Intramural sports at NDSU helps students continue to stay active by playing the games they love while making new friends on campus.
Zach Mickelson, a senior exercise science major from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, has been involved in several intramurals since he was a freshman, ranging from basketball to volleyball. Mickelson also has participated in one-day tournaments, including spikeball, beanbags and canoe battleship.
“I have created the best memories at the wellness center because of these sports, as well as found my best friends on campus,” Mickelson said.
Leah Feland, a senior double majoring in biology and science education, also has been involved in various intramurals, including flag football, women's basketball, co-recreation basketball, women's volleyball and co-recreation volleyball.
“I decided to join Intramurals to be able to keep playing the sports I love, as well as being able to hang out with friends,” said Feland, who is from Antler, North Dakota. “I transferred after playing college basketball my freshman year, so being able to play competitively again without such high stakes sounded like a great idea.”
Madi Janes, the recreation and intramural coordinator at NDSU’s Wallman Wellness Center, said intramurals are a way for students to come together outside of the classroom.
“Intramurals are super important to students. This year we have had over 3,000 students participate in leagues and tournaments,” Janes said. “There is a team for anyone. You get to see a bunch of different groups come together and just have fun. We love seeing new people meet each other through intramurals.”
With over 25 intramural sports on campus, everyone can find something that meets their interests, or to try out something new.
“I had never really played flag football, but I tried it my sophomore year and we ended up winning the championship,” Feland said.
Students are able to suggest new intramurals through a wellness center survey. From the survey responses, a poll is then posted on intramural leagues to see how much interest there is for the suggested sport. This fall super volley, which will be played in an inflatable volleyball course that will be set up in the pool, will be added to the list of intramurals, along with a 3 vs. 3 basketball league.
Mickelson and Feland recommend students join an intramural even if they’re unsure about the sport.
“Something I would tell a student that is unsure about joining an intramural sport is what would happen if you don't join, absolutely nothing,” Mickelson said. “But once you do, you give yourself a chance to meet your best friends, have the best memories and possibly a newly found skill that you're insanely good at that you never knew, like pickleball.”
“I would definitely tell anyone considering joining to just sign up,” Feland said. “It's a lot of fun, and it's low stakes if you're not great at the sport.”
Apply now to join NDSU’s fun and collaborative environment or schedule a visit to see what campus has to offer.
