April 5, 2001
It did not take Bob and Lynn Dobson long to make a decision. They had been considering creating an IPTAY Endowment. As is often part of this process, the Dobsons wanted to recognize a deserving person in Clemson’s Athletic Department.
As regular attendees at Clemson volleyball matches, they knew members of Clemson’s team and the coaching staff. Over time they had come to be friends with head coach Jolene Hoover and her family.
So, it became an easy decision for the Dobsons.
Last week, it was announced that Bob and Lynn Dobson had created an IPTAY Endowment in honor of Jolene Hoover.
“What a wonderful program that hasn’t been recognized,” said Bob Dobson at a recent dinner recognizing Hoover and the Dobson family. “Jolene is an outstanding coach who is an outstanding lady.
“We have seen how she works with the girls. She teaches them more than to be just athletes. She teaches them how to be young ladies as well. Additionally, Jolene has a wonderful family.”
The Dobsons have two children. Scott Dobson, who is a third generation Clemson graduate now studying at the Medical University of South Carolina, and his wife, Meredith, are expecting a child in August. Melanie Dobson, who is a Furman graduate, is a third-year divinity student at Duke University.
“We had wonderful parents and we are blessed by our children,” Dobson said.
His father, the late Lawrence Dobson, was a ’34 Clemson graduate and a peach farmer in Greer, SC. A longtime IPTAY member, Lawrence Dobson was honored two years ago when his widow, Emily Dobson, and family created an IPTAY Endowment in honor of the Athletic Department’s grounds and landscaping crew.
Bob Dobson graduated from Clemson in 1968 (EE) and two years later earned a Masters degree. The Dobson reside in Seneca, SC.
Senior Associate Athletic Director Dwight Rainey, who oversees the Olympic Sports at Clemson, highlighted some of Hoover’s accomplishments and then detailed some that may not be apparent.
“Jolene is Clemson’s all-time winningest volleyball coach. But she and her family bring more than just W’s and L’s. Jolene is a role model for young people. She has a tremendous work ethic. She and her family are a great fit for Clemson.”
Hoover, who earned a Masters degree from Clemson in 1998, and her husband, Dave, have two children: Hayley (8) and Carley (5). Hoover came to Clemson in 1993.
“She came to interview with us from Western Maryland College, which is a Division III school,” Rainey recalled. “After her interview, we did not talk with anyone else. We knew she was the one.”
Hoover’s coaching success at Clemson now confirms Rainey’s initial impressions. Among Clemson’s achievements under Hoover’s direction are:
— 1999 ACC Regular Season Champions — 1997 ACC Champions — Five NCAA Tournament appearances — Four ACC Rookie of the Year selections — 1994 ACC Coach of the Year selection — 15 All-ACC honorees — A 71 percent winning percentage against ACC competition.
Before Hoover’s arrival, Clemson had a 41 percent winning percentage and had never been to the NCAA Tournament.
“I am honored and humbled that you have attached my name to this wonderful gift you are giving to the Clemson University Athletic Department,” said Hoover. “It is greatly appreciated.
“We have enjoyed getting to know the Hobson family.”
Dobson said the Endowment represents his gratitude to Clemson University for his education and what the school means to his family.
“We are very blessed and we are fortunate to be able to give something back to Clemson University,” he said. “Clemson has done an awful lot for me and I appreciate it.”
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