Many students come to Bates after playing sports throughout high school and want to continue their athletic involvement. For some, that might mean competing as a recruited athlete or walk-on on one of the 32 varsity teams, but there are several ways to get involved at the club level as well. Club sports provide students with community, discovery opportunities, and the chance to explore the Lewiston-Auburn area. During my freshman year at Bates, I was on the tennis courts, sailing at Taylor Pond, and night skiing at Lost Valley. Since most teams only practice a few times a week, it’s super easy to join several different teams. Whether it was playing King of the Court or mixed doubles at club tennis, or showing up for the first sailing practice and having no idea how to rig a boat, these experiences helped me find my footing at Bates. Many clubs also host team dinners and social events, making it easier to feel like part of the tangible campus community.
Perhaps one of the most memorable experiences of my freshman year was when the ski racing club took a trip to Sunday River for a giant slalom race. Although I practically grew up on skis, I had never competed in a race before. After some encouragement from a friend and some older students in the club, I gave it a try and became aware of a new element of the sport. The adrenaline rush at the start gate listening to a fellow Bates student start was surreal. As the course narrowed, I saw the rest of the team standing behind the finish line, cheering and taking photos. The camaraderie was truly alive that day. Skiing is a special sport and doing it with other diehard fans is incredible.
No matter which path you take when you arrive at Bates, you really can’t go wrong. At the beginning of each semester after the first day of classes, the Office of Campus Life hosts a club fair where new and returning students have the opportunity to learn about many of the extracurricular opportunities at Bates. Coldfront Ultimate Frisbee, Club Hockey, and the Outing Club are popular options, but feel free to check out the wide selection Options because there really are so many.
Whether you’ve been playing sports your whole life or just want to try something new, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Intramural teams like dodgeball and kickball form throughout the year, so you can join one later. All clubs at Bates are looking for new members, so don’t hesitate to reach out and pursue the things that excite you.
