Isaiah Reid jumping in the air celebaring his goal against Washington.Tiger Tales: Isaiah Reid

Confetti swirled on the field, fans cheered from the stands and the 2021 Men’s Soccer National Championship trophy was presented to the Clemson Tigers. For Isaiah Reid, the defender and forward who led the team to victory scoring both goals to beat Washington 2-0, it was dreamlike.

“It felt surreal…it just felt like we won a tournament. But no, we won the freaking National Championship. It probably won’t set in until I finish playing the game here at Clemson.”

Clemson men's soccer team hold a sign celebrating their championship.

Soccer has been a part of Reid’s life since he was two years old. Reid joined Discoveries Soccer Club in Rock Hill, South Carolina, inspired by his older brother, when he was six years old and never looked back. He later transitioned to Charlotte Soccer Academy in high school. 

“Soccer is all I know,” Reid said. It is the only organized sport he has ever played.

Growing up, Reid rooted for the Tigers and dreamed about playing for the Clemson men’s soccer team. His dream came true sophomore year of high school, committing to play for the University on scholarship as soon as he got home from a successful scouting camp visit to Tigertown.

Over the past three years at Clemson, Reid has proven himself to be a standout. He attributed much of this season’s success to the brotherhood and collective mindset his teammates shared. Everyone believed they could win it all and worked together to fight until the very end. 

“The love and the passion we have for the game and each other was really the main reason why we were able to go the whole way,” Reid said.

Not only has being on the Clemson soccer team made Reid a better athlete, it has also made him a well-rounded individual and student leader. His coaches and teammates focus on self-sacrifice and community involvement. 

“In all aspects of life, they make me better,” Reid said.

A junior sports communication major and business minor, Reid is involved with ClemsonLIFE and the UPIC internship program. As a social media content strategist, you can catch him hosting the “Ask a Tiger” Instagram story series every Wednesday on the @clemsonuniversity account.

Reid looks forward to his senior year and anticipates entering the draft for the American Professional Soccer league next January. He wants to continue to play the game for as long as the game lets him.