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The visit to Clemson’s campus was truly an unofficial one for Ali DeSpain.

It was the summer before DeSpain’s junior year, and she was helping her older sister move in to begin attending classes at Clemson. DeSpain wasn’t really considering Clemson as an option for herself at the time, but that changed in a hurry.

Blue Chip Senior Ali DeSpain Has Signed with Clemson
© Fritz Moore/Avos Studios LLC

“Right when I walked on campus, I felt like I belonged. I loved it right away,” said DeSpain, a South Carolina native. “I never imagined that I would end up at Clemson just because I thought I wanted to go somewhere out of state in the South. But there was just something about it once I got there. I met with the coaches and they were just so positive and supportive. It just felt like the right move for me.”

The blue chip senior signed with Clemson in January, ensuring her parents will only need to make one trip to visit their children in college.

“I am close with my sister, so it will be nice to have her at the same school and be able to see each other more,” DeSpain said. “It’s only four hours away from home, so that will definitely be much easier for my parents.”