For many NC State students, learning extends beyond the classroom and into extracurricular activities like club sports. These student-run organizations provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, foster teamwork, and build a strong sense of community. While balancing academics and athletics can be challenging, students involved in club sports often find that the experience helps their personal growth and time management skills.

Kayla Malloy, a member of Fusion Dance Crew, a multicultural hip-hop dance team, joined through her love for dance while managing her studies in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. “I was motivated to join a club sport because of my love of dancing. Even though I thoroughly enjoy my studies, I felt like I was missing something to round out my freshman year, and I found it,” she shares. “Since joining Fusion Dance Crew, I’ve been able to work on effectively managing my time, and it also allows me to see more closely how humans form connections.” Another student named Jonah Edwards, a member of the Men’s Rugby team, describes his sport as “Disciplined, Passionate, and Violent.” He credits rugby for shaping him both on and off the field. “Rugby has helped me grow as an athlete to be a more disciplined and better person not only for myself but also for my teammates. It’s improved my mentality drastically to grow and realize that responsibility and leadership reside not only with my job on the field but also off.” 

For students looking to get involved, club sports offer a way to stay active, make connections, and develop valuable skills that extend far beyond college. These dedicated students from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology prove that learning at NC State happens both in and out of the classroom. 

Written by Jackie Timberlake, Criminology Major, Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador