Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
Major/Minor: Business Management
Year: Sophomore
Other Organization Involvement: Spanish Professional Society, Pi Beta Phi, Central Spirit
Why did you choose to come to Clemson?
Both my parents came to Clemson, and I was raised seeing pictures from Clemson, watching football games, and going to Homecoming. I was definitely born and raised a Clemson tiger. However, during my junior and senior year of high school, I actually really want to go to USC. It’s funny because I’m now probably one of the biggest Clemson fans you’d ever meet. During my senior year, I toured Clemson again, and the home feeling I got drew me back to this university. I realized I wanted that close-knit “college” experience in this college town rather than just any typical experience in a big city. Obviously, it has been a great time to be a tiger especially with all the success in sports the past few years.
What is your favorite part about this university?
If I could pick just one, I would have to say the Clemson family. It’s a real thing. It’s just not when I’m in Clemson, but it’s when I leave Clemson and wear any Clemson gear. I was the Pentatonix concert in Greenville this past week, and my friend and I were freaking out because the rankings had just come out. The guy in front of us turned around, and we had a full-on conversation about Clemson and football right in the middle of the arena. The Clemson family is everywhere! I also love how we extend our family toward not only the Clemson fans, but also the opposing fans. The Clemson family wants everyone to feel welcomed, and that’s definitely special.
What is Central Spirit?
Central Spirit is a premier sports organization on campus that supports the non-revenue sports on campus. We provide a student section at most sporting events throughout the year. We also keep some of the traditions on campus alive such as the First Friday, Homecoming, and $2 bills. For football games, we paint-up, do the flags, and organize the balloon release before kickoff.
What favorite Clemson tradition?
I love the tradition of the $2 bills and the story behind them. In 1977, Georgia Tech wanted to stop playing Clemson. To show how much of an impact our team and fans have on the home team’s economy, Clemson fans stamped $2 bills and used them around town when they went to the Georgia Tech game. Georgia Tech realized how much playing Clemson impacted their town, so we keep playing them. Since the, it’s been a tradition to stamp $2 bills for every away game and to show the away cities how much Clemson fans bring to the events. It shows the fan’s hospitality.
How did you first get involved in this organization? And why did you want to become a part of it?
I got involved in Central Spirit this year so my sophomore year. Before First Friday, I dropped out of rush and got more involved in Central Spirit. I knew I wanted to rush a sorority (I later joined the colonizing chapter of Pi Beta Phi), but I also wanted to branch out as well. Central Spirit is the second largest student organization behind FCA, and I realized it would be a great way to meet more people. I love the opportunity to be a part of such a great organization that prides itself on good sportsmanship. It also allows you to be as involved as you want. We support the Clemson Tigers without tearing down the other team. The teams and coaches really appreciate it especially when we support the teams that don’t get much attention normally.
What is the best part about Central Spirit?
I love going to all the sporting events and giving the athletes the support they need and need. There’s a difference between the crowd’s at women’s basketball versus men’s and soccer versus football. I love being in a good crowd in the stands to cheer them on.
How has Central Spirit influenced your life at Clemson?
Central Spirit has made me get out of my shell. It showed me good sportsmanship as a spectator and has made me involved in all Clemson sports. It has allowed me to be a friendly face at games, and it has brought me some really good friends. I also have received a lot of free stuff like t-shirts and water bottles from going to the games.
What is your favorite memory so far?
Definitely rushing the field after the Louisville game. The environment was unreal. It was so loud! Everyone was thrilled especially with ESPN Gameday being that day. Singing the alma mater with our arms around each other in the middle of Death Valley is when I feel we really bond as a school
On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love football?
I would say “4” since that’s Deshaun’s number, but obviously, that’s too low a number for my love. It’s more like an 11. I always say that the most dynamic duo is Dabo and Deshaun.
With acceptance letters beginning to be delivered to the Class of 2021, what would you say to our future tigers?
Once you being the college adventure, cherish each and every moment. Make friends at orientation and branch out. Enjoy living in the dorm. It’s going to go by so fast. I’ve had my best memories at Clemson, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
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Instagram: a.banks
Twitter: abbyeubanks
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Facebook: Central Spirit
Instagram: cu_centralspirit