Clemson Football: Dabo Swinney Ladies Clinic Recap

Clemson football held it’s 10th annual Dabo Swinney Ladies Clinic this past weekend and it was the biggest ever. 

Over 3,000 women bought tickets for the 2018 Dabo Swinney Ladies Clinic, and the attendance was the largest ever.

The All-In ladies event is held to raise money and awareness for cancer research while helping the ladies get more acquainted with football and each other through drills, meet and greets, shopping, games, etc.

Holly Rowe, an ESPN reporter and cancer survivor, was the guest speaker for the annual event that has raised over $500,000 since 2009 and this year, another $350,000 was raised. Of the $350,000 total, $250,000 is for a mobile mammography van to help detect breast cancer and $100,000 is donated directly to the Oconee Memorial Hospital.

Rowe tweeted this on Sunday, “First Class all the way! So thrilled to be helping raise money to fight cancer for @ClemsonFB. The Dabo Swinney Ladies Clinic off to a great start!!! (Maserati pick up was extra nice touch 👌🏼).”

With all the money raised, the clinic received a little criticism around the social media circles, due in part, to a dance and a few muscle flexes from the players. But according to one lady, who wanted to remain anonymous to avoid social media hawks, everything was in good fun and the goal of the evening was met.

"The players were having fun, showing off and hamming it up for the ladies. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, it didn’t seem like many attendees had issues with it. There was plenty of shopping to do out in the concourse area, if anyone felt uncomfortable and wanted to leave the room at any time. It infuriates me that people always manage to turn something positive like the Ladies Clinic, which raised $350,000 to purchase new mammogram equipment for Oconee County Hospital and a second mobile mammogram bus that gives women who do not have insurance free mammograms, into a negative, ridiculous, unnecessary drama."

By the way, this also happened at the action packed event. I guess you never know what you will see at the Ladies Clinic and, specifically, at Howard’s Rock. On this day though, another ‘Rock’ ruled for one lucky lady.

Despite the criticism, this was another successful fund raiser for cancer research at Clemson University and this event will only get bigger and in my opinion, it may eventually require two days and be broken up into two groups.

Layla Ewald, a Clemson alum, who traveled from Charlotte, NC, gave us an even closer look into the clinic by sharing her experience through words and photos.

Q: How many times have you been to Dabo’s Ladies Clinic?
Ewald: Surprisingly, this was my first visit!! It always falls right around my birthday and my son’s birthday, so we usually have lots of stuff going on that weekend. This year, I said I’m clearing the schedule for Ladies Clinic weekend!

Q: Why was it so important for you to attend this year’s clinic?
Ewald: I was waaayyy overdue!! This was the first year, I could work it out with my schedule, and all of the ladies in our tailgating crew were able to attend too. It was a must that we all experience it together.

Q: Favorite area or areas of the Football Complex?
Ewald: The entire Complex is amazing! It was beyond awesome to see behind the scenes where all of the magic happens. I was in awe walking the halls in the footsteps of greatness, seeing where the team prepares for games, and getting an idea of what a day in the life of our players and coaches looks like.

Images from the “This Is Why We Work” video, which always gives me chills, were playing in my head, as we explored the weight room and the indoor practice facility. I loved admiring all of the trophies, accomplishments, and accolades on display. I also loved the outdoor space. It would be so cool to hang out there. I have no idea how a recruit could visit and not want to be a part of the Clemson family!

Q: Best part of the Ladies Clinic experience?
Ewald: I have described our experience at the ladies clinic as magical! I don’t know how else to describe it. It was one of the best days ever!

My favorite part of the day was right after we got there and our group was asked, if we wanted to participate in a video shoot for the recruiting segment of the clinic. The shoot was to show how they make the fun hype videos for the recruits. We said, absolutely, without a second thought, and were All-In! For the shoot, we were suited up with jerseys, gloves and a football and channeled our best recruit poses. Epic! It was definitely the highlight of our day.

— Rubbing The Rock (@RubbingTheRock) July 24, 2018

Q: The Ladies Clinic is growing and this was the largest crowd ever. Let’s see, you ladies already have bachelorette weekends, Vegas trips, and girl trips, in general. Will the Dabo Ladies Clinic be the next trip that men have to mark on the calendar?
Ewald: Definitely! We all plan to go back. It is a must for all Clemson ladies out there! It was the perfect girl’s weekend trip.

Q: Favorite player or coach that your group met?
Ewald: All of the players and coaches, I met were so gracious, friendly and happily signed the book I bought for my little boy and posed for pictures.

I get a real kick out of watching Adam Smotherman hold back Brent Venables during games, so when I had the opportunity to take my picture with Adam, I asked him if I could hold him back. He laughed and said, I guess so. It’s such a funny pic that my husband wants me to frame it.

We at Rubbingtherock would like to thank Layla Ewald, her friends and the anonymous contributor, who all plan to be back in 2019 to have fun, raise money for a great cause and support an event that makes a difference in many lives every year.