CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Marion Reeves and Mary Kennerty have been named Clemson’s recipients of the 2024 ACC UNITE Award, which was created in 2021 to honor individuals affiliated with the league who have made an impact in the areas of racial and social justice. Over the past several decades, both Reeves and Kennerty have served as trailblazers of history amongst Clemson’s Athletic Department.
Marion Reeves and his legacy included being Clemson’s first African American football player after enrolling at the University in 1970 from Irmo, S.C. As a sophomore in 1971, Reeves came off the bench to record two interceptions from his defensive back position in a 17-7 win over rival South Carolina in Columbia. He moved into a starting position for the first seven games of his senior year in 1973 before an injury ended his season.
After earning his Clemson degree, Reeves played one year in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, before playing a couple seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He currently serves as Pastor of the Pleasant Spring AME Church in Irmo, S.C.
Mary Kennerty was a founding member of women’s varsity athletics at Clemson. Fifty years ago, Kennerty was named the first varsity Head Coach of both the women’s tennis and women’s basketball teams in their inaugural seasons in 1975-76. Under her leadership, the first women’s basketball team finished 14-11, and the women’s tennis program went 9-6. Kennerty transitioned to coaching only tennis for the 1977-1982 seasons, guiding the program to a 133-47 record. Four of her teams finished with a top 20 ranking, and she also coached Clemson to its first women’s ACC team title in 1981.
During the 2024-25 athletic season, Clemson is celebrating its 50th year of women’s athletics centered around the phrase ‘She will Triumph’ that honors the rich history of the people and events that have made Clemson Athletics what it is today. Kennerty’s contributions were foundational to the 12 women’s sports Clemson now sponsors.
Read more from ClemsonWorld on Kennerty’s impact on Clemson Athletics
The winners will be celebrated throughout the 2024-25 athletics season.
About the ACC UNITE Award:
The UNITE Award is an initiative of the ACC’s Committee for Racial and Social Justice (CORE – Champions of Racial Equality) and was developed and approved by its 18 member institutions.
The UNITE Award is presented annually to individuals who:
Clemson ACC UNITE Award Recipients:
