Intramurals are one way Point Loma Nazarene University students get incorporated into college life and build relationships at school. Competing alongside teammates and going up against fellow students in a fun, friendly environment is a way to unwind from the stress of classes and homework.
Cole Benway, a first-year business administration major at PLNU said that he’s made a good group of friends through intramural volleyball.
“We only have one win for now, but every week we put out a squad knowing that we will have fun on the court,” Benway said. “My favorite part so far has been watching teammates who haven’t played before improve their skills. Chuckball [his team name] for life.”
Benway said he has fun, win or lose, and he has built a great camaraderie within his team. He has been able to help his teammates hone in their skills and has helped the members of his team improve. Intramurals are a great space for you to learn a sport you’re not comfortable with and improve at it.
Abigail Laberge, the intramural and compliance coordinator at PLNU, said there are many PLNU students that played a sport in high school but didn’t make the college roster; intramurals gives these students a chance to continue participating in something they love.
“I love seeing my student-led intramural staff grow in their leadership as they practice public speaking, game management and conflict resolution,” Laberge said.
This is Laberge’s first year at PLNU leading intramurals; she said she is overjoyed to have seen so many blessings that have come from intramurals. They give former high school athletes a chance to continue competing in the sports they love. It’s an opportunity for students looking to lead well in the future to hone in their abilities to lead as they go through their college years.
Intramurals aren’t only for exercise and to get out there and compete, their main focus is on community. Intramurals are a space for students to get out of their comfort zone and learn how to direct their peers. They are a great space for members of the school to learn how to resolve differences as well. The best thing about intramurals is how they’re open to everyone, because intramurals are available to all students at PLNU.
Christian Baker, a first-year business administration major, said, “Intramural softball is great so far; I have made some great memories and seen everyone on my team improve. As a captain it brings a tear to my eye seeing the team that I drafted come together and work together to win some games and make a play. It makes me a proud coach. My team name is the Coastal Crashouts because we’re on the coast and when we’re losing we crash out.”
Laberge said intramurals are amazing for building community and to get people comfortable with putting yourself in a situation in which you might not excel. Intramurals are centered around community and are great for getting involved and learning new sports, she said.
“As we all know, college can be a stressful time and organized sports are a great outlet to help combat stress and build community,” Laberge said. “I really enjoy seeing students step out of their comfort zones and try a sport they aren’t familiar with; inexperienced students are encouraged by their peers and it’s amazing seeing them grow in confidence and in their sport.”
Cade Michaelson