Club sports are the backbone of Eagle athletics

by AMANDA SHEWARD

Senior Writer

For students wanting to continue their athletic involvement in college without the commitment required to be an NCAA Division III player, UMW’s club sports programs offer an increasingly popular alternative that allows students to stay active, build community and partake in various sports in a more flexible environment. 

“I was never good enough to play college but still loved the sport,” said Jack Mahoney, a junior communication and digital studies major who joined the men’s club soccer team his freshman year and is now team president.

UMW currently has 17 club sports teams who practice regularly and have the opportunity to travel across Virginia and other parts of the country for competitions with other university club teams. All club sports are student-led, with presidents overseeing practices instead of coaches. Each sport only practices a few times a week and usually has a game on the weekend.

Harsha Ravuri, a senior communication and digital studies major, joined club volleyball his freshmen year after playing for several years before the pandemic.

 “That was the first club I was looking to become a part of at UMW,” he said. 

Through his experience on the club volleyball team, Ravuri has found an environment that encourages all players to enjoy themselves and stay positive throughout the season.

 “Our team atmosphere is incredibly positive and collaborative,” he said. “We enjoy working together, supporting each other, and celebrating our achievements as a team.” 

While being involved with a club sports team allows students to continue playing at a competitive level and build lasting friendships, it also offers students an opportunity to gain leadership skills that translate to all aspects of life. This year is Mahoney’s first as club soccer president and he says it brings significantly more responsibility.

“I am the president now and it definitely takes up a good chunk of time both physically, going to all the practices and games, and a lot mentally just throughout the day, thinking of practice plans, potential roster, tactics, etc.,” he said. 

While the team is dedicated to winning, maintaining an environment that lets students enjoy the game is just as important.

“There is definitely some competitiveness, and we take it pretty seriously, but overall, it is a very chill and positive atmosphere,” said Mahoney.

For club sports, there is a balance between competitiveness and camaraderie which can help impact students’ college experience. 

“Being part of the club volleyball has impacted me in a positive way,” said Ravuri. “It helped me build connections and great friends. It helped me gain leadership experience and showed me how to communicate with others.”

Rachel Nelson, a senior business administration major, has been playing soccer since she was five years old. For her, joining the women’s club soccer team in her freshman year was about more than just staying active. 

“Club soccer gives me the flexibility to prioritize school work while still playing the sport I love,” she said.

Nelson also emphasized the camaraderie of her team. Her experience underscores the role club sports play in fostering strong social connections and teamwork among college students. 

“Being a part of club soccer is one of the best parts of my college experience,” she said. “Without club soccer and the people I met from it, I probably would have transferred schools.”