Sports have long been a staple of high school life, fostering community, teamwork, and personal development. Yet, once students transition to college, many struggle to maintain their involvement in sports due to demanding schedules, intense academic work, and job commitments. UC Davis addresses this challenge through its Campus Recreation department, offering recreational sports that allow students to continue participating in their favorite activities or try new ones, all in a flexible, low-commitment setting.
UC Davis provides access to over 30 different recreational sports, including flag football, indoor and outdoor volleyball, and even the unconventional innertube water polo. These activities cater to students’ busy schedules, allowing them to engage in physical activities without the long-term commitment that often accompanies collegiate-level sports.
Flexibility and Mental Health Benefits
For many students, including John Patrick Walker, a fourth-year environmental policy analysis and planning and Spanish double major, this flexibility has been crucial. Walker, who has participated in several recreational sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball, highlights the ease of joining these sports despite a hectic student schedule.
“The nice thing about rec sports is that you can show up five minutes before the game starts with your cleats and just hit the field and have some fun,” Walker said. “We’re busy, we’re students. We have school and work and whatnot, but to take that hour out of my day every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. to go play the sport that I wouldn’t normally find myself in, was and still is a valuable experience.”
Through his involvement in recreational sports, Walker has found both mental and physical health benefits, as well as the opportunity to make lasting friendships. This balance of fun and wellness reflects the overall goal of UC Davis’ recreational programs: to promote student well-being both mentally and physically.
A Platform for Social Connections and Community Engagement
Walker’s experience extends beyond participation. He also works as a referee for intramural games, a role that has deepened his connection to the UC Davis community and allowed him to help others discover the same value he found in recreational sports.
“I applied to be a ref after participating in rec sports,” Walker shared. “It brought me campus connections and participation in my community beyond the sport. I got to help other people find that same value that I found in rec sports.”
Long-Term Engagement and Friendships
For students like Salina Kamburova, a fourth-year managerial economics major, recreational sports offer a way to stay connected to long-standing athletic interests while managing a demanding schedule. Kamburova, who has played volleyball for over seven years, has been able to continue enjoying the sport despite no longer pursuing it as a career.
“I’ve loved participating in a sport, especially because it’s with a group of friends I don’t see outside of volleyball, so it’s nice to catch up with them,” Kamburova explained. “Playing has helped me stay connected to a sport I played for [over] seven years but don’t have the time or interest to pursue as a career.”
Kamburova has also managed to maintain close friendships through her participation in intramural volleyball, playing with the same group of people for all four years at UC Davis. This consistent involvement in sports has allowed her to maintain social ties despite the changes in her schedule over time.
An Inclusive and Engaging Experience for All
UC Davis alumna Paige Benson also embraced the opportunity to participate in intramural sports. Her involvement in beach volleyball, inner-tube water polo, and soccer not only provided a fun outlet during college but also enhanced her overall college experience.
“Participating in sports in college is such a unique experience and resource that should definitely be taken advantage of,” Benson said. “Having access to sports fields and equipment on campus is an amazing benefit of college. It’s also a great way to meet new people, reconnect with old sports interests or spark new ones.”
Benson emphasizes that recreational sports provide students with the infrastructure and opportunities to play sports that might otherwise be difficult to organize on their own, making them an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay active and engaged.
Continuing Engagement as the Weather Warms Up
As spring and summer approach, recreational sports at UC Davis will continue to offer students a chance to stay active and engaged. New leagues and tournaments are announced regularly through the Campus Recreation page, where students can explore team options or sign up to compete.
Whether it’s reconnecting with old passions, making new connections, or simply staying physically active, UC Davis’ recreational sports programs support students in achieving their personal wellness goals while fostering a vibrant campus community.
