My Favorite Club and Intramural Sports

Finding fun ways to work out on campus has always been easy. I’ve tried the weekly boxing class with instructor Bob and my best friend Meera, I’ve gone hiking with friends through the Pittsburgh Connections program and I’ve even taken dance classes hosted by different clubs around campus. However, my favorite way to get exercise is through club and intramural sports. These activities give me a consistent schedule, help me carve out time to see friends, stay active and have fun. 

For those unfamiliar, intramural sports are teams that play within the university community, while club sports are competitive teams that play against other schools in a larger league. 

I’ve had the chance to join a few intramural teams for both soccer and basketball, and I always leave these games with a massive smile on my face. I have not played basketball since middle school, and while my shots and dribbling still show it, that’s never what matters most. The teams are co-ed and focused on enjoyment, not perfection. My teammates encourage me to take risks, whether it’s a shot or a fancy move (even though it’s only worked once!). Intramural sports have helped me meet new people, wave to familiar faces in the hallways, and feel more connected on campus. Next on my list to try: intramural spike ball. 

In addition to intramural, I play on the women’s club soccer team. This team has become one of my most valuable communities and support systems on campus. We practice twice a week for about an hour and a half, and travel to games on weekends. Because I grew up playing club soccer, I immediately felt at home in this setting. I’ve developed close friendships during long drives, leaned on older teammates for advice and felt the team’s support even when I was battling injuries last year. Club soccer is a bigger time commitment and more physically demanding than intramurals, but it’s also a better stress reliever and escape from school. And when exams come around, everyone understands if you need a week off.

All of these sports activities have helped me build a strong community and take meaningful breaks from academics. Joining these teams has been one of the smartest decisions I’ve made in college so far, and I recommend anyone at CMU give them a try. You don’t need to be the most athletic person; if you’re willing to show up and give it a try, you’ll gain so much more than just a workout.