Four Clemson Tigers Softball Players Earn Prestigious All-ACC Tournament Team Honors After Impressive Postseason Performances on the Diamond
The Clemson Tigers softball program has taken another giant step forward in its rise to national prominence, as four of its standout players were named to the All-ACC Tournament Team following the conclusion of the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Softball Tournament. The recognition serves not only as an individual accomplishment for each player but also as a powerful testament to the team’s growing consistency and elite presence in one of college softball’s toughest conferences.
The All-ACC Tournament Team, which honors the top-performing players during the conference tournament, is chosen based on performances that significantly impact games, showcase leadership, and contribute to team success. For Clemson, having four athletes selected to this elite group sends a strong message about the depth, resilience, and championship-caliber mindset that head coach John Rittman has cultivated throughout the season.
Each of the four Tigers who earned their spot did so in a manner that captured the attention of fans, media, and opponents alike. From dominant pitching displays to clutch hitting and defensive brilliance, Clemson’s stars made their presence known on every inch of the field. And while the Tigers fell short of capturing the tournament title, their players’ efforts were undeniable and reflective of a program built to contend for championships year in and year out.
Leading the charge for Clemson was junior pitcher Millie Thompson, who anchored the Tigers’ efforts from the circle with her trademark poise and command. Thompson was nearly untouchable in her appearances, mixing pitches masterfully and keeping even the most dangerous ACC lineups guessing. In her start against a nationally ranked Florida State squad, Thompson delivered a complete-game masterpiece, allowing just one earned run while striking out seven. Her ability to work through jams and keep her composure under pressure has been a hallmark of her game since arriving at Clemson, and the All-ACC Tournament honor is a fitting reward for what was arguably her most complete stretch of softball this season.
But Clemson’s strength wasn’t limited to the mound. Senior catcher and emotional leader McKenzie Clark was another Tiger who earned a well-deserved place on the All-Tournament Team. Known for her powerful bat and relentless work behind the plate, Clark made her presence felt in every game. She blasted two home runs during the tournament and drove in six runs, including a crucial go-ahead double in the quarterfinal round. Clark’s defensive contributions were just as valuable; her ability to frame pitches, block balls in the dirt, and throw out would-be base stealers gave Clemson’s pitching staff the confidence to attack hitters without hesitation. Her leadership and passion for the game were contagious, setting the tone for a team that refused to back down.
Joining Thompson and Clark was sophomore infielder Alia Logoleo, whose performance on both sides of the ball drew widespread praise. Logoleo’s glove work at shortstop was nothing short of spectacular, as she made multiple highlight-reel plays, including a leaping snag on a line drive that likely saved two runs in a narrow victory over Virginia Tech. Offensively, she showed patience and power, batting over .400 for the tournament with several key hits that kept Clemson’s offense alive in tightly contested games. Her versatility and competitiveness were on full display, and the recognition she received reflects her status as one of the ACC’s rising stars.
Rounding out the group of honorees was freshman outfielder Jada Goodloe, who emerged as a breakout performer during the tournament. Goodloe brought a jolt of energy to the Tigers’ lineup, reaching base in every game and creating havoc with her speed. She led Clemson in stolen bases during the tournament and came through with several timely hits, including a walk-off single that clinched a dramatic win in the opening round. For a player in her first postseason experience at the collegiate level, Goodloe’s composure and impact were remarkable. Her future is bright, and her inclusion on the All-Tournament Team signals that she’s already arrived as a force in the ACC.
Together, these four players represent a diverse set of skills and personalities, but each shares a common bond through their commitment to Clemson’s team-first culture and relentless pursuit of excellence. Their selection to the All-ACC Tournament Team underscores the balance and competitiveness that defines the Tigers’ roster, and it’s a clear indication that Clemson is not just producing stars — it’s producing winners.
For head coach John Rittman, the success of his players comes as no surprise. Since taking over the program in its infancy, Rittman has focused on building a foundation rooted in accountability, development, and resilience. This season, those pillars were evident in the way his team responded to adversity, executed in high-pressure situations, and supported one another from the dugout to the field. While Clemson fell just short of the conference crown, the individual honors earned by Thompson, Clark, Logoleo, and Goodloe provide a glimpse into the level of talent that has been cultivated in the program.
“It’s an honor to have four of our student-athletes recognized on the All-Tournament Team,” Rittman said after the awards were announced. “Each of them played with heart, determination, and incredible focus. These young women represent everything we want our program to stand for, and I couldn’t be more proud of their performances.”
Clemson’s deep showing in the tournament — including thrilling wins and tightly fought contests against traditional conference powers — has also served to boost the Tigers’ national profile as the NCAA Tournament approaches. With strong performances from both seasoned veterans and emerging underclassmen, the Tigers appear poised to make a serious run in the postseason. And with four All-ACC Tournament Team selections, it’s clear that Clemson has the star power and supporting cast to challenge anyone in the country.
Moreover, the tournament provided a valuable test for the team, revealing both areas of strength and aspects that will need to be sharpened ahead of NCAA Regional play. Clemson showed the ability to manufacture runs in a variety of ways, from power hitting to aggressive baserunning. The pitching staff, anchored by Thompson but supported by a deep bullpen, demonstrated depth and adaptability, which will be critical in a tournament setting where teams often play multiple games in short spans.
Off the field, the recognition for Clemson’s quartet has resonated with the program’s fans and alumni, many of whom took to social media to celebrate the honors. For a relatively young softball program, moments like this carry significant weight, reinforcing the legitimacy and staying power of what Rittman and his staff have built. These honors also aid in recruiting, as high school prospects see not just a pathway to playing time, but a track record of development, exposure, and success.
Perhaps even more important than the accolades themselves is the message these four players send to their teammates. Their achievements are a reminder that consistent effort, preparation, and belief in the process pay off. Whether it’s a seasoned senior like Clark putting the finishing touches on a storied career or a freshman like Goodloe bursting onto the scene, Clemson’s All-Tournament honorees reflect a culture that values both the individual and the team in equal measure.
As the Tigers turn their attention to the national stage, they do so with momentum and confidence. The lessons learned and the recognition earned in the ACC Tournament will only sharpen their edge. They’ve already proven they can compete with — and beat — the best in the ACC. Now, the spotlight gets bigger, and so do the stakes.
But if this past week is any indication, Clemson won’t back down from the challenge. With players like Thompson, Clark, Logoleo, and Goodloe leading the charge, the Tigers have every reason to believe that even more history can be made in the coming weeks.
As postseason softball heats up, one thing is certain: Clemson isn’t just participating. Clemson is here to win. And thanks to the remarkable performances of four of its finest, the Tigers are roaring louder than ever.
