John Rittman on Clemson's health entering NCAA Tournament: 'We're healthy'

Clemson softball coach John Rittman is quite confident in his team going into the NCAA Tournament based on health.

For the first time in quite a long time, the Tigers are practically at full strength. Clemson takes on Southeastern Louisiana Friday in the NCAA Regional to kick off the tournament.

Despite coming off a loss to Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals, Clemson is rolling as of late.

“We’re healthy and that’s a good thing,” Rittman said. “You know we in years past we’ve kind of limped into the postseason and this year we’re healthy and knock on wood we’re ready to go.”

Recently, Clemson’s been a regional host in its short history as a Division 1 program. But some lulls this year sent the Tigers on the road.

Rittman was asked if it was disappointing not to stay at home in 2024.

“Definitely you know, but our body of work did not give us that opportunity this year,” Rittman said. “And we kind of need that. You know, when we lost to Duke at the ACC tournament, that (was) probably our best chance to win the tournament. 

“So when we lost we knew we were probably going to get sent on the road but you know, it’s tough, you know, to be a top 16 seed. It’s not easy. But I love where we’re at right now. I’m just very opportunistic about our opportunity and looking forward to a great postseason run.”

Last season, Clemson went 49-12 and got to the Norman Super Regional after making the one in Stillwater in 2022. Other than the canceled season after starting 19-8 in 2020, Rittman led Clemson to the postseason each year.

Is another Super Regional or better in the cards in 2024?

“Super excited for our team to experience the postseason again,” Rittman said. “This is our fifth year of existence and it never gets boring. Obviously the season has had its ups and downs. We fought through some adversity, some injuries, but like I told our team, we’re battle tested. We’re ready for postseason. Certainly look forward to the challenge of going back to Tuscaloosa.

“Our first round opponent is against Southeast Louisiana. So we’ll start doing some homework on them. I know they beat Ole Miss, which is a common opponent of us. So we’ll we’ll start working on the scouting report on them.”

Rittman’s been the coach since Clemson officially moved up to varsity play in 2020. The consistency is real.

“I’m very grateful to be a part of Clemson University, and to have the support we have here,” Rittman said. “And I told our team, you know, not everybody gets to experience the postseason, we’ve worked our tails off for this opportunity and just want them to feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity. (Want them) to get hungry about going to win another championship. So very excited for the NCAA Regionals and really proud of our team and the way we fought this year to get to where we’re at right now.”