California Baptist University’s intramural season kicked off with volleyball and flag football, giving students opportunities to compete, stay active and connect with others on campus.
Volleyball offers a coed noncompetitive league and a championship league, while flag football offers separate men’s and women’s championship leagues. The different levels of competition allow students with a range of experience to participate.
Marnie Kavern, assistant director of intramurals and esports, helps organize and oversee the programs.
“Students who have come to the Recreation Center during Welcome Weekend, the first week of school have all been very excited to jump in and try new things,” Kavern said.
Intramurals can provide an early opportunity for first-year students to become involved on campus and meet other students. Kavern said participation can also help students develop skills beyond the sport itself.
“There are many skills that can be gained such as teamwork, communication and time management. But I would say that our hope is for them to make connections and feel like they are known,” Kavern said.
For Brooklyn Branch, junior exercise science major, joining intramural volleyball offered a way to return to a sport she played before college.
“I joined intramural sports because it is a good way to get connected with students and I played volleyball in high school, which I miss so it’s a good way to still be involved in sports,” Branch said.
Playing with new teammates has also encouraged Branch to challenge herself both on and off the court.
“I would like to learn to broaden my volleyball skills by playing with different teams than I’m used to. I’d also like to learn to be more extroverted and introduce myself to new people,” Branch said.
Other students return to intramurals after building friendships through previous seasons.
Annika Grace De Bie, junior elementary education major, returned to play with Rush Hour after competing with the team last year.
“I love my team, Rush Hour. I met a lot of the girls on my team last year, and I’m super excited to keep building relationships with them and meet new people,” De Bie said.
Rush Hour reached Fortuna Bowl, the championship game for intramural flag football, last season, and De Bie hopes the team can build on that experience this year. Her involvement in intramurals has also influenced her life outside competition.
“I have met some of my closest friends through intramural teams, and I even met one of my current roommates through intramural flag football last year,” De Bie said.
Students have found connection through intramurals in different ways, from returning to a sport they played in high school to building lasting friendships while competing for a championship. Intramural sports bring students together through competition, shared experiences and community on campus.
