Author: lorip

By: Mackenzie Duff

        As we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, it’s only right to shout out a team that did some memorable things to finish out 2023. This past season, the Clemson Women’s Soccer Team had a historic year, finishing 18-4-4 overall and earning themselves an appearance in the College Cup for the first time in program history. The team consisted of 25 incredible women who showed up in June for optional training in hopes of building something special. The team committed to training almost their entire summer leading up to pre-season, and their hard work and preparation did not go to waste. As a member of that team, I can confirm that the leadership, culture, and grit of the team was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my 15 years of playing soccer. It would be impossible to talk about the team or its success without mentioning four names who were all selected in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) draft in January. I will be sharing with you their individual achievements and stats, but more importantly, I’m going to highlight the intangibles that these ladies brought to the team.

        At the top of the list is #15 Hal Hershfelt. She was the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, selected by the Washington Spirit. In her career at Clemson, Hershfelt earned herself a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2019, Third Team All-ACC Team in 2020, Second Team All-ACC in 2021 and 2022, and First Team All-ACC in 2023. Additionally, she was the only Tiger selected to the NCAA’s 2023 All-Tournament Team. She was 1 of 2 captains for the Tigers who led by example on and off the field. On the field, Hershfelt was the hardest worker, backbone of the midfield, and “voice” for the team. Before games, she would give an inspirational speech, and if the Tiger’s ever conceded a goal during the run of play, she was the one they turned towards to talk them out of a hole. Off the field, she was a stellar student and an even better teammate. What set her apart from the rest of the group was her love and belief in the team. Hershfelt returned to Clemson for her fifth year because she saw something special in the team, and she made sure that they reached their full potential. Hal was an extraordinary captain for the Tigers and her impact on the program as a young woman and player is something that will never be forgotten.

        The second Tiger to be selected in the draft was Makenna Morris at No. 13. In the 2023 season, Morris led the Tigers in points with 10 goals and 6 assists, totaling for 26 points. She has a long list of accolades, including ACC All-Freshman Team and Second Team All-ACC in 2020/2021, Third Team All-ACC in 2021, First Team All-ACC in 2023, Best XI Second Team in 2023, and United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team in 2023. As the Tiger’s most versatile player, Morris was a fierce competitor, crafty playmaker, and overall offensive and defensive weapon. As impactful as she was on the pitch, she was even more incredible off the field. From her witty personality to her undeniable loyalty, Makenna was loved and respected by everyone. Arguably, the greatest thing she brought to the team was her humor and one-liners. If there was one thing you could count on during practice, it was either A. Makenna was going to meg you (and by you, I mean me) or 2. she was going to crack a joke. Makenna was a once in a lifetime player, and I’m grateful to have gotten to represent the same jersey as her.

        The 32^Nd pick overall and first goalkeeper to be selected in the draft was our very own Halle Mackiewicz. Mackiewicz had an unbelievable senior season with the Tigers, finishing with 13 clean sheets which broke the single season record for shutouts. In her last season, she earned herself the title of 2023 ACC Goalkeeper of the Year and was named a Second Team All-American. She recorded 64 saves in her senior season alone, and saved the team many, many times. Her cat-like reflexes and wicked athleticism left so many spectators speechless after watching her play. Halle was impossible not to love and brought joy to everyone around her. She had such an easy-going, calm temperament that drew people to her, and we used to joke that if you didn’t love Halle, there was something wrong with you. Although shy at first, once you got to know Halle, there was never a time you weren’t laughing or smiling with her. She was a kind, gentle soul off the field and a fearless, brick-wall on the field, and it was honor playing with her. Her legacy at Clemson is one that will never be forgotten, and I’m positive that she will build a similar legacy with the Kansas City Current.

        Last but certainly not least, Caroline Conti was selected by Bay Football Club in the third round of the draft. As a Tiger, Conti earned Third Team All-ACC in 2022 and 2023 and played in 100 total matches in a Tiger uniform. She scored 27 goals and recorded 20 assists in her career, leaving an impressive mark on the stat book. More impressive than her stats, however, was her leadership as our captain. Conti was the team’s biggest advocate, motivator, and everyone’s big sister. When I think of what it means to uphold the values and culture of a Clemson Tiger, she is the first person that comes to mind. Apart from being a special leader, Caroline had a heart of gold and was full of passion. There was rarely a day that she wasn’t smiling unless she happened to lose against me in our daily ping pong matches. She was the perfect balance of a fierce leader and supportive friend, and she set an incredibly high standard of what it means to wear that captain band. I can confidently say that the team and I looked up to Caroline in more ways than one, and we’re excited to see all her future success.

Who is Colleen Hoover? 

 As school started winding down, Colleen Hoover was the first author I picked up. Since then I’ve been on a reading spree. I’m currently reading my 5th book by her and by the time this is published I’m sure I’ll be finished by now. Colleen Hoover is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 20 books. Her books cover a variety of genre’s including, young adult contemporary, romance, indie, even thriller. She’s the third most followed author on Goodreads, behind Stephen King and Bill Gates. Good reads is the “world’ largest site for reader and book recommendations” it allows readers to share books they love and find books that they’ll love. I love reading, especially in the summer. It’s one of my favorite forms of relaxation and entertainment. It forces me to slow down, be present, and enjoy the moment. While I love a good movie or tv show, sometimes I get tired of looking at a screen or just don’t want to at all.

Her most popular book right now “It Ends with Us” was written nearly 6 years ago, but has experienced a “surge” in popularity in 2021. All because of Tiktok! Tiktok has quickly become the new generation’s most used app which does wonders for propelling the success of young entrepreneurs, content creators, and even authors.

Below is my summer reading list and a great start to dive in to Hoover’s work. Check out more about this author online and through her storytelling–she’s amazing!

Summer Reading List: 

1. It Ends With Us 
2. Verity
3. Reminders of him 
4. Ugly Love

-Maylin Lindsey, Fall 2022 Intern

Follow our work here and be sure to check-out our work in these locations:

LinkedIn: Department of Communication-Clemson University
YouTube: ClemsonCOMMChannel
Instagram: @Clemson_Comm
Twitter: @ClemsonCOMM
Facebook. @ClemsonCOMM
Online: www.clemson.edu/communication

Hi Everyone, my name is Dani and as a student-athlete (women’s tennis) at Clemson, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work with Student Athlete Development to build my network and leadership connections beyond the tennis arena. I’m thrilled to share my recent involvement with POWER Leadership Academy.

This past June Clemson athletics, together with IPTAY, took a group of women student athletes and staff to a POWER Chicago trip. POWER is a group of women athletes and staff at Clemson who work on ensure the female student athlete’s college experience is enhanced through ensuring women collegiate athletes at Clemson are provided the same resources and opportunities as the male sports. We spent three days in Chicago and while difficulty parcel down into one post, I will walk you through our trip and the greatest takeaways that I think will benefit all students as we work to become young scholars and professionals.

DAY 1: Style

As soon as we hopped off the plane, we swung by Nordstrom to shop for business professional attire. We all had our own stylists who helped us find the right outfits for us. The biggest take away from there was that one should never be afraid to be yourself, even when you are dressing for professional events. Everyone has their own style and way of expression and that we can channel that expression for multiple settings. For example, I felt more comfortable and worked with my stylist to find brightly colored and fitted clothing while my friend appreciates more muted colors that are bit more breezy. No style is better than another, it just means we all bring something different to the table and can look professional in our own ways.

DAY2: Drop the Doubts

As our first activity, we met with two women who work at IMPROV company. We did various games and talks in order to get comfortable with each other and the work we would be doing.  What I didn’t realize until the end of the session is that I was learning so much about myself, too, because some of our activities really enabled us to open up with one another. The biggest lesson learned there was to never be afraid to be yourself, to show your personality or your emotions/worries. Being a woman, I sometimes believe we think we need to close-up and be the calm one in the room and control our emotions at our best, however, if expressed in the right way, you will see how many people share the same thoughts as you. 

We also had a networking session with a variety of successful women who were top in their fields like marketing, management, law, and so much more. To be honest,  I was worried before talking to them; I did not think there was going to be a flawless conversation or that they would even be interested in talking to me. However, once they walked in and I started conversation with a couple of these wonderful women, my nerves went away, the conversations were quality, and they wanted to know about me. During our conversations they  saw and pointed out so many great skills and characteristics that I knew I had but I didn’t think they were a big deal.  I have learned to not be so critical towards myself and take pride in all the assets that I have and not to doubt myself. I walked in there with so many insecurities, which turned out to be my best qualities, so never doubt yourself!

DAY3:

We visited Gatorade headquarters and our tour guide showed around the offices, explaining that it was emptier than normal because COVID protocols only dictated that employees be in-office for meetings. However, we were able to ask those in attendance many question about the work environment, the skills relevant for the job and the pathways they took to arrive where they are today.  What I realized that so many of these women didn’t even know that they wanted to be in marketing or in whatever they’re doing now. The whole point is that it does not matter where you are now or that you are undecided with what you want to do, it is all about trying and seeing what you like, what you’re best at and exploring until you find what you truly want to keep doing for a long time or as a career. They did not say that college degree did not matter, not at all, however they did say you can work almost everywhere with any college degree if you are someone who is hard working and wants to learn. 

Although I am an undergraduate student, I think the greatest lesson learned is to never be scared to network and we all have valuable qualities and skills–we just have to believe in ourselves–and that can make all the difference.

-Dani Medvedeva, Summer 2022 Intern

Follow our work here and be sure to check-out our work in these locations:

LinkedIn: Department of Communication-Clemson University
YouTube: ClemsonCOMMChannel
Instagram: @Clemson_Comm
Twitter: @ClemsonCOMM
Facebook. @ClemsonCOMM
Online: www.clemson.edu/communication

Also follow Student-Athlete Development on Instagram: @Clemsonsadev

Three new interns are working under the guidance of Dr. Lori Pindar as media communication and engagement interns this spring. Their internship experience in the Department of Communication will include content creation for the departmental blog, YouTube Channel, and other social as well as alumni outreach and interviews, external communication management and upkeep of the departmental newsletter. Learn more about Sophia, Maylin, and Daniella below!

Sophia Wilkins ‘24 | Communication (BA)

Sophia is a rising junior Communication major with a double minor in Brand Comm and Italian! Though she has not been to Italy yet, you’ll catch her there one day speaking the worst Italian you’ve ever heard! This is now her third semester as an intern for the Department of Communication, so you can find her previous work in the blogs, weekly newsletters, and social media posts! Sophia is from New Jersey and will be spending her summer at the Jersey Shore (don’t worry, it’s not like the TV show). Obviously with a Jersey Shore summer comes a passion for tanning, along with fitness and art!

Maylin Lindsey ‘24 | Economics (BA)

Maylin is a rising junior from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and she is majoring in Economics with a minor in Spanish Studies. Although she is an Economics major she loves branching out and trying new things which is what led her tobecoming a Department of Communications Intern and this is her second semester interning with Dr. Pindar. Maylin loves staying active, coffee, and taking care of her wellness, physically and mentally. One of her other favorite hobbies is reading! So, you can catch her reading all of Colleen Hoover’s books this summer while tanning on the beach in Mexico! 

 Daniella Medvedeva ‘23 | Management  (BS)

Daniella is a Junior from Kaliningrad, Russia, however she spent most of her life living in Mallorca, Spain. She is majoring in International Management with a Brand Communications minor. Daniella forms part of the Clemson women’s tennis team. She is very energetic, positive, goofy, and hardworking. This isn’t only her first internship with Dr.Pindar in the Communications Department, but also her first internship ever. Tennis has taken Daniella all over the world, giving her the opportunity to meet a lot of friends, see different cultures, and explore more than 30 countries. This has also helped her be fluent in 4 languages (English,Spanish,Russian, and Catalan) and understand a couple more. This summer Daniella will be spending in Clemson working out, so you can catch her at the Duckworth Tennis Facility.

Follow our work here and be sure to check-out our work in these locations:

LinkedIn: Department of Communication-Clemson University

YouTube: ClemsonCOMM Channel

Instagram: @Clemson_Comm

Twitter: @ClemsonCOMM

Facebook. @ClemsonCOMM

Online: www.clemson.edu/communication

We recognize the research publications, honors, and awards of our faculty on this evolving post. Check back often to see just what our faculty have been up to this past semester.

Distinguished Article | Skye Wingate
Currently an assistant professor, Dr. Wingate received the 2020 Distinguished Article Award from the National CommunicationAssociation’s Social Cognition Division. Her article, “Victims’ Goal Understanding, Uncertainty Reduction, and Perceptions in Cyberbullying: Theoretical Evidence from Three Experiments,” was recently published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, one of the top journals in the discipline.

The National Communication Association (NCA) serves to advance Communication “as the discipline that studies all forms, modes, media, and consequences of communication through humanistic, social scientific, and aesthetic inquiry” (www.natcom.org). As our national organization, this top honor for our faculty is celebrated as an amazing step into a career of important scholarly contributions to the discipline.

Book Release | Greg Cranmer
Greg Cranmer received the Sue DeWine Book Award from the National Communication Association’s Applied Communication Division. His book, Athletic Coaching: A Communication Perspective, was recently published by Peter Lang.

As outline on peterlang.com, this text “provides a foundation for a communicative perspective of coaching in an effort to better understand and promote coach effectiveness. As part of this effort, this book conceptualizes coaching as a communicative endeavor, provides a framework from which to understand coaching effectiveness, and explicates four common perspectives (i.e., instructional, organizational, group, and interpersonal) utilized by communication scholars to examine coaching. Moreover, this book forwards a scholarly agenda for building a holistic framework of coaching and increasing the applied value of coach communication scholarship via methodological and theoretical considerations.”  The text is available today and open and accessible to all audiences including students, scholars and coaches.