Sydney Minarik and Megan Bornkamp share a story of friendship, perseverance, and ambition that has extended far beyond the soccer field. Their journey began at Charlotte Soccer Academy, where they played against each other as young athletes. However, it wasn’t long before their competitive relationship turned into a strong friendship after attending a Clemson soccer camp. That camp became the starting point of a shared path that would lead them to Clemson University, where they played side by side on the women’s soccer team.
But their bond didn’t stop at soccer. After their first season together at Clemson, they decided to pursue an MBA together. This choice solidified their friendship and positioned them for success beyond athletics. Whether carpooling to classes, collaborating on assignments, or sharing late-night study sessions, they leaned on each other through the challenges of balancing soccer, academics, and career aspirations. “Honestly, the small things are the most memorable,” Sydney shares.
Sydney and Megan both found that their experiences at Clemson extended beyond the field, helping them grow in ways they hadn’t expected. “I gained not only leadership skills during my time at Clemson, but I also learned more about who I am as a person,” Sydney reflects. She credits her teammates and the Clemson culture for fostering an environment where athletes are challenged to excel in their sport and encouraged to develop personally and professionally.
Megan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that being a student-athlete has shaped her perspective. “We are more than just soccer players—it’s who we are off the field that’s more important,” she says. Wanting to make the most of her time at Clemson, Megan took advantage of every opportunity presented to her, ensuring she left the program with a well-rounded experience that would prepare her for the next chapter of her career.
While both Sydney and Megan are passionate about playing professional soccer overseas, their time in the MBA program has helped them explore various career paths and gain valuable work experience.
Megan, who graduated in December, took on an internship at RingoFire, a marketing agency where she gained firsthand experience in creative marketing. “I saw the internship posted on Clemson’s website, and after emailing Brian and making a few connections, I was able to land the opportunity,” she shares. The internship gave her a deeper understanding of the marketing world and allowed her to apply the strategic thinking skills she developed in the MBA program.
Sydney, set to graduate in May, is currently interning with the City of Greenville, where she is learning the ins and outs of effective communication and public relations. “I’ve been able to develop my communication skills and understand how to present and share information with the public,” she explains. She credits Callie Phillips in Career Services for helping her secure the internship, which has given her an inside look at an avenue she hadn’t initially considered.
As they prepare for the next stage of their journey, both Sydney and Megan have their sights set on playing soccer professionally overseas. While their passion for the sport remains strong, they also recognize the value of the skills and experiences gained through the MBA program. Whether they pursue careers in marketing, communications, or another field, they feel confident that their time at Clemson has prepared them for success.
Their advice to current and future students? “Make as many connections as possible to enhance your experience. Networking and building relationships will truly help you in the long run,” they emphasize. Sydney and Megan are living proof that anything is possible- on and off the field- with dedication, teamwork, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
