Our story

Started with a handful of tickets

Big hearts, changing lives — one game day at a time.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill

Where it began

Our History

Founded in February 2025 with a passion for community and a love for Tiger Athletics, our nonprofit began as a grassroots effort to bring the excitement of game day to the youth of Clemson, Seneca, and surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities. What started with a handful of donated tickets and a dream to fill empty seats with cheering young fans quickly grew into a movement—one that connects local youth organizations with the spirit and pride of Clemson sports.

We recognized that the roar of the crowd, the thrill of competition, and the unity of fandom could be more than just entertainment—they could be a catalyst for belonging, inspiration, and joy. By partnering with generous donors and leveraging the power of local networks, we've helped thousands of kids experience the magic of Tiger Athletics firsthand.

Over the years, our mission has expanded beyond the stadium. We've become a bridge between athletics and community, fostering mentorship, shared experiences, and a sense of pride that echoes far beyond the final whistle. Every ticket donated is more than a seat filled—it's a memory made, a dream sparked, and a community strengthened.

Young fans with the Clemson Tiger mascot at Littlejohn Coliseum

Why we do it

Our Mission

At Tigers Give Back, we connect local youth with the excitement of Clemson Athletics by redistributing donated and unused game tickets. Through our efforts, we create unforgettable experiences for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend, fostering a love for sports and community spirit.

With the support of generous donors and partners, we transform empty seats into moments of belonging, pride, and inspiration—strengthening community bonds and empowering the next generation with the values of teamwork, perseverance, and possibility.

Beyond the game-day experience, we strive to inspire the next generation by building lasting connections between Clemson Athletics and the community. Our mission is to not only open stadium doors, but also to open hearts—empowering youth with a sense of belonging, pride, and possibility.

Our vision is a future where every child has the chance to experience the excitement of Clemson Athletics, no seat goes unused, and the power of sports unites our community. We strive to inspire the next generation with opportunities that spark lifelong passions, instill the values of teamwork and perseverance, and open doors to new possibilities—both on and off the court.

Who we are

Our Team

Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world. From our volunteers to our board members, everyone at Tigers Give Back is committed to our mission and the children we serve.

Our founder is a former college coach whose life has been shaped by the values of athletics—teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. With a deep passion for mentoring and giving back, they saw an opportunity to use sports as a bridge to inspire and empower the next generation. Now proud to call Clemson home, our founder has embraced the community with the same commitment they once brought to the sidelines. Through Tigers Give Back, they are devoted to strengthening connections, uplifting youth, and creating lasting change. Looking ahead, they are excited for many more years of Tigers giving back, building community, and changing lives.

Leadership

Board of Directors

Regina Poppie

Founder

Regina Poppie is the Founder and Executive Director of Tigers Give Back. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and Spanish and brings over a decade of experience as a college volleyball coach. In addition to her collegiate career, Regina has dedicated years to coaching youth volleyball with Upward Stars, where she developed a passion for mentoring young athletes both on and off the court. Through Tigers Give Back, Regina combines her love for athletics with her commitment to community, creating opportunities for local youth to experience the excitement and inspiration of Clemson Athletics. She is deeply grateful for the chance to give back and impact the next generation through the power of sports and shared experiences.

Valerie Melvin

Secretary

Valerie Melvin, holding both a Master's and Bachelor's in Applied Mathematics, is an accomplished educator with over 25 years of experience as a mathematics instructor and online educator. Her extensive leadership as secretary for organizations, including community college faculty associations, state mathematics associations, and a non-profit blockchain initiative, reflects her organizational acumen and dedication to advancing educational communities. Valerie is proud to serve as secretary for the Tigers Give Back Foundation, utilizing her organizational expertise to support their mission of fostering community engagement through sports.

Anthony Melvin

Treasurer

Anthony Melvin served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1975 to 1979 before earning a BS in Accounting and an MA in Vocational Education. He held the role of Executive Director of Internal Audit and Loss Prevention for a Fortune 500 firm from 1985 to 2001, leveraging his financial expertise and leadership skills. Later, he transitioned into education, teaching high school courses in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Sports Marketing until his retirement. He is honored to contribute to the Clemson community by serving as treasurer for the Tigers Give Back Foundation, ensuring financial stewardship to support the mission of providing sports tickets to those that might not otherwise have an opportunity to participate.

Brooks Taylor

Marketing

Brooks Taylor brings more than 20 years of experience in communications to Tigers Give Back. His career has spanned roles as Director of Public Relations at Martinsville Speedway, a Public Affairs specialist in the U.S. Army, a television reporter, and now Corporate Communications Officer at Carter Bank. A graduate of Marshall University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Brooks has always been passionate about telling stories that connect people and build community. As a longtime supporter of women's basketball and with a wife working in elementary education, Brooks has seen firsthand how sports can shape young lives. He is passionate about giving kids opportunities to experience the joy, inspiration, and sense of belonging that comes from game day. Through Tigers Give Back, Brooks is committed to helping bring happiness to children who might not otherwise have the chance to cheer on the Tigers. He lives in Virginia with his wife, Ashley and two kids, Emery and Quinn.

Alice Schantz

Board Member

A native of Wilmington, NC, Alice has been passionate about athletics her entire life. A former standout in volleyball, softball, basketball, and track, she carried her love for sports into a lifelong commitment to coaching and mentoring youth. With over 20 years of experience, she has inspired countless young athletes, encouraging them to discover the value of teamwork, discipline, and community through sports at an early age. Now residing in Seneca, SC, Alice is a true light in the Clemson community. Whether she's cheering on the Tigers in Littlejohn Coliseum or watching Tiger athletics from home, her enthusiasm never wavers. Her warmth, dedication, and lifelong devotion to athletics make her an invaluable part of Tigers Give Back, where she continues her mission of making sports accessible and impactful for youth.

Jena Smith

Board Member

Jena Smith is the CEO of a health workforce information services company that partners with universities, state governments, and nonprofits to use data to empower communities. She brings a decade of leadership in this field, following earlier roles in marketing and communications. Originally from Montana, Jena and her husband Zach fell in love with the upstate during a three year cross country RV trip around the U.S. Now rooted in Seneca, Jena mentors youth through Ripple of One and Ann Hope United Methodist Kids Church. A super-fan of women's basketball and a supporter of all athletics, Jena knows that sports build confidence and character. She believes Clemson University offers local children an incredible opportunity right in their backyard, yet access isn't equal for every family. Her favorite pastime is opening doors to athletics, often by taking kids to their first Clemson game and watching the spark ignite.

Partners

Our Teams & Partners

Tigers Give Back is honored to partner with Clemson Women's Basketball to provide ticket opportunities for local youth and community organizations. At this time, these tickets are available by request. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our partnerships to include additional revenue sports within Clemson University Athletics. We will continue to share updates as these opportunities grow, furthering our mission of connecting youth with the excitement of Clemson Athletics.

The basketball court at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum

A large Clemson paw flag waved at a basketball game

Join us

How to get involved

You can donate your unused or extra Clemson Athletics tickets, make a monetary contribution to help us purchase additional tickets or provide game-day experiences, or suggest local youth organizations that could benefit from attending games. Even the simplest actions make an impact — help us spread the word by liking, commenting, following, and sharing our content on social media.

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