After years of softball being the main spring sport for men’s social clubs, soccer is returning this year.
Senior Levi Sellers, athletic director for Sub T-16, said he is excited to play and to see how his club will compete against other clubs.
“Soccer has always been one of my favorite sports and after playing it for 14 years I am looking forward to playing again,” Sellers said.
Sellers also said that because of soccer’s competitive nature, he knows the sport can get rough at times but hopes everyone’s attitudes will be controlled and that sportsmanship will prevail during heated game situations.
“Like any other sport, soccer is competitive and people get hyped,” Seller said. “I think overall it will be a fun addition to club sports.”
Senior Jackson Shamblin, athletic director for TNT, said he is most excited to have the opportunity to participate in something that has not been offered for men’s clubs since he has attended Harding.
“TNT has not played soccer since I have been here at Harding, so this will be a new experience for all of us,” Shamblin said. “It is an opportunity for all of the men’s clubs to start a new chapter in club sports history.”
Club sports serve as a platform where clubs can share in the opportunity to build relationships outside of functions and meetings, something Shamblin said can be very valuable.
“A lot of camaraderie is built through sports, even if you are just cheering for your club,” Shamblin said. “Cheering each other on is something everyone in the club can do regardless of their skill level, so that’s why everyone goes to go watch their friends play.”
Shamblin said that he enjoys working alongside his co-athletic director, junior Zach Abney, and he said he believes soccer will bring out some physicality in club sports, but sportsmanship will remain.
“After this semester, we will all be able to say we were there the year they brought back soccer,” Shamblin said. “For now, everything is up in the air, No one knows who will be the best, and that makes it all the more exciting.”
