Are you a high school varsity athlete who isn’t being recruited as an athlete or who is opting not to play at the most competitive, intercollegiate level? Do you participate at a high level in a sport or activity that isn’t represented in varsity competition? Did you know you can still represent your school and compete against other college teams? In college, there can be three avenues to compete in the sport or activity you love:
Intercollegiate (varsity) teams are organized and regulated by associations, including:
- NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
- NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
- USCAA (U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association)
- NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association)
- NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)
- CCCAA (California Community College Athletic Association)
College varsity teams are funded by the college or university and often require students to devote a substantial amount of time away from studies. Student athletes may receive athletic scholarships, and getting a spot on a team requires either the more formal recruiting process or trying out as a walk-on. NCAA estimates the percentage of high school athletes that go on to compete in NCAA divisions to range from 3.0% for Men’s Wrestling to 26.2% in Women’s Ice Hockey. Considering the numbers, not all high school athletes who want to continue playing competitively while representing their school have the opportunity to do so at the intercollegiate level.
Intramural (IM) teams are at the other end of the spectrum. IM leagues are generally sponsored by a college or university’s recreation center. Teams are founded and run by students, with the recreation center organizing league competitions. Typically, previous experience isn’t required, although the level of competitiveness can vary. IM teams are made up of students from the same school competing against each other. While less competitive, at some colleges, competition can become fierce between dorms or houses, as they vie for bragging rights or trophies.
Club teams occupy the middle ground. They are founded and run by students (some with undergraduate or graduate student coaches), and generally self-funded by the team members (including for uniforms and travel). Colleges do support club teams by making facilities and fields available, although varsity teams get priority. Sometimes modest funding may be provided through general student fees. Some college club teams are organized into leagues for competition between colleges by NIRSA, while others have their own governing bodies. Many college club governing bodies also hold regional and/or national championships. Students who play on college club teams don’t have access to scholarships, and whether try-outs and/or previous experience are required varies. If there’s enough interest in a particular sport or activity, some colleges field more than one club team. College club teams offer high school students wanting to represent their school while playing at a more competitive level, without sacrificing as much time away from studies, the opportunity to do so.
Interested in playing on a college club team? Find out which colleges field club teams in your sport or activity. Check recent season and tournament results on the governing body’s website for a list of colleges to consider as you build your college list.
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