Get Involved in ٺƵ Sports
- Cheer on or try out for one of our 23 varsity teams that compete in the .
- If you are looking for something more laid-back, give one of nearly 30 or a try.
- If you are looking for the perfect marriage between competition and recreation with a chance for travel and a national championship, join one of the 38 that has to offer.
Once again, Aggie athletes in our ٺƵ sport clubs captured the gold in 2017 national championship tournaments, bringing home three team and two individual titles.
Though the five students you are about to meet joined sport clubs for different reasons, they all agree that the experience, culminating with national championships, was the highlight of their college careers.
Perhaps women’s rugby team champion Rebecca Graff sums it up best: “Everything we do and produce is solely based on our passion for the sport and for each other.”
Learn about the clubs and their members who hold 2017 national titles.
Vicky Zhao ’17, Boxing Club
Vicky Zhao is reigning champ with an individual gold to her name in the ٺƵ . This club operates within the under coach Hector Lopez, who once qualified for the Olympic .
Vicky, a psychology and philosophy double major, says she has a lot of respect for her coach, who was encouraging and supportive. An added benefit of being in a sport club, she points out, is learning to navigate between school and play.
“The Boxing Club taught me to be disciplined and focused, and helped me to be a better student,” Vicky says. “I think it is a process of self-discovery. You don’t know how strong you can be until you’re pushed to the limit constantly. I think that’s how champions are made.”
Boxing Club quick facts: This team competes primarily against schools in Northern California and Nevada. Open tryouts are held every quarter. To see what it’s like, drop by the , upper-west corner, 5-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Email club member Surya Jones for more information.
Victoria Henderson ’17, Gymnastics Club
Another individual title-winner, psychology major Victoria Henderson, served as president of the last academic year. Victoria was especially pleased how much she learned being in the club beyond walkovers and handsprings.
“Taking advantage of the resources, facilities and leadership opportunities taught me invaluable lessons that I cherish and take with me into the professional world,” she says.
Sport clubs are managed and run by students themselves. Participants enjoy the rewards of intense competition and learn how to collaborate, lead, problem-solve and obtain financial management skills.
Gymnastic Club quick facts: The club has both competitive and recreational members with diverse skill levels. You don’t need experience to join. The club practices 6-9:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in Lower Hickey Gym. Email Paige Nelson at the club email for more information.
Amanda Flannery, Taekwondo Club
Spanish and human development double major Amanda Flannery, who led her coed team to victory last academic year as president, is amazed at all the progress the has made in her time at ٺƵ.
“I saw our team start with two-to-four people competing and expand to close to 40,” she says. “Although this sport is made for individuals, it is the team that allows us to grow.”
Since placing first in the for the 2017 combined and colored belt divisions, club members have their sights set on winning first in the black belt division next year.
Taekwondo Club quick facts: Open for beginning and advanced practitioners, this club offers instruction for traditional as well as Olympic styles of the martial art. It meets 8:30-10:10 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Saturday and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, all in the Martial Arts Room. Email Keith Makishima for more information.
Rebecca Graff, Women’s Rugby Club
The No. 1 nationally ranked is in with A and B teams. During the fall, the two teams in the club play in many friendly preseason tournaments in the fall, while the official league games take place during the winter quarter.
Rebecca Graff, a nutrition science major and the current club president, says she finds being in the club and in a leadership position an enjoyable outlet.
“I believe college should be more than just textbooks and tests,” Rebecca says. “It’s also about having fun and gaining life experiences outside the classroom. Joining a sport club can give you those opportunities.”
Women’s Rugby Club quick facts: Most of the players join with no experience, and all levels of experience are welcome. Join them 8-10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on north Hutchison Field. Email Rebecca Graff for more information.
Sofia Caryotakis, Women’s Water Polo Club
Sofia Caryotakis, a neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, will be club president this school year for the . The club, with its two nationally ranked teams, competes during the winter and spring quarters and trains year-round.
Sofia dove into her role as president to serve the community within her club.
“The club introduced me to my best friends,” Sofia says. “It was an immediate network of friendship, guidance and support.”
Women’s Water Polo Club fast fact: The club practices in Schaal Pool noon-2 p.m. on Sunday and in Hickey Pool 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email Sofia Caryotakis to learn more about the club.
Students like Sofia who get involved with sport clubs develop personally and leave with great memories of their team’s fun experiences, but that isn’t all they take away. Most discover a ٺƵ family in their coaches and teammates, and forge bonds that last a lifetime.
Montana Strohl-Roy is a 2016 graduate of ٺƵ with dual majors in communication and psychology. She currently works as a content specialist for .