John Rittman is a Tiger through 2031!
When Clemson announced Thursday that head softball coach John Rittman’s contract was extended through 2031, it wasn’t just another offseason headline. It was a clear sign that what he has built here is built to last.
And if you’ve been around Clemson softball even a little, you know this program has quickly turned into something special.
From “New Program” to ACC Champions
It’s wild to think that just a few years ago, Clemson softball didn’t even exist. Fast forward to this past season, and Rittman’s Tigers were storming back to beat Virginia, Virginia Tech, and powerhouse Florida State to capture the program’s first ACC Tournament Championship.
Oh, and they didn’t stop there. Clemson won its first super regional game, notched a 48-14 record, and locked in its third national seed in four years. This team has gone from “let’s see what happens” to “why not us?” in record time.
And it’s hard to ignore the numbers: over 200 overall wins, 100 wins in ACC play, and 12 new offensive program records just this season alone.
Building Players, Not Just Wins
What makes Rittman’s extension even more exciting for the future is what’s happening with the players who come through Clemson.
Reese Basinger became the first Tiger ever to win ACC Pitcher of the Year, and Macey Cintron became just the second Tiger to take home ACC Freshman of the Year honors. It’s proof that Rittman and his staff aren’t just collecting wins—they’re developing players into some of the best in the conference.
For young players looking for a place to grow and chase championships, Clemson has become a destination. We saw that this year with a young core of players leading the team this past season. And now, with Rittman sticking around, recruits know exactly who will be leading them during their college careers.
Clemson softball will once again have a great young core of players coming in for 2026 to go along with the talented 2025 freshman class from this past season.
Stability in a Changing Game
College sports move fast these days. Between the transfer portal and coaching carousels, stability is rare. Clemson locking in Rittman until 2031 sends a clear message: the culture, energy, and vision that have made Clemson softball a rising power aren’t going anywhere.
That stability matters. Players commit to people as much as they do to schools, and knowing John Rittman is here for the long haul keeps the momentum alive for future recruiting classes.
What’s Next? OKC.
It feels like Clemson has checked off a lot of boxes: winning an ACC title, setting program records, competing at the top of the sport. The next box?
A trip to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series.
The Tigers are right there, knocking on the door, and with John Rittman now locked in, that trip feels like it might be coming sooner rather than later. He’s built this program from the ground up, and now he’s building it to last.
A Program Built to Last With John Rittman
If you’ve ever been to a Clemson softball game, you know the energy at McWhorter Stadium is different. It’s the “Deep End” in right field, it’s kids excited to meet the players after games, and it’s Tiger fans genuinely invested in a team that plays with heart.
John Rittman has created that. And with him leading the charge through 2031, Clemson softball is set up to keep chasing championships while staying true to the culture that made it special in the first place.
The Tigers are here to stay—and with Rittman sticking around, the best days for Clemson softball might just be ahead.
