Clemson Women’s Basketball: Poised to Turn Upside Down into Upside Up
Clemson WBB | CU Athletics
Preview: 2025–26 season
Clemson, SC — The Clemson women’s basketball program heads into the 2025–26 season with a quiet confidence that comes from rebuilding the right way. After a 14–17 record in 2024–25 and a 6–12 ACC mark, coach Shawn Poppie and his staff have used the offseason to tighten fundamentals, sharpen identity, and emphasize player development. What that looks like on the floor this season is a team that defends with purpose, moves the ball with intention, and expects to be tougher in late-game moments.
Where they were
The 2024–25 campaign was a mixed bag — flashes of promise amid growing pains. Clemson showed the ability to compete in stretches, but inconsistency and a lack of reliable scoring depth kept the Tigers from stringing wins together. Statistically, Clemson’s points-per-game and defense were middle of the pack nationally; the Tigers often moved possessions with patient offense but struggled converting against pressure and in the paint on nights when their perimeter shooting cooled off.
The coaching core and culture
Coach Shawn Poppie’s leadership is critical to Clemson’s trajectory. Entering his second full season as head coach, Poppie has built a staff (Chris Ayers, Sydni Means, and others) that prioritizes both recruiting and development. The program’s off-court emphasis—academic accountability, community ties, and a winning culture—is designed to create steadier on-court results. The message is simple: close out quarters, value every possession, and protect each other on defense. That cultural reset is often the hardest part of a rebuild; Clemson appears to be making progress.
Roster changes & breakout candidates
Clemson returns several players who saw meaningful minutes last season, and the coaching staff leaned into development work over the summer. The roster combines experienced role players with younger scorers stepping into larger opportunities. Watch for guard-forward versatility: players who can attack off the dribble, drive help defenders, and kick to shooters for open looks.
Key improvements to expect:
Defensive intensity — Poppie’s teams want to make opponents uncomfortable, forcing tougher shots and creating turnovers that translate into easy transition points.
Balanced scoring — rather than relying on one go-to player, Clemson aims to share offensive responsibility across its rotation.
Situational toughness — executing in late-clock possessions and the half-court set will be a priority, shrinking the gap between close losses and narrow wins.
Non-conference schedule as a proving ground
The non-conference slate will tell us much about Clemson’s ceiling. Strong early showings against mid-major opponents and a few high-profile tests will set expectations for ACC play. The Tigers need to use those games to build chemistry, test bench rotation, and get comfortable in the grind of a long season.
What success looks like
For Clemson, improvement won’t necessarily be judged solely by wins and losses early on. Success includes:
Consistently competitive halves against top ACC opponents
A measurable increase in defensive metrics (turnover rate forced, opponent points per possession)
A few signature wins that show the team can close and execute under pressure
If the Tigers can get healthier, shoot a touch better from beyond the arc, and convert more late-clock possessions into points, they will turn several close losses from last season into victories this year.
The fan angle
Clemson’s women have an opportunity to expand their profile locally and regionally. The program’s identity—gritty, smart, and together—resonates with fans who want team-first basketball. Expect a lively Littlejohn Coliseum as the Tigers begin ACC play; this season’s narrative will be about growth and the reward for patience.
