What happens when you go to college but you are not good enough to play the sport that you once loved? Maybe you played in high school and were the star of the team. Maybe you just wanted to focus on other aspects of college- like academics. Maybe you just didn’t want to put that time commitment in your schedule. Club sports are a way to compromise.

If you are in a social club, then you have the opportunity to be a part of club sports. Being able to choose your level of competition is also an advantage of club sports.

If you decided to compete at the university level, you don’t necessarily get to choose the level of players that you face. The levels of competition in club sports range from A team even to F team.

It is such a fun experience being a part of something bigger than yourself along with your fellow club brothers or sisters.

This year, athletic trainers will be out on the sidelines. In order to help and provide aid to the athletes in case something happens.

If you’re afraid of going out on the field or the court because of injuries, don’t be. Injuries rarely happen, but if they do, the trainers will have your back. It will be okay. Don’t make up reasons to not participate out of fear.

Club sports are a unique aspect of Harding that bring many people together in ways that maybe wouldn’t have been possible before. Some people are not as active in other areas of the club itself and may only participate in the sports.

Being part of a social club has been one of my favorite things about Harding. I have met some of my best friends thanks to this club sports.

It is so much more than just playing a game, even if all you care about at the time is winning. Sports can bridge the gap between being strangers and becoming friends for life.

Of course, other universities around the nation have different club sports. However, Harding is unique in the fact that it is connected with our social clubs, compared to a state school where it is just the sport. Intramurals are another opportunity offered at Harding that can bond people together, perhaps unexpectedly.

I know that if I hadn’t done a social club and if I hadn’t done a club sport, my life would look different today. I would probably have different best friends and hang out with different people.

All this to say: no, you do not have to join a club. You do not have to play club sports. If you are on the fence about it though, do it. You will not regret showing up and participating. You could also meet your best friends for life through the whole process.

Whatever you’re doing in school, really consider participating in something bigger than yourself. It may seem like you’re too busy and that sports aren’t a big deal if played at the recreational level, but you’ll gain more memories than you thought possible.