Club sports offer variety
Just because a student may not be an NCAA athlete doesn’t mean they can’t represent the University of South Dakota in competition.
USD sponsors and supports nine club sports, including ones both traditional and nontraditional.
Baseball, cycling, fencing, ice hockey, rugby, soccer, paintball, tennis, and Ultimate Frisbee are the sports offered at USD to students of both genders.
“I believe students get involved in club sports because they are looking for that competitive outlet without the same kind of hardcore approach that varsity sports hold,” senior Shea Smith said. “It’s about having fun.”
During her first year, Smith signed up to be a part of the women’s rugby team. She said she wasn’t familiar with the sport at the time.
“I was hesitant because it’s got a reputation as a tough sport,” Smith said. “But I signed up anyway.”
Smith, who is graduating this semester, spent four years on the team.
“The games are a big rush and the team is awesome,” Smith said.
Sophomore Nick Burke is involved with the Ultimate Frisbee team. He’s team captain and president, and has been a part of the team since the fall of 2012.
“I played the sport in high school for fun and was looking for a way to continue playing in college,” Burke said.
Burke said this school year was important in terms of raising awareness for Ultimate Frisbee, one of the newer club sports on campus. Part of this effort is recruitment of potential team members.
“Recruiting is extremely important for our club, because we need players to play the games,” Burke said. “The worst feeling in the world is when you know students want to play a sport but don’t know how to get in contact with the right people to get involved and we are trying to make sure we are not leaving anyone out.”
Smith said the recruitment of first year students is a critical part of the effort in building up a team.
“Freshmen are our number one recruitment audience,” Smith said. “We want people who are open to trying something new and looking to have a good time.”
Burke said club sports do more than just give students a chance to compete, but also give them the ability to gain friendships with their teammates.
“The competition draws them in,” Burke said. “And the camaraderie keeps them coming back.”
