Transitioning from high school to college can be difficult for students and often comes with new challenges and drastic lifestyle changes. Many students lose the sense of competition and physical activity they had while playing a sport in high school.
Each week, residents from Smith and Arnold Hall search for a one-of-a-kind feeling they can only get under the lights at the Intramural Fields across from Strahan Coliseum by playing softball.
Ethan Hunt, team coach and captain, said participating in an intramural sport has a number of advantages.
“It benefits the residents because it brings them together,” Hunt said. “Even if someone doesn’t have experience in the sport, it’s a great way to make friends. Especially coming into freshman year and not knowing anyone, it allows them to expand their circle.”
As the Smith Hall resident assistant, Hunt has multiple responsibilities to ensure his players get the most out of their experience.
“This is my first season, and I organize all intramurals as the RA for my hall,” Hunt said. “I organize all the games, practices and all that. I’m responsible for the roster, batting lineup and other game plan technicalities. Above all, I make sure people are having fun.”
Triana Kennedy, marketing freshman and Smith resident, appreciates the opportunity to play the sport she has loved her whole life.
“I think it’s important that my dorm created a team because it allows someone like me to get out of my room and make friends all while playing my favorite sport,” Kennedy said. “Also, in a way you kind of want to be the best dorm and win all the games.”
If it were not for Hunt and the team he organized, Kennedy would not play softball at all.
“I don’t think I would be a part of another team if it wasn’t my dorm, just because I wouldn’t want to play with people I don’t know and I also don’t know how I’d hear about joining another team,” Kennedy said. “I wouldn’t want to play with anyone else because practices are fun, and I feel we might do really well.”
Mario Gonzalez, biology freshman and Smith resident, compares softball to baseball as she has competed in both throughout her life.
“I played baseball all of high school and I just love the game,” Gonzalez said. “I miss playing so much and it’s the closest thing to the real thing, so I had to play. In high school I pitched most of the time but when I wasn’t, I played third. The softball field is smaller, so it makes it even easier to play on.”
Gonzalez regrets not taking advantage of other intramurals in the fall but values the opportunity softball gives him to come out of his shell.
“It’s really nice because I’m such a shy person but when I’m on the field I really feel like I can be myself,” Gonzalez said. “I’m planning on playing basketball and dodgeball (too). I would go watch our hall play and I’d wish I was playing too but it was too late, if could go back I would’ve joined.”
Gonzalez is optimistic for the upcoming season and believes his team will do well.
“I really think we will be good,” Gonzalez said. “Everyone understands the game, which is extremely important… We’re pretty solid hitting and fielding wise.”
Intramural sports allow students to take a break from academics. Smith and Arnold Hall’s team, Smarnold, gives the residents an opportunity to connect with one another through a shared passion. Smarnold’s next game is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 10 p.m.