Pro Tigers
Pro Tigers is a groundbreaking initiative launched by IPTAY to strengthen connections with Clemson’s rich athletic legacy. This program strategically focuses on marketing and fundraising by uniting IPTAY with former Clemson athletes who have achieved success as professional athletes. The initiative highlights the remarkable accomplishments of these athletes, not only celebrating their journeys but also leveraging their influence to promote IPTAY’s mission. Pro Tigers creates opportunities to serve the former athletes of Clemson while also offering them a platform to give back and reinforce their pride in being lifelong Tigers.
Clemson University, Clemson Athletics, and IPTAY are deeply committed to fostering meaningful engagement and unwavering support for our athletes throughout their collegiate journey. However, as these individuals transition beyond their time at Clemson, it is essential to ask: what is our long-term strategy to sustain and strengthen the relationships cultivated during their years here? How do we continue to invest in their success and maintain their connection to the Clemson family, ensuring that this bond endures far beyond the bounds of their athletic careers?
The Pro Tigers initiative focuses on strengthening the lifelong connection between former Clemson athletes and the university. By advancing and enriching relationships and connections, the program ensures that alumni feel valued and engaged well beyond their playing days. Simultaneously, it aims to cultivate a culture of unwavering support and pride in Clemson, creating a network of professionals who champion the Clemson brand in their personal and professional lives. This dual approach not only reinforces the bond with alumni but also solidifies Clemson’s reputation as a lifelong community.
The Clemson EON— Experience, Opportunity, Network — embodies the core pillars of the Pro Tigers initiative. This framework is designed to provide former athletes with unparalleled access to meaningful experiences, transformative opportunities, and a robust professional network. By aligning these elements with the Clemson spirit, EON ensures that alumni are equipped to thrive personally and professionally, all while fostering a sense of pride and connection that endures beyond their time on campus.
The Pro Tigers Initiative thrives on collaboration across key pillars of Clemson’s ecosystem, as depicted in this organizational chart. With leadership from IPTAY, Athletics, Head Coaches, Overtime, and University Advancement, the initiative integrates expertise, resources, and vision from every facet of the Clemson community. This structure ensures that former athletes benefit from a comprehensive support system, bridging their Clemson experience into lifelong relationships and opportunities.
Grady Jarrett and Spencer Strider exemplify the success of former Clemson athletes who were deeply invested in during their collegiate years, equipping them with the tools to excel as student-athletes. However, bridging the transition between their time at Clemson and their professional journeys is of paramount importance. These athletes should experience Clemson’s unwavering support at every stage of their lives, reflecting a commitment to meet them where they are now. Whether it’s showing up to support them at their games, attending key events tied to their personal or professional endeavors, or engaging with their closest inner circles, the Pro Tigers initiative is rooted in cultivating relationships that evolve and deepen over time. By fostering this enduring connection, the initiative not only strengthens the bond between Clemson and its athletes but also inspires them to give back as key stakeholders to IPTAY, ensuring a legacy of support for generations to come.
