The chance to play sports for those attending Cabrini College is easier than some students may think.
Competing at the varsity level for most may not be an option because of the time commitment and overall competitive nature. Intramural leagues are a good option but do not allow students to compete against other colleges and universities.
“Club teams are really important because they give students a chance to keep playing a sport that they love,” assistant director of athletics and recreation Orlin Jespersen said. “Club teams fall in the middle of the varsity and intramural levels and gives students a chance to play at a competitive level not only against other Cabrini students but other schools.”
Recently, new club teams have been coming out of the groundwork. A club baseball team is expecting to start again and Jespersen hopes and expects it to be up and running full time next year. A club women’s basketball team is also expecting to begin at full force this upcoming fall.
The men’s and women’s club basketball teams had a chance to play at Shippensburg last weekend at the PIRSA regional tournament, where the women went 5-0 taking home the banner as PIRSA State Champions.
“It is a chance for Cabrini to play against other schools and fight for some bragging rights,” Jespersen said. “It is also a chance to play against teams across the nation and to have a good experience.”
The women’s basketball club team fell into place after a group of girls played in Cabrini’s Men Intramural League. “We try and get more women involved,” Jespersen said. “It is usually a challenge so when I saw the women’s team in the intramural league I knew it would be a great opportunity for them to actually have a chance to play against other women’s teams.”
In club sports there is no division between schools.
“Students can have the chance to play Temple, Penn State and more in national and regional tournaments,” Jespersen said.
In the future, Jespersen hopes for the formation of more club teams wherever there may be student interest.
“Club teams are a great opportunity for students to not only continue to play in sports they love,” Jespersen said. “But they also allow students to grow in leadership, make connections, and have an overall good time.”
