To kick off the spring semester, URI President Marc Parlange, invited club sport athletes to join him in watching URI’s varsity basketball game against VCU. President Parlange took initiative to seek out club sport athletes and make personal connections with the athletes. The event aimed at promoting the club sports program within the university by providing the opportunity for club sport athletes to introduce themselves to the university’s leadership, and advocate for their teams. Further, it gave the president some insight as to what each team’s daily schedule is like, practice routines, and competitions. As a club sport athlete, it was encouraging to be invited to meet and spend time with the president to discuss my team’s goals, dynamic, and achievements. 

Myself and six of my teammates were in attendance at the basketball game representing the club field hockey team. President Parlange was curious about our schedules, competitions, and daily workouts. We were able to talk to him about his experience with field hockey, growing up in Australia where field hockey is very popular. It was helpful having a face to face interaction with our president. This really allowed athletes to introduce their teams, and make meaningful connections with President Parlange. This personal interaction fostered for visibility among club sports along with the opportunity to establish a personal connection. Further, attending this event allowed the president to see firsthand the dedication and attentiveness club sport athletes have for their teams. Having the ability to meet with President Parlange and voice our concerns and needs as club sport athletes was advantageous and allowed us to have some influence over decisions made by the university’s leadership. I found that this night proved to motivate my team. Being able to voice our team’s achievements, goals, and dedication to our sport with the university president gave us a sense of pride and kick started some excitement for our upcoming season. 

Campus Recreation upholds the mission of being active, being well, and belonging. Our club sport program truly embodies the Campus Rec mission, allowing for students to take on roles in leadership positions, build strong commitment and organisational skills, and create meaningful relationships. Further, club sports gives students the opportunity to pursue sports at a competitive level and instill routines for bettering the physical health of students. With this, President Parlange sought out the club sport athletes to further allow for advocacy of the program. It is inspiring to have a president that makes efforts to connect with student-led programs like this. I found this evening instilled a sense of school spirit and community within the club sport program. 

This dinner proved to be a milestone for the club sport program as we were able to personally connect with differing teams, along with President Parlange. With this, we had the opportunity not only to voice our own team’s concerns, opinions, and needs from the university, but to become more familiar with other teams and discuss our club sport program as a whole. As most teams do not have coaches to advocate for the teams, it motivates us student athletes to truly branch out and advocate for our teams. This invite from President Parlange allowed us to discuss our team’s milestones and important upcoming events with the president and varsity coordinators. Further, we were given the opportunity to discuss what we love about our club sport program, and what we feel can be improved upon. Overall, the evening proved to be successful and a great way to begin our spring semester.