Club sports offer more than athletic experience

When I was a kid, my grandmother always told me there was one thing she hoped to pass down to me: the love of baseball.

Ever since I can remember, my family has always put baseball as a top priority, whether it was watching major league on TV or heading out to the local games.

To my grandmother’s relief, baseball stuck with me, even years later. It is still my favorite sport to watch, and it’s so great to see support for the game even at The University of South Dakota.

This year the USD club baseball team has gone 0-4, but is remaining hopeful for the rest of the season.

Something good for the team this year is the addition of 12 players. After only graduating four members last season, this is a huge step in the right direction.

Although being a young team brings its own drawbacks, the addition can only benefit the program for future years.

I have spent the last two years reporting sports coverage for the The Volante and The Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan, so I’ve had the chance to watch many teams grow and progress.

I can’t wait to watch the progression of club baseball, but also the other club sports here at USD.

Props to all of the clubs that manage to thrive on their own and give students the opportunity to participate in something bigger than themselves.

Not every student has the time needed to commit to a school-sanctioned sport, so it’s great when they can get the chance to participate in any way possible.

Lacrosse also began their season recently, and despite a rough start to their season, the team members are remaining hopeful for the rest of the season.

Few of the members have much experience, but that’s only another benefit club sports provides. Students have the chance to simply go out and have fun — no pressure.

Not only is participating a great way to have fun, students can gain real skills from working with a team: time management, organization, leadership, problem-solving and communications skills just to name a few.

Support the students involved in club sports. Attend a game if you can, give them a shout-out in between classes or even join one yourself. There are numerous benefits waiting.