Clemson Women’s Basketball Inks Five New Tigers From Transfer Portal
Clemson, S.C. – Clemson women’s basketball Head Coach Shawn Poppie announced the addition of incoming portalers Mackenzie Nelson, Taliyah Henderson, Jenna Lawrence, Edie Clarke, and Yakiya Milton on Thursday.
MACKENZIE NELSON 2025-26 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Averaged 8.0 points per game, 5.7 assists per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, and 1.4 steals per game during the 2025-26 season at Virginia Tech.
0 assist-to-turnover ratio ranked second nationally.
Nelson’s 5.7 assists per contest in 2025-26 ranked second in the ACC and 17th
Recorded 22 five-plus assist games (three 10-plus assist outings), nine double-digit scoring games, nine five-plus rebounding performances, eight games with three-plus steals, and a pair of double-doubles.
Put up a career-high 18 points and a career-best 12 assists in first career-double double at Florida St. (Dec. 18).
Recorded second career double-double (10 points, 11 assists) in regular season finale at Virginia (Mar. 1).
http://instagr.am/p/DVb0S96CQYh
Named to All-ACC Women's Basketball Academic Team.
Named to the 2026 KayYow Servant Leader Class.
Coach Poppie on Nelson: “Mackie is a true floor general. Her ability to push the pace and be a playmaker for herself and others stands out. Mackie was one of the best guards in the country in the assist-to-turnover ratio last season. She’s a veteran of the ACC, and her skillset mixed with how much of a competitor she is makes her a perfect fit here at Clemson.”
TALIYAH HENDERSON 2025-26 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Recorded five double-digit scoring performances, a quartet of five-plus rebound games, three three-plus steal performances, and a single three-plus assist outing.
Matched a career/season best 13 points three times against UNC Greensboro (Nov. 23), Louisville (Dec. 14), and SMU (Feb. 12).
Shoot 100% from field goal range three times (Minimum five field goals made) and BU (Dec. 7), Louisville (Dec. 14), and SMU (Feb. 12).
Coach Poppie on Henderson: “Taliyah is a playmaking scorer who adds great size on the perimeter. She plays with a non-stop motor, which allows her to make so many winning plays. Taliyah is a former track athlete, and her speed will allow us to play out in transition while utilizing her ability to create mismatches in the half-court. With her strong work ethic and our program’s focus on player development, the sky is the limit for Taliyah here at Clemson.”
JENNA LAWRENCE 2025-26 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Named to the CSC Academic All-District Team.
Member of the SEC Women’s Basketball Student Leadership Council.
Recorded 12 double-digit scoring performances, a pair of 20-plus point games, 12 five-plus rebound games, two three-plus block games, and a single double-double.
Logged a career-high 26 points against Arkansas Pine Bluff (Nov. 7) and shot 5-of-5 from 3-point range.
Recorded a double-double against Stephen F. Austin (Dec. 20) with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Coach Poppie on Lawrence: “Jenna adds a lot of versatility to our front court. With her length and skill set, she can play multiple positions. Jenna can really shoot the basketball, which sets up her ability to score off the dribble. Jenna will benefit greatly in our system that relies heavily on a skill set to space the floor. With our player and ball movement, she will get plenty of opportunities to help our program next season.”
EDIE CLARKE 2025-26 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Averaged 7.5 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per contest, 2.0 assists per game, and 2.1 steals per contest during the 2025-26 season.
Logged 10 double-figure scoring games, eight three-plus steal contests, seven two-plus block games, and six four-plus assist outings throughout the 2025-26 season.
1 steals per game ranked third in the WCC (67 total steals ranked 4th in the league).
9 blocks per game ranked seventh in the Western Coast Conference (WCC).
Recorded first career double-double (17 points, 11 career-best rebounds) against San Diego (Mar. 5) in the first round of the 2025-26 WCC Tournament.
Scored a career-high 18 points against Portland (Dec. 28).
Coach Poppie on Clarke: “Edie adds much-needed length in our front court. She can score inside and out. Edie is also a great passer, which will benefit everyone around her. I believe she can become an elite defender in our system by protecting the paint with her athleticism and length. She has improved each year in college, and I expect the same growth here at Clemson.”
YAKIYA MILTON 2025-26 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Recorded five six-plus point outings, a pair of three-plus block performances, and grabbed five four-plus rebound games.
Logged a career-best 12 rebounds and two steals against Portland (Nov. 18).
Blocked a career-high four shots against Cal. Poly (Dec. 18).
http://instagr.am/p/DWKBnwAEYgg
Coach Poppie on Milton: “Kai has an unbelievable upside. Her length and athleticism stick out immediately when you watch her play. Immediately, her ability to defend multiple positions, protect the rim and rebound the basketball will help our team. With that said, her offensive ability will blossom under our player development.”
