If you look around any Vanderbilt classroom, odds are that many of the students were high school athletes. Many Vanderbilt students were involved in a laundry list of extracurriculars in high school, but sports were an activity that many saw as a break from the grind of academic life. When you get to college, it may seem like the opportunity to continue playing the game you love starts to fade. But does it? The Vanderbilt Club Sports program begs to differ.
Vanderbilt’s Rec Center provides the structure for over 30 club sports teams, ranging from basketball to ultimate frisbee. Club sports offer athletes a more structured environment than intramural teams, with regular practices and competitions against other colleges in national leagues. Teams are open to both undergraduate and graduate students and typically charge dues of varying amounts. While it may sound like these teams are for experienced players, many welcome anyone willing to commit their time. Beyond the obvious opportunity for exercise, club sports offer numerous other benefits. To learn more, I spoke to some athletes to find out what made their experiences with club sports special.
Will Pho, a sophomore on the club men’s ice hockey team, reports that playing for the team has made his time at Vanderbilt better in numerous ways, from helping him expand his circle to giving him access to unique opportunities.
“The program opens the doors to some really cool experiences, whether that is travel for away games against fellow SEC teams or even playing at Bridgestone Arena [in Nashville] and Truist Field in Charlotte,” Pho said.
Club sports also provide students an avenue to meet people who share similar passions. First-year David Brankovic shared that his time on Vanderbilt’s club rowing team has brought him a slew of benefits.
“It gave me a healthy lifestyle, close friends and a disciplined mindset for training and school,” Brankovic said.
Sophomore Kayla Kornfeld echoes this when describing her time with Vanderbilt’s women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, adding that the experience is made even better by the opportunity to mentor younger students.
“Ultimate [frisbee] has given me a fantastic group of friends while helping me stay active, but it’s also awesome because everyone comes from different skill levels, so I get to teach new players about the sport I love while still getting better myself,” Kornfeld said.
For many, club sports serve not just as the highlight of their week but a highlight of their undergraduate years, giving them a chance to enrich their Vanderbilt experience beyond the classroom.
