In fall of 2021, a viral TikTok about the creation of a new club at Clemson caused an uproar on campus among Taylor Swift fans. They hoped this idea would become a reality, and thanks to one die-hard Swift fan, it did.
True Liles, the now-president of The Swift Society, posted a TikTok about creating a club at Clemson to bring together the fans of his favorite artist. He received 10,900 likes and hundreds of comments begging for this to happen. Emma Youngblood, a senior marketing major, commented, “When’s the first meeting I’m there.” True knew, after all the positive reinforcement, he had to make this dream a reality.
The process to start a club normally takes a few weeks, but Liles was in a crunch for time. By the time he posted the TikTok and decided to run with the idea, the deadline to start a club that semester was only a week away. Liles knew he could not let the fans down. With his own hard work, and the help of his close friends, Lauren Rickenbach and Itzy Morales, they were able to make it before the deadline. Because of their success, the first club meeting was a major hit, with nearly 100 people.
A typical Swift Society meeting involves sharing Taylor updates, listening to her music and sometimes even Taylor-based games such as “Jeopardy!” or trivia. The executive board incorporates Taylor Swift into fun activities in a way everyone can enjoy, and even learn a thing or two.
This fall the club has continued to take off. After hosting a silent disco in September, the first meeting this year fell on Oct. 10 and was a big turnout. A wave of friendly chatter and Taylor Swift music bounced throughout Brackett 120. At the door sat a stack of papers for each member to fill out songs for nine categories and compare with their neighbors, encouraging people to meet and talk to one another.
Students who have never even met before began new friendships upon walking into that room. Two girls, seemingly best friends, walked in the room together rambling on about Swift. As they were sitting down one girl looked over at the other and giggled, “I’m sorry, I actually forgot to ask for your name.”
Once the meeting started, the executive team introduced themselves and relayed some information about the upcoming semester. They plan to have monthly meetings and new merchandise.
After going through the logistics, the entire room voted on which “Track 10,” the tenth track on each of her albums, was their favorite. The crowd favorite, “Ivy,” was played. While there was some controversy over the results, everyone was immersed in a friendly debate, supporting their selection.
Smiling faces and great energy is what sets this club apart, and first-time members even notice. “I’ve never felt so safe in a room,” explained Abby Giaconia, a sophomore marketing major. “This is the environment I want to be in.” Everyone was genuinely happy to be there and it showed. Members were so invested in what was going on in the meeting. As they talked to one another about Swift, faces lit up and excitement flooded the room.
The same can be said for the silent disco they hosted on Friday, Sept. 23. The club’s first event of the year was an extraordinary way to bring people together.
A line from the Hendrix Center Ballroom spilled down the steps of the building. Eager students kept their eyes on the time waiting for it to hit 9 p.m. Excited chatter rang through the halls as admittance was permitted.
Beyond the ballroom doors sat a table presenting students with a headset upon arrival.
They varied between blue and green, and the colors determined which Taylor Swift channel would play. The channels were divided into Taylor’s country- and pop-style music.
Initially, people formed small circles with their friends, but it didn’t take long for everybody to unite as one. As the mosh pit manifested in the center of the room, the club transformed into a single entity. Moving as one, the ground shook beneath their feet and voices rattled the walls that couldn’t dare to confine them. The screams from the ballroom radiated Swift’s lyrics throughout the entire Hendrix Center.
The event was a massive success, with nearly 300 people in attendance. This assemblage, along with the first meeting which filled up the Bracket classroom, signified a great start to the year for The Swift Society.
This club provides members with ample opportunities to build deeper bonds through their mutual love of Taylor Swift, and many say they have Liles to thank for that. The hard work he put in last year, and has continued to express thus far, is a testament not only his love for Taylor Swift, but also his love for Clemson.
“You don’t have to be the biggest fan in the world,” said Liles. “Whether you know one song, or every song, no matter how big of a fan you are, you are welcome.”
