Editors' Note: The following profile features Anthony Clayton (Alpha Chi/Syracuse 2025). Clayton serves as a guard on the Syracuse men's basketball team.
Being a Division I athlete comes with a full schedule, high expectations, and a tremendous amount of time management skills —making a fraternity experience a bit more uncommon among today’s collegiate athletes. But Anthony Clayton is breaking the mold. As #12 on the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team and a brother of Alpha Chi Chapter, Anthony is proving that leadership, brotherhood, and athletic excellence can not only go hand in hand, but service one another. In this exclusive Q&A, we sat down with Anthony to talk about his journey as a student-athlete, what drew him to Theta Chi, and how he manages to balance life on the court with life in the chapter house.
Q: Where are you from originally, and what attracted you to Syracuse?
A: I’m from Albany, New York, and I attended Shaker High School as well as Avon Old Farms School for Boys in Connecticut. What really drew me to Syracuse was the campus — it had an incredible atmosphere. The strong community support and passionate fan base stood out to me, along with the opportunity to be part of a school with great academics, a strong basketball program, and vibrant Greek life. Plus, being close to home was definitely a bonus.
Q: What originally attracted you to Theta Chi?
A: What attracted me to Theta Chi was the strong brotherhood — I felt like I could truly be myself without having to fit into any stereotypes. The volunteer work and commitment to giving back really stood out to me as well since I genuinely enjoy helping others. The alumni network was another big factor, offering great connections and opportunities. And, of course, the beautiful house at 711 Comstock made it even more appealing.
Q: What's been your favorite Theta Chi memory?
A: My favorite memory is our annual event that honors the memory of our late brother, Patty O’Neill. We use this event to celebrate his life and promote cancer awareness. A portion of the proceeds from our t-shirt sales is donated to his family. It is an amazing experience to have collegiate brothers and alumni come together to celebrate his legacy. Spending a beautiful spring day with everyone, enjoying the camaraderie, and also having the opportunity to give back made it even more special. It was a perfect mix of brotherhood, tradition, and community, and it really reinforced why Theta Chi means so much to me.
Q: It’s not as common as it used to be to see D1 athletes in fraternities. Has it taught you anything about time management?
A: Yes, I’ve learned a lot about myself, especially when it comes to time management and planning ahead. Being busy has taught me how to prioritize and sacrifice when needed, and I make sure to plan my weeks in advance to maximize my free time. My brothers all know I have a packed schedule, but I still make the effort to be around as much as possible. At the same time, they’ve been incredibly supportive—coming to my games and cheering me on, which has made my experience even more special.
Q: Do you have any advice for other student-athletes about joining fraternities, or any advice for chapters trying to recruit student-athletes?
A: For student-athletes considering joining a fraternity, my advice would be to keep an open mind. Greek life is an incredible outlet that provides valuable connections outside of sports and really helps expand your network. It also offers a deeper connection to your campus and community. Sometimes athletes tend to stick to just their teams and maintain a smaller circle, which is perfectly fine, but I really enjoyed the chance to broaden my horizons.
For chapters looking to recruit student-athletes, I’d recommend emphasizing flexibility and the importance of balance. Let athletes know that your chapter supports them in managing their commitments and encourages involvement in various activities. It’s essential to show that your chapter embraces student-athletes and pushes them to stay engaged and contribute in meaningful ways.
Q: How long have you been on the team and what’s been your favorite game?
A: I’ve been on the team for three years, and my favorite game has to be beating UNC last year. We were predicted to lose, but we pulled off the win, and the fans stormed the court—it was an unforgettable moment. Seeing my teammates and my fraternity brothers out there celebrating together made it even more special. It was one of those experiences that reminded me why I love the game so much.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I’ll be working at Prudential Investments as a Senior Sales Support Associate, where I’ll be training to become an internal wholesaler. I’m excited to be moving to New York City for this opportunity and look forward to growing in this role.
Q: As you prepare to graduate, what are you most proud of from your time at Syracuse?
A: I’m incredibly proud of my journey, from graduating from a great school, to being part of an amazing fraternity, and competing on a Power 5 basketball team. It hasn’t always been easy, and there have definitely been ups and downs, but this is my life story, and I wouldn’t change a thing. The experiences I’ve had have taught me so much about myself, and I know I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family, my brothers, and my teammates.