CLEMSON — Eight-year-old Kai started to cry when his father, Shawn Poppie, told his family he was taking the job as Clemson’s head women’s basketball coach in March of 2024.
The Tigers’ new coach was initially heartbroken by his son’s reaction, though the emotions were valid. He knew a move from Chattanooga to Upstate South Carolina would not be easy for three young children. It would mean a new school and new friends.
“Dad these aren’t sad tears,” Kai said, slicing through his father’s concerns. “These are happy tears.”
Kai was not worried about a new routine or a new house.