A South Carolina native who once stood on the baseball diamond at Clemson University is now standing in the spotlight of country music. Wales Toney, an Anderson-born former Clemson baseball player, took home a major honor at the 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards held on May 8, 2025. His contribution to a standout country music video earned him the prestigious Visual Media of the Year award.
The video in question was for rising country star Ella Langley’s song “You Look Like You Love Me.” Toney served as the visual director and creative force behind the project, helping shape its emotional tone and visual narrative. The ACM panel praised the video for its originality and strong connection to the song’s message.
“It feels surreal. I grew up dreaming of sports glory, but never imagined I’d be walking across a stage to accept a country music award,” Toney said in an interview shared by GoUpstate on Facebook.
The win marked a full-circle moment for Toney, who originally pursued sports before shifting his focus to film and creative arts. After graduating from Clemson University, he slowly built a name for himself behind the camera, directing visual content and eventually producing music videos.
From Baseball to Broadcast
While at Clemson, Toney was known for his athleticism and dedication to the Tigers’ baseball team. But even during his college years, he showed interest in storytelling and media production. Friends and former teammates noted his habit of recording and editing behind-the-scenes clips of team activities, long before his name would be associated with award-winning media.
That passion led him to explore videography full-time after graduation. What began as hobbyist-level work with local businesses and sports coverage turned into a career in country music visuals — a genre that deeply values storytelling and aesthetic connection with its audience.
The Award-Winning Video
Toney’s award-winning project was part of Ella Langley’s debut year of nominations. Langley stunned audiences and critics alike by winning five ACM awards, including New Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. But it was the Visual Media of the Year win that marked a shared triumph for her and Toney.
The music video features a blend of rustic southern aesthetics, emotionally intense cinematography, and grounded storytelling that mirrors Langley’s raw, heartfelt lyrics. Toney’s vision brought to life a deeply personal and nostalgic representation of young love and self-discovery in the South.
A Proud Moment for Anderson and Clemson
News of Toney’s accomplishment spread quickly across his hometown. Residents of Anderson took to social media to congratulate him, celebrating the local talent making waves on a national stage. Clemson University alumni groups also joined in, highlighting Toney’s unique journey from student-athlete to creative award-winner.
The achievement is a reminder of how diverse the paths to success can be, particularly for students and young professionals considering non-traditional careers.
“It’s amazing to see someone from our community go beyond expectations,” said a Clemson media professor familiar with Toney’s work. “Wales didn’t just follow a dream — he built a new one.”
What’s Next for Wales Toney?
Following the ACM Awards, Toney hinted at more projects already in the works. Though he remains tight-lipped about which artists he’s collaborating with, insiders say his inbox has been flooded with offers since the awards aired.
The ACM Awards ceremony, which aired live from Texas, also brought renewed attention to the growing importance of visual storytelling in music. As the country music industry continues evolving, so too does the role of directors like Toney, who craft the emotional lenses through which fans connect with their favorite songs.
