all of the people that I worked closely with over the course of the last two semesters. It’s been an honor to represent them, and I’m excited to see the work that is presented with the next group in the spring!”
After graduating, Griffin plans to work with the Clemson Tigers on Sports Illustrated, where he will transition into a full-time beat writer role, assisting and managing their website and social media platforms to drive engagement. Moving forward, Griffin intends to interview and apply for positions at various sports clubs and franchises nationwide. The Institute wishes Griffin the best of luck!
LUCY HART
Lucy Hart is a senior Sports Management major with a double minor in Youth Development and Business Administration from Rock Hill, South Carolina , and was the Institute’s Events Lead this semester.
“Interning for the Institute has been an incredibly valuable experience for me,” Hart mentions. “Being able to plan and execute events like the RECESS symposium will go a long way in my professional development skills, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a supportive team!”
Post-graduation, Lucy has secured an internship in Savannah, Georgia, managing part-time employees for an exhibition baseball team. She plans to return to Clemson to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration after her internship. Although we are sad to see her leave the RHBSSI, we are excited to have her back on campus in the future!
KATIE GERBASICH
Katie Gerbasich is a senior Sports Communication major and Women’s Leadership minor from Houston, Texas, and was the Institute’s Co-Writing and Editing Lead.
“I think this semester has truly expanded my skillset. While I loved the research writing I did, I also worked with new design programs, video, and other social media aspects that I had never used before.”
Katie will continue to stay with the Institute next semester as a writer. “I plan to graduate in May, so I’m so excited to finish out my Clemson journey with the amazing people here.”
EVELYN LANE
Evelyn Lane is a senior Marketing major and Spanish minor from Piedmont, South Carolina, and she was the Institute’s Communication Lead this semester.
“My experience with the RHBSSI has shaped me in so many ways,” she says. “As this is my third semester, I have had the opportunity to work with numerous interns from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, which has taught me how to grow and adapt in my teamwork skills depending on what each person needs from me.” She also notes, “I am thrilled to continue with the Institute and look forward to learning from future interns and further developing myself.”
Evelyn will also be staying on with the Institute for her fourth semester, making her the longest-serving intern in recent RHBSSI history!
