College sports are an important part of campus life for many students. Whether you are an incoming star recruited to the varsity team or someone simply looking for a fun way to stay active while pursuing a degree, college sports offer excellent opportunities to get involved in the university community and make new friends. However, the variety of options and levels in college sports can sometimes be bewildering. This article provides a guide to playing and understanding college sports from D1 to intramurals.
Sports on a typical campus can be divided into three main categories: intramurals, club sports, and varsity sports. Each offers a different level of competition and commitment.
Intramurals
Intramural sports are informal, recreational leagues open to all students regardless of their athletic ability or experience. Games and tournaments are often organized by the campus recreation department or student government and can include sports like flag football, softball, disc golf, basketball, racquet ball, soccer, and even Quidditch.
Because intramural sports are not competitive at the same level as club or varsity sports, there is typically less pressure to perform at a high level. That, in turn, makes for a relaxed atmosphere, and an affordable and enjoyable campus outlet for physical activity that fosters a sense of community among participants. Attendance at every game is not required and there is no travel for games, which are played among teams comprised of students from the same school.
Club Sports
Club sports are student-run organizations that compete against other colleges and universities in their region. They are often overseen by a coach or advisor but do not receive the same level of support or funding as varsity sports, if at all. Club sports, which range from traditional team sports like lacrosse, hockey, and rugby to non-traditional sports like ultimate frisbee and dodgeball, are generally more competitive than intramurals but less intense than varsity sports.
Club teams can range from very casual to very competitive, depending on the sport and the team. Some club sports require tryouts and have a rigorous practice and game schedule, while others are more laid-back and primarily focused on having fun and staying active. Club sports provide an opportunity for the athlete who wants to continue the organized sports experience after high school but not at the same level of competition as the varsity teams.
Varsity/Collegiate Sports
Varsity or collegiate sports are the most prestigious and competitive form of college sports. These teams represent the college or university in official intercollegiate competitions and receive the most support and recognition from the school. Varsity athletes are usually recruited by the school, under highly regulated regimens of eligibility, and receive scholarships and other forms of financial aid. Collegiate athletes are held to high standards both on and off the field, requiring a significant level of commitment and dedication. In addition to representing the school in intercollegiate competitions, teams compete for national rankings.
Sports at this level are sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The NAIA is smaller than the NCAA, with around 250 member schools. The NCAA governs more than 1,200 member schools across three divisions.
Division III
Division III schools have the smallest athletic budgets and do not offer athletic scholarships. These schools prioritize academics over athletics and are even more focused on providing a well-rounded education to their students. Division III programs are often smaller and less well-known than Division I and II programs.
Despite not offering scholarships, Division III programs still offer competitive athletics. However, the level of competition is not as high as in Division I or II. Division III athletes are playing for the love of the sport and the chance to represent their school, rather than for the possibility of playing professionally. Examples of such schools include Whitworth College, Pacific Lutheran University, and Whitman College.
Division II
Division II schools are smaller than Division I schools, with smaller athletic budgets and fewer scholarships. These schools generally offer a more balanced approach to athletics and academics with many Division II schools focused on providing a high-quality education to their student-athletes. Division II programs offer competitive athletics, but the level of competition is not as high as in Division I.
Despite having smaller athletic budgets, many Division II programs have top-notch facilities and training programs. Division II athletes still go on to play professionally, but the number of athletes who do so is much lower than in Division I. Examples of such schools include Western Washington University, Central Washington University, and Seattle Pacific University.
Division I
Division I schools are the largest and most well-funded athletic programs in college sports. Schools providing this level of sporting offer the most scholarships and have the highest level of competition. Division I schools are usually larger universities with large student bodies and large athletic departments. They often have dedicated sports facilities, including stadiums, arenas, and training facilities.
“DI” programs are also the most visible and popular, with many games broadcast nationally on television. Schools in Division I often have large fan bases and alumni networks that are dedicated to supporting their teams. Many Division I athletes go on to play professionally in their respective sports. Examples of such schools include the University of Washington, Washington State, and Gonzaga.
Colleges and universities offer a diverse array of opportunities for students interested in engaging in athletic pursuits, ranging from intramural to club and varsity sports. There exists an expanse of opportunities suited to the interests and aptitudes of any given student. Among many other things, participation in college sports can impart valuable life skills, promote physical fitness, cultivate a passion for athletics, create pride in one’s school, and promote community. Moreover, the NCAA reports that “college athletes graduate at a higher rate than the general student body.”
CHS alumnus, DIII Chapman University sophomore, and college cross-country standout Landon Davies, in discussing his college athletic experience to date, states that while he initially ran at school to “build a core foundation of friends,” now runs “mainly because I love it. My friends are established and now it’s just for me.” Davies cautioned, though, that he has “practice [for] three hours a day, with almost no days off, which is a lot. It’s so much different and more competitive than high school. Missing practice is not an option, even if you are sick. All of that said, I love what I do. It gives me energy, introduced me to my best friends, makes me feel good, and motivates me to do well in classes. I recommend sports participation at any level for any CHS student going to college.”
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