What are Club Sports?
Club Sports are an exciting option for students who want to learn a new sport or continue to test themselves in a competitive environment. Participation in the UMBC Club Sports program is open to all UMBC students. Clubs encourage new members, including those with little or no experience. Joining a Club Sport is a great way to refine skills. Members will not only get to engage other students but also interact with experienced staff and coaches in settings far removed from the classroom.
The objective of the Club Sports program is the development of successful and quality teams, which focus on enhancing the college experience through teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and diversity while supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Building Leaders
UMBC Club Sports does more than provide recreational and competitive activities. Students are active participants in the management of their programs as well. From scheduling and creating by-laws, to managing finances, students take on major leadership roles in making the UMBC Club Sports program successful while working closely with university officials, faculty, and the recreation staff. The Club Sports Council, comprised of representatives from each club sport, provides additional opportunities to develop leadership skills. Recently, members of club teams have been actively involved in local community service, UMBC Green Dot, and fundraising for charitable organizations.
Competition
While some Club Sports practice informally once or twice a week, others seek to compete at the regional or national level. Certified instructors and coaches work with these clubs to hone skills and build competitive teams. Through competition, participants will meet students from a wide range of colleges and universities while challenging their abilities. UMBC’s ice hockey club regularly plays teams from Penn State, Virginia Tech, Delaware, and Georgetown. The women’s rugby club has competed against Penn State and the United States Naval Academy.
Participation in Club Sports may also provide opportunities for travel. The UMBC crew club has competed in regattas from the Head of the Charles in Boston to Dad’s Vail in Philadelphia. The UMBC sailing club races in events ranging from King’s Point in New York to Charleston Harbor. In spring, the men’s and women’s volleyball clubs compete in the national tournament in locations like Reno, Nevada, and Dallas, Texas, and the UMBC’s wrestling club has hit the mats to compete in National Collegiate Wrestling Association Tournament.
Contact
Dominic French – Assistant Director of Club Sports
email: frenchd1@umbc.edu
Location: Retriever Activities Center 252A
Phone: 410-455-1540
Mailing Address:
UMBC Retriever Activities Center 252A
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250
