Recreational volleyball helps students unwind
Students living near Utah State have many ways to get involved, one of which is the various volleyball courts littered around campus. The pickup games serve as an important outlet for many, as they are both a well-deserved break from schoolwork and a way to get some exercise.
Nearly every night at the volleyball courts behind the ARC, players gather for some friendly competition. Unlike USU’s clubs or intramural programs, these games are organized completely by students, making them open to anyone interested, of any skill level.
First-year student Orion Rand, an engineering major, immediately became engrossed in the local volleyball community when he arrived at USU. Now he plays almost every day.
“I saw them the first night I moved in, and I was trying to figure out where the volleyball group was so one night I was like, ‘I’ll just go and ask,’ and they let me in right away,” Rand said. “I asked some random guy, and he told me to go and join a group of six and hop on when it was my turn, so super accepting.”
For Rand, these events have helped him feel more comfortable at USU, making friends with Aggies from all walks of life. While he was initially worried that he would struggle engaging in campus life, volleyball has given him more confidence.
“It gave me something that I could look forward to every day. Even though I’m still getting used to things, I can go out and play volleyball every night and make some friends right off the bat,” Rand said.
Rand’s newfound friendships help him feel more at home at Utah State.
“It’s been really nice and beneficial. I’m pretty introverted, and I don’t usually get out there that much. Playing volleyball has really helped me get to meet a lot of people because I don’t talk to a bunch of people in classes,” Rand.
Another student, Kenyan Hayden, has had similar experiences with on-campus volleyball. He emphasized how important it’s been to him,
“There’s a lot of people that show up pretty consistently, so I’ve been able to make friends often,” Hayden said. “The people here are super cool; they’re all really nice and friendly. Especially socially, it’s helped me a lot. There are people here almost every night, so it’s a great place to hang out.”
For many, finding their place in a new area can be difficult. Casual volleyball helps to bring USU students together to create meaningful relationships.
Some take this interest in volleyball and even start competing at the club level. Student Bridger Toone began playing the sport recreationally, and his drive to play grew significantly.
“I definitely think I’d play club sports here. I don’t know if I’m good enough to, but I’d be interested in taking the game to another level,” Toone said.
Of course, competition isn’t everything for Toone. Like the others, he expressed a love for the community that’s helped him connect with his fellow Aggies.
“Everyone here is so friendly, accepting. I wasn’t great at volleyball when I got here, but they’re all super kind and let me play with them,” Toone said. “It’s given me the extracurricular activity that lets me relieve some of my stress throughout the week.”
These opportunities are open to the entire campus. Anyone who has time in the evening can show up, join a team and play. This type of spontaneity is unique to the student-run nature of these games.
With over 20 people currently gathering nearly every night, volleyball at USU continues to grow. Whether you find your new passion on the sand courts or just have some fun with new friends, it has something to offer to everyone.