By Haley Thierry
Youngstown State University Intramural Sports provide non-varsity sport opportunities for the campus community. The sports are open to not only students, but faculty, staff and alumni of YSU.
Kiah Powell, graduate assistant of competitive sports and summer camps, said intramural sports allow the community to compete in sports they’re passionate about.
“I love being able to actively play your sport after high school. Lots of people go through that weird transition where if you were a high school athlete, and it was like all you ever did, your whole identity kind of goes away,” Powell said.
The intramural sports at YSU include 20 basketball teams, six volleyball teams, nine short-field soccer teams and a spring version of seven versus seven outdoor soccer. Unlike club sports, intramural sports don’t meet to practice.
Fiona Lally, captain of the soccer team the International FC, said the sports allows people to do something outside of the classroom, regardless of experience.
“I’ve also played with just my friends and some of them have never played in their life, but it’s just so fun to, you know, get everybody together to play a sport like that,” said Lally.
Kelly Rockow, captain of the volleyball team — You’ve already lost — said the sport provides an outlet and place to be out with friends and stay active.
“It’s just something extra to do during the week to just get your mind off school, especially volleyball. It’s just a sport that I enjoy playing a lot,” Rockow said.
Powell also said intramural sports are a good way to relax and are great for the new students coming out of high school who don’t want to play at the college level.
“I like to have that outlet … I think it’s a great destresser. I think it’s a great way for students to feel like a part of a YSU community. You feel connected, you feel like you are a part of the YSU community,” Powell said.
According to Lally, playing intramural sports provide a place to have fun and be active, but it also gives you space away from the classroom.
“Having that one night a week I think gives people you know, an outlet when they’ve got school work and stuff, but it’s not too much of a commitment,” Lally said.
Members at YSU have the choice of creating a team or requesting to join a pre-existing team. Once a team is made, each player must pay to play. Players can pay either $5 to participate in one league or a $12 all-access fee, which will grant them access to all sports leagues and tournaments.
Powell said that anyone who wants to join a league should visit the website IMleagues.com. The player must create an account, sign a waiver, verify their age and that they’re a part of the YSU community.
Anyone interested must be a member at the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Once a player has created an account, they will then have access to teams and game schedules.
Registration is closed until fall semester. YSU members can sign up during the first three weeks of school.