[{"id":994,"date":"2026-05-01T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T07:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=994"},"modified":"2026-05-01T00:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T00:43:00","slug":"spring-2026-interns-reflect-on-their-experience-with-the-institute-and-whats-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/05\/01\/spring-2026-interns-reflect-on-their-experience-with-the-institute-and-whats-next\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2026 interns reflect on their experience with the Institute and what\u2019s next"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1384\" height=\"1038\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/05\/2-1-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-996\" style=\"width:508px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/05\/2-1-edited.jpg 1384w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/05\/2-1-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/05\/2-1-edited-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/05\/2-1-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1384px) 100vw, 1384px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>By Katie Gerbasich<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the Spring semester wraps up, interns from the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute are looking back on their experiences that defined their time with the program. This semester marked the Institute\u2019s largest intern cohort to date, including two Beyond the Game student-athlete interns. From hands-on work in content creation to collaborative storytelling, each intern contributed in unique ways while also beginning to shape their future plans.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Evy Lane &#8211; Communications Lead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What was your favorite moment or memory this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>My favorite moment\/memory was interviewing the athletes at the Watt Performance Center and seeing all the different\u00a0features. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What\u2019s the most valuable thing you\u2019ve learned this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The most valuable thing I&#8217;ve learned is that if I am not 100% confident in my skills on a certain task, asking the right people for help and continuing to learn and grow in my proficiency, I can do things I never thought I could.\u00a0<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What are your future goals or plans?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This summer, I will be interning with The Variable in Winston-Salem, NC!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Sofia Cordi &#8211; Events Lead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What was your favorite moment or memory this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>My favorite memory this semester was seeing everything come together at our RHBSSI events after all of the behind-the-scenes planning. As Events Lead, I spent a lot of time coordinating details, organizing sign-ups, communicating with the team, and helping make sure each event ran smoothly, so it was really rewarding to see people engage with our events in person. I especially enjoyed being able to represent the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute on campus and help create opportunities for students to connect with sports science in a fun and approachable way. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-5&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-5\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What\u2019s the most valuable thing you\u2019ve learned this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-5\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The most valuable thing I learned this semester was how much strong communication and organization matter when working with a team. Event planning involves so many moving parts, and this role helped me become more confident in taking initiative, solving problems, and communicating professionally with different people across campus. I also learned how important it is to stay flexible because plans can change quickly, and being able to adjust while keeping a positive attitude makes a big difference.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-6&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-6-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-6\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What are your future goals or plans?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-6\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-6-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>After graduation, I will be starting a full-time role with Total Quality Logistics in Greenville, SC. I\u2019m excited to begin my career in recruiting and continue building on the communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills I developed through this internship. Long term, I hope to grow in the HR\/recruiting field and use those skills to help create positive workplace experiences for others.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Katie Gerbasich &#8211; Writer\/Editor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-7&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-7-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-7\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What was your favorite moment or memory this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-7\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-7-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>My favorite memory this semester was working the CUPara Soccer game. It was so inspiring to see all the work that went into the event pay off by creating an incredible experience for those kids. The energy was amazing all day. It was truly something I&#8217;ll never forget, and I was so grateful to be a part of it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-8&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-8-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-8\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What\u2019s the most valuable thing you\u2019ve learned this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-8\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-8-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The most valuable thing I&#8217;ve learned this semester is to embrace every opportunity. This semester, I took on tasks I never thought possible, like redesigning our website. Projects like this have truly expanded my professional skill set, making me more confident in myself. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-9&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-9-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-9\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What are your future goals or plans?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-9\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-9-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>After graduation, I will be staying on with RHBSSI over the summer, then looking to start graduate school at Clemson. <br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Nathan Inman &#8211; Writer\/Editor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-10&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-10-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-10\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What was your favorite moment or memory this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-10\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-10-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The whole semester has really been my favorite memory. Getting to take charge and create an entirely new weekly motorsports series has been incredibly fun and rewarding, and it&#8217;s something I never even thought I&#8217;d be doing when I first came into the position. From interviewing countless students to traveling for hours to shoot photos, it has truly been an amazing journey!<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-11&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-11-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-11\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What\u2019s the most valuable thing you\u2019ve learned this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-11\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-11-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The most valuable thing I&#8217;ve learned is you can&#8217;t succeed if you don&#8217;t try. This semester has taken a ton of effort, but it&#8217;s been completely worth it. I&#8217;ve gotten to do things I never expected, and it&#8217;s all because I had to take the initiative and put in the work.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-12&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-12-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-12\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What are your future goals or plans?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-12\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-12-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Post-grad, I hope to work in motorsports in some capacity, whether on the business\/marketing side or in journalism\/broadcasting. However, that&#8217;s still a year away, and in the meantime, I&#8217;m doing everything I can to continue gaining experience. This summer I&#8217;ll be interning with The Seneca Journal, and next semester I&#8217;ll be right back here with the Institute! This semester has been such a blast, and I can&#8217;t wait to see what the next one has in store!<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Katie Colton &#8211; Graphic Designer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-13&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-13-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-13\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What was your favorite moment or memory this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-13\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-13-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>My favorite memory of the semester was getting to hang out and meet all of the interns at the tabling event in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-14&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-14-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-14\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What\u2019s the most valuable thing you\u2019ve learned this semester?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-14\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-14-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The most valuable thing I have learned this semester is being able to improve my social media graphic design skills. Also, gaining more practice and experience with Clemson\u2019s branding guidelines for creating graphics was very valuable.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-15&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-15-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-15\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What are your future goals or plans?<br><\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-15\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-15-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>After I graduate in December, I want to work in marketing or graphic design in New York.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>To round out this semester\u2019s cohort, RHBSSI also welcomed two Beyond the Game student-athlete interns, who balanced their contributions to the Institute alongside the demands of their sport and academics. Their presence added a valuable perspective to the team and further highlighted the Institute\u2019s commitment to supporting student-athletes in exploring opportunities beyond competition. As the semester comes to a close, the impact of this diverse group of interns will continue to shape the Institute.<br><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the Spring semester wraps up, interns from the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute are looking back on their experiences that defined their time with the program. This semester marked the Institute\u2019s largest intern cohort to date, including two Beyond the Game student-athlete interns. From hands-on work in content creation to collaborative storytelling, each intern contributed in unique ways while also beginning to shape their future plans.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4292,"featured_media":996,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63147,63148,181],"tags":[63159],"coauthors":[63181],"class_list":["post-994","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-institute-updates","category-students","tag-interns"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/05\/2-1-edited-150x150.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/994","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4292"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=994"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/994\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=994"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=994"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=994"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":987,"date":"2026-04-29T13:37:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T13:37:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=987"},"modified":"2026-04-29T16:31:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T16:31:07","slug":"clemson-paralympic-soccer-wins-2-1-against-cp-soccer-all-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/04\/29\/clemson-paralympic-soccer-wins-2-1-against-cp-soccer-all-stars\/","title":{"rendered":"Clemson Paralympic Soccer wins 2-1 against CP Soccer All-Stars"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC08860-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC08860-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC08860-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC08860-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC08860-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC08860-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Head Coach, Felipe Tobar, and Clemson Paralympic Soccer players gather at Riggs Field.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For the second year in a row, Clemson Paralympic Soccer went head-to-head in an official match against the CP (Cerebral Palsy) Soccer All-Stars at Clemson University&#8217;s Historic Riggs Field on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This event marks the second time in U.S. college history\u00a0that two Cerebral Palsy soccer teams have competed against each other in a university stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The match was close, with the score tied 1-1 for most of the game. But in the end, the Clemson team scored an additional goal in the second half to secure a victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DXkXQWxj1Rs\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out this instant replay<\/a> of the game-winning goal, captured by Drew Landon Media, by Player of the Match, Shae Hammond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Post-event surveys showed that, at the start, around 43% of attendees were unaware of the sport and, by the end of the match, over 60% of attendees&#8217; perceptions of Paralympic athletes had positively changed. 88% of fans expressed an interest in supporting adaptive sports in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Clemson University is inarguably a trailblazer in the world of adaptive soccer,&#8221; head coach and faculty fellow of the Institute, Felipe Tobar, said.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC09773-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Two men hold up a large trophy\" class=\"wp-image-988\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4993160054719563;width:455px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC09773-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC09773-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC09773-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC09773-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC09773.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Player of the Match, Shea Hammond, and RHBSSI Director, John DesJardins, pose with the game-winning trophy after the match.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The team at the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI) thanks Clemson Paralympic Soccer for involving the Institute in its activities as a sponsor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;So much positive energy and goodwill,&#8221; RHBSSI Director John DesJardins said. &#8220;I&#8217;m so happy for the program, faculty, staff and students that it supports.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more about Clemson Paralympic Soccer within the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at Clemson, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clemson.edu\/cbshs\/departments\/prtm\/research\/adaptive-sports-recreation\/community-programs1\/paralympic-soccer1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photos provided by Carol San Martin<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the second year in a row, Clemson Paralympic Soccer went head-to-head in an official match against the CP (Cerebral Palsy) Soccer All-Stars at Clemson University&#8217;s Historic Riggs Field on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This event marks the second time in U.S. college history\u00a0that two Cerebral Palsy soccer teams have competed against each other in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3675,"featured_media":988,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63147,6820],"tags":[],"coauthors":[63150],"class_list":["post-987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-programs-events"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/DSC09773-150x150.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3675"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=987"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/988"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=987"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":982,"date":"2026-04-26T22:09:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T22:09:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=982"},"modified":"2026-04-26T22:46:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T22:46:56","slug":"a-history-of-motorsports-at-clemson-and-a-look-into-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/04\/26\/a-history-of-motorsports-at-clemson-and-a-look-into-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"A history of motorsports at Clemson, and a look into the future"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-26-at-5.43.04-PM-1024x680.png\" alt=\"Clemson Tiger Racing in front of CU ICAR\" class=\"wp-image-983\" style=\"width:752px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-26-at-5.43.04-PM-1024x680.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-26-at-5.43.04-PM-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-26-at-5.43.04-PM-768x510.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-26-at-5.43.04-PM-1536x1020.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-26-at-5.43.04-PM.png 1746w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Clemson Tiger Racing in front of CU ICAR<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>By Nathan Inman<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, RHBSSI\u2019s first semester of the all-new Motorsports Monday is coming to an end. To wrap up the first iteration of the series, the Institute provides a synopsis of the history of motorsports at Clemson and a glimpse into what the future may look like.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/image-1.png\" alt=\"RHBSSI Legacy Professor, Dr. Rob Prucka\" class=\"wp-image-985\" style=\"width:275px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/image-1.png 390w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/image-1-214x300.png 214w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>RHBSSI Legacy Professor, Dr. Rob Prucka<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>To learn more about the topic, RHBSSI sat down with its endowed Alan Kulwicki Professor of Motorsports Engineering, Dr. Rob Prucka, from the Department of Automotive Engineering.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prucka arrived at Clemson in 2008 as a professor in automotive engineering. Since then, he has moved through the department and now sits as the interim chair. Prior to coming to Clemson, Prucka worked with the Ford Motor Company and was a consultant for the manufacturing of racing engines. Right before he began his professorship, Prucka was offered a job in the racing industry.\u00a0However, Prucka turned down that offer, believing there was something bigger in the automotive program at Clemson. Nearly 20 years later, it\u2019s safe to say that assumption was correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout his time with the department, he has helped lead students participating in Deep Orange, a vehicle prototype program that gives graduate students the opportunity to build a vehicle of their own. Over the course of 16 projects thus far, two have specifically involved motorsports. The first of those two projects was Deep Orange 9, which was completed in 2018 and was a Next-Generation Rallycross racecar built in partnership with Honda. This project was particularly impactful for Prucka, saying it \u201ctotally changed my career path.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"929\" height=\"619\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/image.png\" alt=\"Deep Orange 9\" class=\"wp-image-984\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.500813054517445;width:442px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/image.png 929w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/image-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/image-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 929px) 100vw, 929px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Deep Orange 9<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe director of Deep Orange left,\u201d he added, \u201cand I just stepped in and said, \u2018either this program goes away, or I run it,\u2019 and so I just ran it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just two years later, another racecar model came out of the Deep Orange program. In 2020, graduate students completed the build of Deep Orange 12, a completely autonomous IndyCar. When the car was completed, it was taken to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500, to be put to the test. Prucka mentioned that, when the car sailed off into turn 1, he wasn\u2019t fully certain whether the car would survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe weren&#8217;t really sure the whole time we were designing that car if it was ever gonna work,\u201d he said, \u201cbecause we know all the engineering and all the numbers are fine, but we weren&#8217;t sure when that thing really went into a corner at high speed, the steering would actually work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, when the car went into the first turn at 140 miles per hour, Prucka braced for the worst. Instead, the car made it through completely fine, and the hard work of all the students involved in the project had paid off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI almost fell to the ground,\u201d he said. \u201cI was just so shocked, you know, all these calculations we did worked. That was just overwhelming, because it was at such a famous place, and me as an engine person, like, \u2018here&#8217;s this engine we helped design,\u2019 and it&#8217;s blasting around this track.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all that has been done over the last several years, it\u2019s clear that motorsports are rooted deep in the heart of Clemson. So, what does the future look like for the years to come?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, the automotive engineering program has launched the careers of many students, as they have gone on to land jobs in motorsports shortly after graduation. Notable places past students have landed include the Cadillac Formula 1 team, Roush Yates Engines, and other various F1 and NASCAR roles. Prucka says the goal for the future is to keep the program evolving with the rest of the world, so that it can continue to produce results for its students.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_1036-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Hadley Smith on the team radio as race engineer.\" class=\"wp-image-914\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4992888417882142;width:401px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_1036-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_1036-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_1036-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_1036-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_1036-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hadley Smith on the CTR team radio as race engineer.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cI just look forward to working with students and truly trying to build this new generation of talent that needs to be out there in the industry, because they need it, right?\u201d Prucka said. \u201cAnd so, there&#8217;s a great opportunity, the industry wants to help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prucka added that this all goes back to that decision he made in 2008 when he turned down the racing world and came to Clemson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTo me, that&#8217;s the best part,\u201d he added. \u201cI mean, that&#8217;s why I&#8217;m in the academic world and not out in the racing world, is that I really just enjoy working with students. I feel like it&#8217;s a good fit for what I like to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Dr. Prucka continues to lead the future of motorsports at Clemson forward, he hopes he can continue to provide these students with all the opportunities their hearts desire. And if the past is any indication, those students will be in good hands.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Nathan Inman Today, RHBSSI\u2019s first semester of the all-new Motorsports Monday is coming to an end. To wrap up the first iteration of the series, the Institute provides a synopsis of the history of motorsports at Clemson and a glimpse into what the future may look like. To learn more about the topic, RHBSSI [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4233,"featured_media":983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63147,445,63178],"tags":[],"coauthors":[63151],"class_list":["post-982","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-faculty","category-motorsports"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/Screenshot-2026-04-26-at-5.43.04-PM-150x150.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/982","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=982"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/982\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=982"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=982"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=982"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=982"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":978,"date":"2026-04-21T20:26:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T20:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=978"},"modified":"2026-04-22T12:42:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T12:42:40","slug":"from-jamaica-to-clemson-track-and-field-athlete-shares-personal-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/04\/21\/from-jamaica-to-clemson-track-and-field-athlete-shares-personal-story\/","title":{"rendered":"From Jamaica to Clemson: Track-and-field athlete shares personal story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>By Shanque Williams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1029\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1dfd5207-0280-4c4c-999b-de7ddb22a98a-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Shanque Williams running track &amp; field\" class=\"wp-image-981\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.493484740951029;width:347px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1dfd5207-0280-4c4c-999b-de7ddb22a98a-edited.jpg 1029w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1dfd5207-0280-4c4c-999b-de7ddb22a98a-edited-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1dfd5207-0280-4c4c-999b-de7ddb22a98a-edited-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1dfd5207-0280-4c4c-999b-de7ddb22a98a-edited-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1029px) 100vw, 1029px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Track and field has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I watched my older sister and brother compete in high school while I was still in primary school. I didn\u2019t fully understand everything about the sport at the time, but I knew one thing for sure, I wanted to be just like them. That early exposure planted a seed that would eventually grow into a passion and a dream. That dream became even more real when I watched my sister make the bold decision to move to another country to pursue her athletic career. Seeing her succeed showed me what was possible with hard work, sacrifice, and belief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it came time to choose where I wanted to continue both my academic and athletic journey, Clemson University stood out. I was fortunate to have multiple scholarship opportunities, but Clemson felt different. From the moment I stepped on campus during my recruiting visit, it felt like home. The energy of the town, the support from the people, and the overall environment made it an easy decision. Looking back now, I can confidently say it was the right choice. Clemson has exceeded my expectations in every way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sports have shaped my life in ways I never imagined. Moving to another country to pursue track and field was not easy, but it taught me resilience and independence. More than anything, this sport has taught me discipline. Track and field is one of the most honest sports there is\u2014you get out exactly what you put in. There are no shortcuts, no hiding from the work. Every practice, every rep, every race reflects your effort. That honesty has helped me grow, not just as an athlete, but as a person. It has taught me lessons that go far beyond the track: consistency, accountability, and the ability to push through challenges even when things get tough.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/PHOTO-2023-08-09-18-33-37-1024x620.jpg\" alt=\"Shanque racing for Jamaica\" class=\"wp-image-979\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.6516388295868392;width:382px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/PHOTO-2023-08-09-18-33-37-1024x620.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/PHOTO-2023-08-09-18-33-37-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/PHOTO-2023-08-09-18-33-37-768x465.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/PHOTO-2023-08-09-18-33-37.jpg 1051w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>My time at Clemson has been filled with unforgettable moments. One of the highlights of my journey so far has been earning a spot on my national team for the 2025 Pan American U23 Games. Representing my country is something I take great pride in, and it\u2019s a moment I will never forget. Another major accomplishment has been helping my team win the ACC Championship title for the second year in a row. Achievements like these make all the hard work worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, I have big goals both academically and athletically. I plan to complete my bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology with a minor in business management. Beyond college, I hope to continue competing at the professional level in track and field. At the same time, I\u2019m also interested in building a career in sales, particularly in real estate. No matter which path I take, I know the lessons I\u2019ve learned through sports will continue to guide me toward success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Shanque Williams Track and field has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I watched my older sister and brother compete in high school while I was still in primary school. I didn\u2019t fully understand everything about the sport at the time, but I knew one [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4233,"featured_media":979,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63147,63180,181],"tags":[],"coauthors":[63151],"class_list":["post-978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-clemson-athletics","category-students"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/PHOTO-2023-08-09-18-33-37-150x150.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=978"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/978\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=978"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":975,"date":"2026-04-19T17:34:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T17:34:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=975"},"modified":"2026-04-19T23:16:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T23:16:30","slug":"clemson-formula-sae-tiger-26-is-ready-to-hit-the-track","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/04\/19\/clemson-formula-sae-tiger-26-is-ready-to-hit-the-track\/","title":{"rendered":"Clemson Formula SAE Tiger 26 is ready to hit the track"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>By Nathan Inman<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the semester draws to a close, Clemson Formula SAE remains busy, polishing the final touches on the team\u2019s Tiger 26 race car. With less than a month until the car takes to the track for the main competition at Michigan International Speedway, the build is officially in its final stages.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3951-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"FSAE's engine dyno\" class=\"wp-image-977\" style=\"width:365px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3951-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3951-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3951-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3951-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3951-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>FSAE&#8217;s engine dyno, where the team maximizes the output of the car&#8217;s engine.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>RHBSSI sat down with Alex Daichendt, a senior electrical engineering major and FSAE\u2019s chief engineer, to discuss the progress made this semester and the final preparations being made before the team makes the long trek up north next month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe ended up with a rolling car right at the beginning of spring break,\u201d Daichendt said. &#8220;So, it was a really, really big accomplishment for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the base of the car completed prior to the break, the team was left to focus on putting together the mechanical and electrical components. With those additions completed, the team was able to begin testing the car and ensure it was up to snuff.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following testing, the team went back to work, focusing on potential areas for improvement to make changes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s still plenty of work to do in regards to the suspension tuning,\u201d Daichendt added. &#8220;Hopefully, we\u2019re getting the full aero package on the car this week for this weekend for testing, so we can get everything dialed in and what we need to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3949-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"FSAE's Tiger 26 nearly completed\" class=\"wp-image-976\" style=\"width:387px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3949-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3949-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3949-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3949-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3949-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>FSAE&#8217;s Tiger 26 is nearing completion, with the wrap of the team&#8217;s livery soon to be added.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>With the build nearly completely put together, the finishing touches on the car will include applying the wrap of the car\u2019s livery. Daichendt mentioned that the wrap will be in the team\u2019s hands within the next two weeks, meaning it\u2019ll be the end of finals before Tiger 26 reaches its final form. Daichendt added that isn\u2019t a bad thing, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019ll really go on right before competition, which is completely fine with us,\u201d Daichendt said about the wrap. \u201cYou know, less rock chips makes it look nice and pretty going into competition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the car nearly complete, the team is focused on May 13, when Tiger 26 will hit the track at Michigan International Speedway for a multi-day competition against roughly 100 other schools from the United States and around the globe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Nathan Inman As the semester draws to a close, Clemson Formula SAE remains busy, polishing the final touches on the team\u2019s Tiger 26 race car. With less than a month until the car takes to the track for the main competition at Michigan International Speedway, the build is officially in its final stages. RHBSSI [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4233,"featured_media":976,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63147,63178],"tags":[],"coauthors":[63151],"class_list":["post-975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-motorsports"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_3949-150x150.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=975"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=975"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":973,"date":"2026-04-12T21:47:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T21:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=973"},"modified":"2026-04-12T23:03:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T23:03:43","slug":"clemson-professors-publish-work-regarding-the-dark-side-of-motorsports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/04\/12\/clemson-professors-publish-work-regarding-the-dark-side-of-motorsports\/","title":{"rendered":"Clemson professors publish work regarding the dark side of motorsports"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1772300472241-1024x573.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1772300472241-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1772300472241-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1772300472241-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1772300472241-1536x860.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1772300472241.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Nathan Inman<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of all the creatures on planet Earth, only humans are aware of their own mortality. It\u2019s often a taboo subject in day-to-day life, but it&#8217;s especially sensitive in the world of motorsports. There\u2019s an old adage in life that the good ones are taken way too soon, and the same could be said for motorsports. Two of the greatest racing drivers to have ever lived raced in two very different forms of motorsport \u2014 but their fates were all the same.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On March 30, RHBSSI Faculty Fellow Dr. Felipe Tobar and a colleague from the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department were published in the Routledge Handbook of Dark Events. Their chapter, titled \u201cDeath at play: Celebration and memorialisation of motorsport&#8217;s dead,\u201d covers the public\u2019s reactions to the deaths of Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The chapter focuses on how the drivers are memorialized, both at the racetracks where they lost their lives and back in their respective hometowns. According to Dr. Tobar and Dr. Ramshaw, memorials at racetracks tend to be more somber, recognizing the dangers of motorsports. This contrasts with how the drivers are remembered in their hometowns. Compared with these memorials, others are more celebratory, focusing more on the lives the drivers lived and their identities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Senna\u2019s life was taken on May 1, 1994, during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, Italy. At nearly 200 miles per hour, Senna\u2019s car veered off track and slammed head-on into a concrete barrier.\u00a0Upon being rushed to the hospital, Senna was declared dead shortly after, at just 34 years old. In just 10 full seasons in Formula 1, Senna had earned 41 race victories and three World Drivers\u2019 Championships. His death remains one of the biggest \u201cwhat ifs?\u201d in racing history, as Senna likely had several more seasons ahead of him.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the chapter, Senna has been memorialized at Imola in various fashions. Notably, on the tenth anniversary of his death, there was a ceremonial lap around the circuit in one of Senna\u2019s Formula 1 cars driven by one of his former teammates. Years later, on the 25th anniversary of Senna\u2019s death, there was \u201ca Catholic Mass at the Tamburello curve at 2 PM (the time and exact location of Senna\u2019s fatal accident).\u201d Additionally, there was an exhibition at the track featuring multiple of Senna\u2019s former race cars. This contrasts with how Senna is remembered in his hometown of S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil. Shortly after his death, the Brazilian government declared three days of national mourning, and his funeral was attended by more than three million people.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the years since, Senna has been memorialized in numerous ways throughout S\u00e3o Paulo and the rest of the country. Notably, he has been recognized through the \u201cnaming of numerous racetracks, metro lines, bus stations, streets, neighborhoods, bridges and a federal highway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following Senna&#8217;s death, in a twist of fate, Earnhardt would go on to win the NASCAR Winston Cup Series race later that day at Talladega. Upon exiting the car in victory lane, Earnhardt opened his post-race interview remembering Senna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI want to send our thoughts and prayers to the family of Ayrton Senna and all his fans,\u201d Earnhardt said. \u201cHe was a great racer, and it&#8217;s a great shame to see him go as he did. You know, it&#8217;s tough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Less than a decade later, on February 18, 2001, Earnhardt was running third on the final lap of the Daytona 500. With half a lap to go, he sat behind two race cars he owned, including the No. 8 that was piloted by his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr.\u00a0Attempting to fend off the rest of the pack for his drivers ahead of him, Earnhardt was turned at a high rate of speed into the turn four wall as the field raced towards the checkered flag. Earnhardt\u2019s drivers would finish first and second, as his own car rolled down the banking and came to rest in the infield grass. Much like Senna, Earhardt was rushed to a local hospital and declared dead shortly after. In the moments following his death, NASCAR president Mike Helton made an announcement that brought the nation to a halt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was just five words, but they held a weight much heavier: \u201cWe have lost Dale Earnhardt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the years since his death, Daytona has constructed a statue of Earnhardt winning the 1998 Daytona 500 near the track\u2019s tour entrance, where fans often leave flowers and other memorabilia. Additionally, on years that align with the anniversary of Earnhardt\u2019s death, fans in the stands hold out three fingers on the third lap of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the chapter, the memorials throughout Earnhardt\u2019s hometown of Kannapolis, North Carolina, are much more celebratory. Since 2023, the city has hosted an annual street race named the Earnhardt Outdoors Showdown. The chapter describes this as \u201chardly solemn,\u201d as the event celebrates the legacy the driver left behind. Much like Daytona, Kannapolis has erected its own statue, but it is very different from the one on display at the speedway. The statue in Earnhardt\u2019s hometown \u201cfeatures a statue of Earnhardt in Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots and a button\u2011up shirt rather than a racing suit\u201d and is even often a site for wedding ceremonies. This exemplifies that the statue is much more celebratory than it is somber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These variations in how drivers are memorialized showcase how hometowns mourn differently than a national audience. Regardless, whether the memorials be solemn as they are at the racetracks or celebratory as they are in the drivers\u2019 hometowns, one thing remains certain: the lives and legacies of the drivers will forever be remembered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Nathan Inman Of all the creatures on planet Earth, only humans are aware of their own mortality. It\u2019s often a taboo subject in day-to-day life, but it&#8217;s especially sensitive in the world of motorsports. There\u2019s an old adage in life that the good ones are taken way too soon, and the same could be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4233,"featured_media":974,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[445,63178],"tags":[],"coauthors":[63151],"class_list":["post-973","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-faculty","category-motorsports"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/1772300472241-150x150.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=973"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/973\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/974"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=973"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":962,"date":"2026-04-08T20:51:44","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T20:51:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=962"},"modified":"2026-04-08T20:51:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T20:51:44","slug":"clemson-community-invited-to-historic-paralympic-soccer-fest-at-riggs-field","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/04\/08\/clemson-community-invited-to-historic-paralympic-soccer-fest-at-riggs-field\/","title":{"rendered":"Clemson Community Invited to Historic Paralympic Soccer Fest at Riggs Field"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/2-1-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-972\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.799801632715343;object-fit:cover;width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/2-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/2-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/2-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/2-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Clemson University community is invited to attend a landmark celebration of inclusive sport at the\u00a0<strong>Clemson Paralympic Soccer Fest<\/strong>, to be held at the historic Riggs Field on April 25th. This event marks only the second time in U.S. college history\u00a0that two Cerebral Palsy soccer teams have competed against each other in a university stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organized by the Clemson University Paralympic Soccer Program and presented by the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute, the event promises a full morning of engagement, inclusion, and community celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The day will begin with a&nbsp;<strong>soccer clinic for children and youth with physical and intellectual disabilities<\/strong>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>8:00 AM to 9:20 AM<\/strong>, providing participants with an opportunity to learn, play, and connect in an empowering environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the clinic, fans and families can enjoy a wide range of interactive \u201csoccer stations\u201d leading up to kickoff, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Four-square fun<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soccer golf challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immersive virtual reality soccer experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jumbotron games<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A themed photo station<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Face painting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The featured match between&nbsp;<strong>Clemson University Paralympic Soccer and Cerebral&nbsp;Palsy&nbsp;All Stars&nbsp;<\/strong>will kick off at&nbsp;<strong>11:00 AM<\/strong>, showcasing elite Cerebral Palsy soccer talent in a historic setting that continues Clemson\u2019s tradition of leadership in sport and inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At halftime, attendees will be entertained by the Clemson Rally Cats, who will perform, engage with fans, and lead interactive experiences. Spectators will also enjoy giveaways and have the chance to participate in two public halftime games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This event represents a unique opportunity for the Clemson community to support adaptive athletics, celebrate diversity in sport, and be part of a historic moment in U.S. collegiate soccer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Admission is free and open to the public.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information, please contact the Clemson University Paralympic Soccer Program at @cuparasoccer on Instagram. The Clemson University Paralympic Soccer Program is part of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at the College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Clemson University community is invited to attend a landmark celebration of inclusive sport at the\u00a0Clemson Paralympic Soccer Fest, to be held at the historic Riggs Field on April 25th. This event marks only the second time in U.S. college history\u00a0that two Cerebral Palsy soccer teams have competed against each other in a university stadium.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4292,"featured_media":972,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6820],"tags":[62377,63176,63177],"coauthors":[63181],"class_list":["post-962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-programs-events","tag-brooks-sports-science-institute","tag-clemson-paralympic-soccer","tag-felipe-tobar"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/2-1-150x150.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4292"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=962"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/962\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=962"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":958,"date":"2026-04-08T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=958"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:11:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:11:37","slug":"starting-block-accelerator-expands-global-impact-with-second-cohort-in-cape-town","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/04\/08\/starting-block-accelerator-expands-global-impact-with-second-cohort-in-cape-town\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting Block Accelerator expands global impact with second cohort in Cape Town"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/groupr2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-959\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3345848448717623;object-fit:cover;width:500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/groupr2.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/groupr2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/groupr2-1024x767.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/groupr2-768x575.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dr. Hardie sits with cohort members and South African leaders during the final Networking Day, where participants connected with key stakeholders in the sport-for-development space.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>By Katie Gerbasich<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In March, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clemson.edu\/cbshs\/about\/profiles\/index.html?userid=ahardie\">Dr. Ashlyn Hardie<\/a>, Institute fellow from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, co-led the second cohort of <em>Starting Block Accelerator<\/em> in Cape Town, South Africa, with Dr. Per Svensson from Louisiana State University. This initiative is the first of its kind, designed to address the research-practice gap in cross-sector work while advancing research in the Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) sector.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardie describes this work in the SDP sector as &#8220;the intentional use of sport, recreation, play, and physical activity as a tool to achieve broader societal-level development goals. Often, those programmatic goals align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (known as the UN SDGs), and sport offers an alternative platform to tackle community issues.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the UN General Assembly and the UN Action Plan governing bodies, sport is viewed as a powerful tool for addressing key issues such as social integration, physical health and wellness, gender equality, peacebuilding, crime prevention and the development of sustainable communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>Starting Block Accelerator <\/em>is an initiative designed and implemented by Hardie and colleagues as a week-long capacity-building business accelerator program for sport-based nonprofits. Five leaders from organizations worldwide were invited to participate, each working directly with beneficiaries in their countries to tackle issues aligned with the UN SDGs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/hardieteach.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-960\" style=\"width:500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/hardieteach.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/hardieteach-300x225.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dr. Hardie leads the cohort through a research-based curriculum, equipping participants with practical insights to strengthen their organizations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We try very intentionally to have a really diverse group of participants in each cohort because we want them to speak to their experience with different types of funders, recreational tools and their experience navigating challenges in different countries on different continents, so they are not just learning from us but also from each other,&#8221; Hardie said.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute provided the initial seed funding in 2024 for the first-ever Starting Block Accelerator in <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2025\/05\/13\/rhbssi-grant-funds-pioneering-research-in-sport-for-development-and-peace-starting-block-accelerator-london\/\">London, England<\/a>, enabling the team to gather preliminary data on the program&#8217;s effectiveness and secure support for this second round in Cape Town, South Africa.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/ashlyn-hardie19_starting-block-accelerator-round-2-has-activity-7435776648307773440-ZVun?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAEcWMpIBXvSHY2fK_vlnxOYTW4107Nxn--I\">cohort<\/a> included organizations that utilize a variety of sports, including soccer, ultimate frisbee, mountain biking, wrestling and rugby, with participants representing those organizations from Brazil, Botswana, South Africa, the Czech Republic and India. Two of the five participants were female founders. One was recently named Vice President of the African Women in Sports Initiative, and the other was a former Brazilian Olympic wrestler.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first three days of the Accelerator are curriculum-based, drawing on decades of sport-for-development research to create evidence-based pathways for management practices. For several reasons, research is challenging for practitioners to access and use. The objective of the Starting Block Accelerator is to support organizations through a research-backed curriculum that debunks misconceptions, provides networking opportunities and creates a collaborative learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;In the nonprofit world, people often rely on trial and error because they lack access to information, which can be expensive and time-consuming,&#8221; Hardie said. &#8220;We try to give them evidence-based strategies so they don&#8217;t have to just guess and repeat\u2014research shows what is most likely to work.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/table-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-961\" style=\"width:500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/table-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/table-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/table-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/table-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/table.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SDP leaders gather with Gorata Kgathi following her presentation on creating opportunities for women in rugby in Botswana.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>On the final day of the workshop, participants attended a networking session where they practiced pitching their organizations to well-known stakeholders in the SDP sector. Cape Town is an established, global hub for SDP work. This location provided strong access to a network of established leaders in the sport-for-development space, offering valuable connections and feedback to the emerging organizations in this cohort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardie spoke about the impact of the first Starting Block in London, just one year ago, stating: &#8220;We&#8217;ve had major milestones for last year&#8217;s participants either from the connections that they made out of the networking day last year or skills that they implemented from the training of the workshop. For example, multiple London participants have found new funding success over the last year, linking back to our grant writing workshop or networking day.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cape Town&#8217;s proximity to Mozambique also allowed Hardie to visit Lwandi Surf, a participant from the 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2025\/05\/13\/rhbssi-grant-funds-pioneering-research-in-sport-for-development-and-peace-starting-block-accelerator-london\/\">London cohort<\/a>, where she gathered insights on the program&#8217;s long-term impact and next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We want to just keep empowering these organizations to really optimize whatever they&#8217;re trying to do for the people they&#8217;re trying to serve, with more financial sustainability and safety than they&#8217;re doing before.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardie is also the Founder and Executive Director of <span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">the<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2025\/04\/07\/new-way-sport-fund-empowers-grassroots-organizations-with-unrestricted-funding-and-capacity-building\/\" target=\"_blank\"><em>&nbsp;New<\/em><\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2025\/04\/07\/new-way-sport-fund-empowers-grassroots-organizations-with-unrestricted-funding-and-capacity-building\/\"><em> Way Sport Fund<\/em><\/a>, which provides unrestricted funding, alongside consultancy-supported funding, to selected organizations working toward sustainable solutions to organizational challenges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re not just going to buy soccer balls because they get lost or pop, &#8220;Hardie said. &#8220;But if you want to invest in something like solar panels, to solve an ongoing power issue, that&#8217;s a sustainable solution we want to help with, which a lot of funding mechanisms won&#8217;t allow.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NWSF is funded for a 2nd cycle, with applications expected to open in mid-May of this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>April 6 recently marked the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Learn more about the role sport plays in driving social change <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/observances\/sport-day\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In March, Dr. Ashlyn Hardie, Institute fellow from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, co-led the second cohort of Starting Block Accelerator in Cape Town, South Africa, with Dr. Per Svensson from Louisiana State University. This initiative is the first of its kind, designed to address the research-practice gap in cross-sector work while advancing research in the Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) sector.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4292,"featured_media":959,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63147,445,63146],"tags":[62377,10],"coauthors":[63181],"class_list":["post-958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-faculty","category-sports-research","tag-brooks-sports-science-institute","tag-clemson-university"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/groupr2-150x150.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4292"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=958"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/958\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/959"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=958"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":943,"date":"2026-04-03T17:08:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T17:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=943"},"modified":"2026-04-06T13:29:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T13:29:20","slug":"celebrating-national-student-athlete-day-more-than-the-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/04\/03\/celebrating-national-student-athlete-day-more-than-the-game\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating National Student-Athlete Day: More than the game"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/StudentAthleteDayHeader-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/StudentAthleteDayHeader-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/StudentAthleteDayHeader-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/StudentAthleteDayHeader-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/StudentAthleteDayHeader-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/StudentAthleteDayHeader.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">April 6 each year is National Student-Athlete Day. The Institute is proud to support Clemson student-athletes through the UPIC Beyond the Game program. Meet our spring interns and some of their colleagues from Clemson Athletics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0154-683x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-945\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6669871061264973;object-fit:contain;width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0154-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0154-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0154-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0154-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0154-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0154-scaled.jpeg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:55.56%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Malick Daouda<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-16&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-16-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-16\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How do you balance academics and athletics?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-16\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-16-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Sometimes being an athlete and a student at the same time can be overwhelming, but having a clear schedule and avoiding procrastination help me focus on both.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-17&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-17-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-17\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What lessons from sports, particularly related to areas such as nutrition&nbsp;or training environment, have helped you in school or in life?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-17\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-17-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One lesson I learned is that details matter. When preparing for a game or a tournament, details like how much water you drink or what and when you eat can have a big influence on how you perform. This relates to everything in life, when you do something, make sure to do it right and to not cut corners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-18&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-18-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-18\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What is one sports science lesson every student-athlete should know that you could share with younger athletes?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-18\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-18-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Quantity is not always better than quality. With all the resources available to us here, I learned that having a structured workout plan that focuses on your personal weaknesses is better than working twice as hard as you normally would, but without the structure that can help you to truly progress without increasing the injury risk<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Kevin Collins<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p><em>UPIC Beyond the Game Intern<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-19&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-19-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-19\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How do you balance academics and athletics?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-19\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-19-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Balancing academics and athletics comes down to time management, discipline, and priorities. As a student-athlete, I treat school as part of my sport. I plan my day ahead, using a schedule&nbsp;that blocks out time for classes, practice, studying, and recovery. I also try to stay ahead on assignments, so I am not overwhelmed during competition weeks. Communication is important too, especially with professors and coaches. At the end of the day, I remind myself that being a student comes first, and athletics is an opportunity that supports my education.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-20&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-20-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-20\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What lessons from sports, particularly related to areas such as nutrition&nbsp;or training environment, have helped you in school or in life?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-20\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-20-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One major lesson I have learned from sports is the importance of consistency and proper fueling. Nutrition plays a big role in performance, and I have learned that what I put into my body affects my energy, focus, and recovery. That same idea applies to school, because if I am not taking care of my body, I cannot perform well academically either. Also, being in a structured training environment has taught me accountability and discipline. Showing up every day, even when I do not feel like it, has helped me stay consistent with my studying and with handling life&#8217;s responsibilities.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-21&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-21-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-21\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What is one sports science lesson every student-athlete should know that you could share with younger athletes?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-21\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-21-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One important sports science lesson every student-athlete should know is the importance of recovery. Many younger athletes focus only on training hard, but recovery is just as important as the workout itself. This includes sleep, hydration, stretching, and rest days. Without proper recovery, the body cannot repair itself, increasing the risk of injury and decreasing performance. Understanding this early can help athletes have longer careers and perform at a higher level.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/01\/CollinsKevin-Mugs_Template.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-805\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6669871061264973;object-fit:cover;width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/01\/CollinsKevin-Mugs_Template.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/01\/CollinsKevin-Mugs_Template-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_5391-683x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-947\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6669871061264973;object-fit:cover;width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_5391-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_5391-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_5391-768x1151.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_5391-1025x1536.jpeg 1025w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_5391.jpeg 1227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:55.56%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Aniyah Kitt<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-22&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-22-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-22\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What does being a student-athlete mean to you and what is one of your most memorable experience as a student athlete?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-22\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-22-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>To me, being a student-athlete means balancing my performance on the track and in my studies. Having discipline and time management has been a huge factor in my ability to excel in both worlds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of my most memorable moments was my freshman year at the ACC Indoor Championship. This is when the women&#8217;s team became the Indoor Champions, and I became the 200m ACC Indoor Champion. I remember the rush of adrenaline I had and the feeling of joy and accomplishment. Knowing that not only the team&#8217;s efforts but mine as well were worth it. It felt surreal, and I was very grateful to share the experience with my teammates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-23&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-23-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-23\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What lessons from sports, particularly related to areas such as nutrition&nbsp;or training environment, have helped you in school or in life?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-23\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-23-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Some of the biggest lessons I have learned from sports are discipline and accountability. Being part of a team environment has taught me accountability because, although track is more of an individual sport, I still represent my team and work with them toward a common goal: winning. This mindset has helped me become more responsible and take ownership of my actions in everyday life, such as setting high expectations for myself in my schooling. I have also learned the importance of consistency and recovery. Being disciplined and taking care of my body properly after training is essential to performing at my maximum capacity while staying healthy and efficient. This includes proper hydration, sleep, and nutrition. Overall, these habits have helped me not only in my sport but also in maintaining balance and focus in other areas of my life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-24&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-24-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-24\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How do you use sports science or data to improve your performance?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-24\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-24-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I use sports science to track my splits in practice and on film and identify areas for improvement and error. This allows me to identify what I need to keep doing and working towards, and what I need to fix and strengthen. This can also be applied in the weight room to track my progression and strength. All this data helps me become the best version of myself and compete at a high level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:55.56%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Daniel Kidd<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-25&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-25-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-25\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What does being a student-athlete mean to you and what is one of your most memorable experience as a student athlete?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-25\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-25-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Being a student-athlete means operating at a high level in multiple demanding environments simultaneously: academics, athletics and professionally while maintaining discipline, accountability, and consistency every day. It\u2019s about managing time effectively, staying mentally resilient, and showing up even when it\u2019s difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of my most memorable experiences was competing after working through an Achilles injury. That moment reinforced what being a truly student-athlete means to me: trusting the process, staying disciplined in recovery, and still performing under pressure. It wasn\u2019t just about the race, but about overcoming adversity and executing when it mattered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-26&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-26-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-26\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How do you use sports science or data to improve your performance?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-26\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-26-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Split times and race modeling to assess efficiency across each segment (e.g., 0\u201330m, 30\u201380m, 80\u2013200m)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strength and power metrics in the weight room (force production, explosiveness)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recovery data like soreness, fatigue, and training load to avoid overtraining<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biomechanics (posture, stride frequency, ground contact) to improve efficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, I\u2019ve focused on staying patient through 0-30m and hitting top speed later in the race, which has directly improved my performance. Data allows me to train with intention rather than just effort.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-27&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-27-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-27\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What is one sports science lesson every student-athlete should know that you could share with younger athletes?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-27\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-27-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One key lesson is: recovery is just as important as training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many younger athletes think improvement comes only from pushing harder, but performance actually improves during recovery. Without proper recovery, like sleep, mobility and nutrition, you increase injury risk and limit performance gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding load management, listening to your body, and prioritizing recovery strategies (like mobility work and proper warm-ups) is what allows you to stay consistent and improve long-term.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/daniel-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-948\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6669871061264973;object-fit:cover;width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/daniel-scaled.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/daniel-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/daniel-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/daniel-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/daniel-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/daniel-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1706\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_4319-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-949\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6669871061264973;object-fit:contain;width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_4319-edited-scaled.jpg 1706w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_4319-edited-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_4319-edited-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_4319-edited-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_4319-edited-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_4319-edited-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1706px) 100vw, 1706px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:55.56%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Shanque Williams<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>UPIC Beyond the Game Intern<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-28&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-28-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-28\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How do you balance academics and athletics?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-28\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-28-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Honestly, it\u2019s not always easy. Some days I feel like I\u2019m rushing from class straight to practice and then trying to finish work late at night. What helps me is staying organized and not procrastinating, because once you fall behind, it gets stressful fast. Being a student-athlete has forced me to be more disciplined with my time. I\u2019ve learned how to prioritize what needs to get done, even when I\u2019m tired. It\u2019s definitely a grind, but it\u2019s made me more responsible overall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-29&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-29-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-29\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How do you use sports science or data to improve your performance?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-29\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-29-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I don\u2019t always think about it as \u201csports science\u201d in the moment, but I use it a lot without realizing it. For example, I pay attention to my times, how I feel during workouts, and how my body responds after practice. If something feels off, I know I need to adjust\u2014whether that\u2019s getting more rest, eating better, or changing how I train. Even small things like focusing on my form or recovery can make a big difference. It\u2019s about training smarter, not just going hard every day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-30&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-30-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-30\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What is one sports science lesson every student-athlete should know that you could share with younger athletes?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-30\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-30-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One thing I wish more athletes understood is how important recovery is. A lot of people think working harder every day will automatically make you better, but<br>that\u2019s not always true. If you\u2019re not getting enough sleep or taking care of your body, your performance is going to drop. I\u2019ve learned that rest days, stretching, and even just listening to your body are just as important as practice. Taking care of yourself is what helps you stay consistent and improve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Shan<\/strong>tae Foreman<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-31&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-31-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-31\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How do you balance academics and athletics?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-31\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-31-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Balancing academics and athletics takes extreme discipline and focus. You have to make a lot of sacrifices: put aside a lot of things in terms of enjoyment and going out with friends; put your academics and your mental health first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-32&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-32-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-32\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">What is one aspect of sports science that you believe helps you the most during your athletic career?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-32\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-32-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>To be honest, nutrition. I had to change my diet, where and how I eat, the amount I eat, and the time I eat, and it was really challenging. But if I were younger and knew it would affect how I perform, I would have looked into it more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0538-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-952\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6670011036420187;object-fit:contain;width:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0538-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0538-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0538-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0538-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0538-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0538-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>April 6 each year is National Student-Athlete Day. The Institute is proud to support Clemson student-athletes through the UPIC Beyond the Game program. Meet our spring interns and some of their colleagues from Clemson Athletics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4292,"featured_media":955,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63147,63180,181],"tags":[62377,10,63159],"coauthors":[63181],"class_list":["post-943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-clemson-athletics","category-students","tag-brooks-sports-science-institute","tag-clemson-university","tag-interns"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/04\/IMG_0549-150x150.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/943","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4292"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=943"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/943\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=943"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=943"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":935,"date":"2026-03-30T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T07:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/?p=935"},"modified":"2026-03-30T13:50:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T13:50:33","slug":"clemson-baja-saes-2026-vehicle-build-nearing-completion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/2026\/03\/30\/clemson-baja-saes-2026-vehicle-build-nearing-completion\/","title":{"rendered":"Clemson Baja SAE\u2019s 2026 vehicle build nearing completion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>By Nathan Inman<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2420\" height=\"1816\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-AB0B9269-E6DF-48B6-9A39-C1E62D1E8DA9.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-938\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3326240595789953;width:429px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-AB0B9269-E6DF-48B6-9A39-C1E62D1E8DA9.jpeg 2420w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-AB0B9269-E6DF-48B6-9A39-C1E62D1E8DA9-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-AB0B9269-E6DF-48B6-9A39-C1E62D1E8DA9-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-AB0B9269-E6DF-48B6-9A39-C1E62D1E8DA9-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-AB0B9269-E6DF-48B6-9A39-C1E62D1E8DA9-1536x1153.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-AB0B9269-E6DF-48B6-9A39-C1E62D1E8DA9-2048x1537.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2420px) 100vw, 2420px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A Clemson Baja student welds the chassis together.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As the semester is entering the home stretch, so too is the newest vehicle build for Clemson Baja SAE. After months of designing, the vehicle is now in its final stages of the build phase as the team prepares to compete in a competition in New York this June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The RHBSSI sat down with Nicholas Roessler, a freshman automotive engineering major and the team&#8217;s chassis lead and head welder, to discuss how the build has progressed over the semester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe new build&#8217;s coming along well,\u201d he said. \u201cWe&#8217;re kind of in the final steps of welding together our chassis. Suspension is finally getting finalized, so we can start making the suspension and figuring out where it goes on the car.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-516B1F33-1D46-4F76-9F3F-BFB2792965FE-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-937\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7499961852445258;width:275px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-516B1F33-1D46-4F76-9F3F-BFB2792965FE-768x1023.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-516B1F33-1D46-4F76-9F3F-BFB2792965FE-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-516B1F33-1D46-4F76-9F3F-BFB2792965FE-1153x1536.jpeg 1153w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-516B1F33-1D46-4F76-9F3F-BFB2792965FE-1537x2048.jpeg 1537w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-516B1F33-1D46-4F76-9F3F-BFB2792965FE.jpeg 1816w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sparks fly as a team member welds sections of the frame together.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As the chassis lead, Roessler is responsible for ensuring the chassis meets the standards required for the vehicle to handle the rough terrain it will encounter in competition. If one thing went wrong with the chassis, it could derail the entire build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that in mind, Roessler said he understands the important responsibility placed upon him and is confident that the chassis will be able to handle whatever is thrown its way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDriver safety is the most important thing to us, 100%,\u201d he said. \u201cAs I&#8217;m getting there, and as I&#8217;m designing the chassis, that&#8217;s the main thought. We really can&#8217;t chance having something break, and so structural integrity is definitely the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roessler mentioned that throughout the semester, one particular challenge with the chassis has been making it entirely in-house. The team has primarily focused on not outsourcing any development and on making the vehicle entirely student-built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere&#8217;s a learning curve to kind of bending our own tubes, and there&#8217;s been a lot of mistakes actually putting the chassis together, but we&#8217;ve kind of got it figured out and on a roll,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-0FB55363-A688-4954-99D3-224AFB419D47-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-936\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7499961852445258;width:298px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-0FB55363-A688-4954-99D3-224AFB419D47-768x1023.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-0FB55363-A688-4954-99D3-224AFB419D47-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-0FB55363-A688-4954-99D3-224AFB419D47-1153x1536.jpeg 1153w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-0FB55363-A688-4954-99D3-224AFB419D47-1537x2048.jpeg 1537w, https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-0FB55363-A688-4954-99D3-224AFB419D47.jpeg 1816w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Components are arranged on a work surface prior to assembly.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When Clemson Baja last spoke with the RHBSSI, the team focused on a brand-new test track under construction for them to test their newest build right here in Clemson. Roessler says the track will help the team ensure all the pieces are in place for the build to hold together before they compete in June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;ll probably be one of the most beneficial things that has happened for Baja in a long time, he said. \u201cWe&#8217;ll be able to actually test our vehicle, and that way, if anything fails, hopefully it fails with the shop five minutes away, and not in Rochester, New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the build nears completion, the team has its sights set on June 11 for its first competition in Rochester with the new vehicle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Nathan Inman As the semester is entering the home stretch, so too is the newest vehicle build for Clemson Baja SAE. After months of designing, the vehicle is now in its final stages of the build phase as the team prepares to compete in a competition in New York this June. The RHBSSI sat [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3675,"featured_media":938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63147,63178,181],"tags":[],"coauthors":[63150],"class_list":["post-935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-motorsports","category-students"],"fimg_url":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/files\/2026\/03\/processed-AB0B9269-E6DF-48B6-9A39-C1E62D1E8DA9-150x150.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3675"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=935"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/935\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=935"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/brookssports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]