Clemson Tigers Women's Basketball Faces Exciting ACC Schedule Under New Coach Shawn Poppie

The Clemson Tigers women's basketball team is gearing up for an intriguing 2024-25 season in the ACC under the leadership of new head coach Shawn Poppie. The conference schedule, released on Thursday, promises a mix of challenging road games and a rare four-game homestand that will test the Tigers' mettle.

Navigating the Competitive ACC Landscape with a Fresh Perspective

Poppie's Homecoming and Ambitious Debut

Shawn Poppie, the former head coach of the Chattanooga Mocs, is making his second head-coaching stop as he takes the reins of the Clemson Tigers program. Poppie, who previously served as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech under Kenny Brooks, has quickly established himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks. During his two-year tenure at Chattanooga, he led the Mocs to two Southern Conference Tournament titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances, showcasing his ability to transform a program and elevate its performance.As Poppie embarks on his Clemson journey, he faces the challenge of navigating the competitive ACC landscape. The Tigers will open their conference schedule on the road, visiting Wake Forest on December 15th, followed by a trip to NC State on December 29th. These early tests will set the tone for the season and provide Poppie with valuable insights into his team's strengths and areas for improvement.

Rare Homestand Offers Opportunity for Growth

One of the highlights of the Tigers' ACC schedule is a rare four-game homestand in the first 12 days of 2025. During this stretch, Clemson will host a formidable lineup of opponents, including Cal, Stanford, Virginia, and Notre Dame. This extended period of home games presents a unique opportunity for the Tigers to establish a strong presence on their home court and build momentum heading into the latter half of the conference slate.The homestand will not only test the Tigers' mettle against top-tier opponents but also allow Poppie to fine-tune his team's strategies and rotations. With the added benefit of playing in front of their home crowd, the Tigers will have the chance to showcase their talent and potentially make a statement in the ACC standings.

Navigating the Expanded ACC Landscape

The 2024-25 season marks a significant change in the ACC's structure, as the conference has added three new schools outside the Eastern Time Zone. This expansion has resulted in an 18-game conference schedule for each team, with each school assigned a travel partner for a home-and-away series.For the Tigers, this means they will visit Cal and Stanford next season, providing them with the unique opportunity to compete against West Coast opponents. Additionally, Clemson will travel to SMU in February, further diversifying their schedule and exposing the team to different playing styles and environments.The Tigers will also face familiar foes, as they are slated to play Georgia Tech twice during the conference season. This home-and-away series against the Yellow Jackets will be a crucial test for Poppie's squad, as they look to establish their dominance within the ACC.

Postseason Aspirations and the ACC Tournament

The top 15 teams in the final league standings will earn a spot in the 2025 ACC Women's Basketball Tournament, which will be held from March 5-9 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. This prestigious event will serve as the culmination of the Tigers' conference campaign and a chance for them to showcase their talent on a larger stage.Under Poppie's leadership, the Tigers will undoubtedly be aiming to secure a spot in the ACC Tournament and potentially make a deep run. The team's performance during the regular season, particularly against the top-tier opponents they will face, will be crucial in determining their postseason aspirations.As the Clemson Tigers women's basketball team embarks on the 2024-25 season, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the program are palpable. With Shawn Poppie at the helm and a challenging yet promising schedule ahead, the Tigers are poised to make their mark in the ACC and potentially earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Fans and supporters alike will eagerly follow the team's journey as they strive to reach new heights under their new coach's guidance.