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Throughout high school,  

sports

  were a major part of my life. I played every season, and participated in three high school sports: field hockey, basketball, and soccer. As a new college student, I was very distraught because I thought I would not be participating in a university-sponsored? athletic team.

I wasn't informed, but many programs are offered at colleges and universities that allow students to continue in virtually any athletic field imaginable. The challenge in college is to find where you belong. By using some of these helpful hints, anyone can become involved in college athletics, bringing your high school sports days back to life.

First: How competitive are you?
Base your decision on two things: athletic ability and available time. If 22 credits are already on your schedule, forget practices and games three nights a week in college athletics. Decide what type of commitment you have for the group you plan to join. One type of sport will be tailored to your needs.

Next: Find Information
It might be the athletic office, student affairs, a simple website, or an involvement fair. Universities try to make information public, but it may be hard to find what you need to know. Key idea: ASK someone if you do not know where to find what you need. The sports program may be just around the corner.

Finally: Participate!
Have fun in whatever realm you find most fitting to your needs. Make friends, and have fun exercising in a similar way as you did in high school sports. If a particular type of club does not suit you, feel free to try another.

These are the various levels of athletic involvement in college:
Varsity: The select few students who belong in this group do not need help in finding their own niche in college sports.

Club: This is for the very competitive student athlete who may not have been able to try out for a varsity sport for some reason or another. Often times club sports travel and spend time practicing. Coaches are often assigned to these teams, and the intensity is not much lower than a varsity sport.

Intramural: For the majority of students, this is the best bet for finding a place to fit in athletically. Teams are chosen based on interest, and no coaches are present. If an intramural team decides as a whole to practice, then the practices may be help occasionally. This is basically a low-key way to stay involved.

Major: Intramural sports are often sub-divided into two groups. The names of these groups may vary from college to college (ex- "A?" team, "B" team). Majors would be for a more elite group of athletes within the intramural program.

Minor: This group would be the "average joes"? of the intramural league. Students wishing to be involved in sports will be able to participate in this sub-division.


I am a college Freshman at The Pennsylvania State University studying English Secondary Education. I am interested in athletics, the gym, running, reading, writing and hanging out with my friends. High school was great for me, but college is an experience I am so proud to be a part of; especially at an amazing school like Penn State.

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