When the Sonoma State softball team played San Francisco State on May 2 in the CCAA Tournament, everyone knew it would be the final NCAA game for the foreseeable future. With the elimination of all intercollegiate athletics last spring, students came back this Fall to a campus without the usual buzz of game days and Seawolf pride.
But while the loss of athletics is still fresh, sports aren’t completely gone at SSU. Club sports and intramural leagues are now the main way for students to compete, stay active and be part of a team.
For the students who miss the structure of high-level competition, club sports are the closest thing to what NCAA teams used to offer. These teams are student-run, which means players handle everything from fundraising to coaching decisions. They still hold tryouts, run practices and play against other schools, so the competition level is real.
Sports available include baseball, lacrosse, rugby, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more. Most clubs hold tryouts at the start of the semester, which makes them a good option for former high school athletes who aren’t ready to give up the game.
But not everyone wants the commitment of a club team, and that’s where intramurals come in. Intramural sports are designed for fun, with leagues split into two levels: “Pros,” for students who played sports competitively before, and “Joes,” for those just looking to have a good time.
This semester’s leagues include flag football, volleyball, kickball, basketball, indoor soccer and pickleball. Registration deadlines run through September and October. On top of that, the Rec Center is offering one-day events like esports, disc golf, a 3-point contest and even fantasy football.
Students got a preview of what’s available during RecFest on Aug. 21, when the Student Center Plaza and Person Lawn were packed with games, booths and sign-ups for different activities.
The reality of no longer having Seawolf athletics is still a tough adjustment for a lot of students. There are no more big games against rivals or chances to cheer in Seawolf Gym. But the energy of sports on campus isn’t gone, it just shifted.
Club sports and intramurals give students new ways to compete, meet people and feel part of something bigger. It might not replace the energy of NCAA games, but it’s keeping the spirit of sports alive at Sonoma State.
Students interested in club teams can contact Dominguez at [email protected].
Information about intramurals is available at campusrec.sonoma.edu/programs/intramural-sports.
