Note: The following appears in the Troy football gameday program.
Long snapper Holden Caspersen is in his fifth season with the Tiger program and has 44 games under his belt. Beginning as a walk-on in 2021, Caspersen has stood out as a reliable member of the Tiger special teams, and in 2024, he played a key role in Clemson’s ACC title and CFP berth.
The Roswell, Ga. native’s football journey began in third grade. While initially drawn to the sport because it was his favorite to watch on television, as time went on, he explained why he stayed interested.
“What kept me drawn is being a part of a team and building relationships with guys from different backgrounds and walks of life. Being able to connect with people is what it came down to, and the relationships are what kept me.”
For Caspersen, it was the culture Head Coach Dabo Swinney instilled into Tiger football that drew him towards Clemson. After witnessing the excellence of the program and its supportive, genuine culture as a prep player, Clemson quickly became his dream school.
Recalling the moment he received a preferred walk-on offer from the special teams coach of his dream university brought a bright smile to his face, a moment he cherishes five years later. His eyes brightened as he recalled those moments after receiving the offer, when he ran downstairs into his mother’s arms and her happy tears. It still stands as one of the happiest moments of his life, and in recollection, remains intensely “surreal” in his mind to this day.
He quickly saw the program’s benefits, including Swinney’s leadership.
“It’s special that we have someone in a program who values us as human beings rather than just a number in a sense. He is someone who impacts us and cares genuinely about our lives.”
He admitted he may sound a little “cheesy,” but his favorite aspect of daily practice is being around the people.
“We’re able to connect and bond with people from all over the country towards one goal, and we’re all here for the same reason.”
He also enjoys the “pursuit of excellence” that the team expects of him.
“I have to be perfect. I have to be on point and the pursuit of trying to be perfect. I love that.”
When asked, there was no hesitation in naming his favorite game and play of his Clemson career…the 2024 ACC Championship Game win over SMU. Caspersen was an integral part of the legendary and season-altering play that won the Tigers a spot in the College Football Playoff, a 56-yard walkoff field goal by Nolan Hauser.
“Being a part of that game-winning kick was something you dream of. It’s something I’m never going to forget in my life. It was super special. Seeing all the emotion and what happened after the game was so cool.”
Caspersen described the significant special teams play as “a top moment in his life.”
Off the field, Caspersen earned his bachelor’s degree in finance in only three years and is currently working towards his MBA.
Caspersen reflected on one of the biggest lessons his Clemson experience has taught him.
“Control what you can control.”
No matter what life and football throw at him, Caspersen has attempted to block out any worry about external forces and what other people say and do.
“It’s all about how you can control and your attitude in that situation. I try to be fully present and enjoy the moments as they come and not get overwhelmed by external forces that you can’t control.”
Caspersen’s college career has been marked by his precision, devotion and gratitude, and the student-athlete will take every win, every memory and every lesson from Clemson football long into his career after football.
