In her first season sporting the orange and purple, Marian Collins has already proven that she belongs on the big stage. But it’s not just her impressive stats that have fans and teammates taking notice, it’s her poise, leadership, and maturity beyond her years that set her apart.
We had the chance to talk with the freshman shortstop for an exclusive interview, where she opened up about her growth, leadership, and favorite moments in what’s been a memorable debut season for the Marietta,Georgia native that wears No.5 for the Tigers.
Learning to Slow the Game Down
Transitioning from high school to ACC-level softball is no small task. The speed, the pressure, and the stakes are all heightened. For Collins, the adjustment wasn’t just physical, it was mental as well.
“Since arriving at Clemson, I have learned how to slow the game down,” Collins said. “The pace of the college game was much faster than what I was used to. Now, I have learned how to take it one play at a time.”
That mental shift has made all the difference. Despite being a freshman, she’s hitting like a seasoned veteran posting a .345 batting average, a .438 OBP, and slugging at a .669 clip. Her stat line includes 11 doubles, a triple, 11 home runs, and 39 RBIs, numbers that place her among one of the top offensive threats on the roster.
A Freshman Leader at Shortstop
Shortstop is arguably the most demanding position on the field—physically and mentally. It’s a leadership role by nature, and Collins has embraced it fully, even in her first year at Clemson.
“First, by putting in the work every day to make sure that I am prepared for my role,” she said. “Second, I focus on being the best teammate that I can be and doing whatever it takes to help my team.”
It’s that team-first mindset that resonates through the dugout. Whether she’s making a diving stop or cheering from the dugout, Collins leads by example.
The Night She’ll Never Forget
April 15th, 2025. A packed crowd at McWhorter Stadium. Clemson vs. South Carolina. Rivalry, drama, and electricity in the air.
That night, Marian Collins etched her name into Clemson lore.
“My favorite game this season was the South Carolina game at home,” Collins said. “The atmosphere was electric, and it was a huge win against our in-state rival.”
She didn’t just play well—she took over the game. Going 2-for-4 with two home runs, Collins hit the walk-off blast that lifted the Tigers to a thrilling 2-1 victory in nine innings, sending the Clemson faithful into a frenzy with a victory over the in-state rival Gamecocks.
It was a moment that captured everything about her season—clutch, composed, and unforgettable.
Family First: Inside Team 6’s Culture
Clemson Softball’s identity has always centered around family and close relationships. For a young program still carving out its place in college softball, that unity has been a cornerstone, and Collins feels it every day.
“After starting the season slow, our team chemistry really grew once we were able to trust each other with every play and push through the hard times together,” she said. “Team 6 has continued to place a high priority on our family culture that was established with the start of the Clemson softball program.”
That bond has helped fuel a late-season surge, as the Tigers gear up for a deep postseason run.
Marian Collins: Locked In for the Postseason
With her first college postseason just around the corner, Collins isn’t shying away from the moment. If anything, she’s leaning into it.
“My mindset going into my first postseason as a Clemson Tiger is to do whatever it takes to help my team have a long successful playoff run,” she said. “I also am going to rely on all the work I have put in this season to maintain my confidence, energy, and focus.”
If her regular-season performance is any indication, postseason Marian might just be even scarier.
The Future Is Bright
As Team 6 writes its final chapters this spring, one thing is already clear: Marian Collins isn’t just a piece of the future—she’s a cornerstone. With elite talent, a team-first attitude, and leadership qualities well beyond her freshman label, she’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting players to watch in the ACC.
And if April 15th was any preview of what Marian Collins can do in high leverage situations, the best moments of her Clemson career are still to come.
