Clemson’s Nia Newberry ’27 Builds Foundation for Pro Tennis Career by Supporting Women’s Team Operations and Mentoring Young Athletes

When you think of high-level college athletics, you might picture packed stadiums, intense training, and elite athletes battling it out for glory. But behind every successful team is an intricate web of support staff working tirelessly to ensure that every practice, travel schedule, training session, and match goes off without a hitch. For Nia Newberry ’27, a student manager for the Clemson Tigers Women’s Tennis Team, being part of that support system has been more than just a campus job—it’s become a launchpad for a future in professional tennis operations.

At first glance, Nia blends seamlessly into the dynamic buzz of Clemson athletics. Whether she’s tracking logistics for the team’s next away match, supporting coaching staff with player data, or organizing gear before a morning practice, her presence is steady and reliable. Yet her ambitions go far beyond her current role. Speaking with her, it’s immediately clear that she is using every task, every moment, and every interaction as a learning experience—one that will prepare her for the complex and rewarding world of sports management at the professional level.

“My experience working with the Women’s Tennis Team at Clemson University has shown me all the moving parts within college and professional sports,” Nia says, reflecting on her role. “Before this opportunity, I never realized the magnitude of the behind-the-scenes activities required to manage an elite sports team.” That eye-opening realization came early in her time with the team, as she began to grasp just how much coordination, communication, and problem-solving is required to keep the program running smoothly. From scheduling transportation and meals to assisting coaches with practice setup and equipment, Nia quickly learned that there’s no detail too small when it comes to team success.

More than just a logistical challenge, Nia sees her position as a chance to develop the wide range of skills necessary for a career in player services. Her dream? Working at major events like the US Open and other Grand Slam tournaments, where athlete support is critical to performance and experience. “My experience as a student manager for the Women’s Tennis Team gives me a unique opportunity to be hands-on with the daily operations of a high-level athletic program,” she explains. “My role is to step in wherever needed—serving the team and adding value to the program.” That adaptability and dedication are exactly the traits that make for an effective leader in the demanding world of professional sports.

Though Nia’s passion for operations and logistics is strong, it’s her heart for coaching and mentorship that truly shines. In addition to her work with the team, she’s also deeply involved with the Tiger Tennis Camp, where young players get to train under the guidance of Clemson athletes and staff. It was here, in the quiet moments away from competition, that Nia experienced one of her most rewarding coaching experiences to date.

“In January, two young campers reached out to tell me they had made their middle school team,” she recalls, a proud smile forming. “Seeing them return this summer has shown me that the impact I am making on these young players is a reward, not just a summer job.” That simple but powerful interaction confirmed for Nia that her influence extends far beyond campus boundaries. It’s about planting seeds of confidence and skill in the next generation—something she doesn’t take lightly.

It’s rare to find a college student so deeply committed to both the strategic and human sides of sports, but Nia brings both in equal measure. Her ability to juggle multiple roles, while staying focused on long-term goals, is a testament to her discipline and clarity of purpose. As she continues to learn and grow under the mentorship of Clemson’s coaching staff and athletic leadership, Nia is building a personal blueprint for a career that’s equal parts passion and precision.

Even in the fast-paced, often chaotic environment of Division I athletics, Nia stands out not just because of what she does—but because of how she does it. Teammates and coaches alike note her calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence. She doesn’t seek the spotlight, but her impact is felt across every level of the program. Whether managing inventory before an away match or taking time to inspire a young camper, Nia’s approach is the same: serve, support, and strive to improve.

That mindset is already positioning her for success far beyond Clemson. With every match-day experience, every practice she supports, and every young athlete she coaches, Nia is refining the tools she’ll need to thrive in the high-stakes world of professional tennis. The stakes may be higher at the US Open or Wimbledon, but the skills—attention to detail, relationship-building, adaptability—are exactly the same.

In fact, Nia’s growing knowledge of operations could be exactly what professional tournaments are looking for. In an era where athlete experience is paramount, and event management is increasingly complex, having someone on staff who has lived the rhythm of a team, understands the athletes’ needs, and can think five steps ahead is invaluable. Nia’s Clemson journey is giving her all that and more.

What makes Nia’s story particularly compelling is how intentional she’s been about shaping her path. She doesn’t view her role as a steppingstone to something vaguely sports-related. She knows exactly where she wants to be—on the professional tennis circuit, contributing behind the scenes to ensure elite players can focus on performance. And with every task she takes on at Clemson, she’s moving closer to that vision.

Still, for all the future aspirations and professional goals, Nia remains grounded in the present. She knows that every interaction, every challenge, every chance to make a difference counts. Whether it’s making sure gear is packed correctly or answering questions from a nervous camper, she brings her full attention and energy to the task. That’s the kind of focus that not only earns respect—it builds legacies.

As the Clemson Women’s Tennis Team continues its climb toward national prominence, it’s clear that the program’s success is about more than athletic talent. It’s about culture, commitment, and community—all of which Nia Newberry helps to foster daily. She may not hold a racket on the court, but she’s just as crucial to the team’s success. And in doing so, she’s writing her own story—one of quiet leadership, deep passion, and a future that’s as bright as the courts she helps manage.

With three more years at Clemson ahead of her, the road is still unfolding. But Nia is already proving that with purpose, preparation, and heart, the journey can be just as powerful as the destination.