November 9, 2023 | SPORTS | By Nolan Diffley
Intramural sports, activities typically reserved for so-called non-athletic people, have found an unlikely home in the hearts of college athletes here at Colorado College.
Some may ask, what does IM offer that college athletics doesn’t? Why do 80% of CC students participate in IM or club sports? For some college athletes, like basketball player Willa McLaughlin ’27, IMs offer a way to branch out and meet new friends outside of their teammates.
“I would say that IM sports have really expanded my social group,” McLaughlin says. “For us college athletes, it’s really easy to stay in our small group, we spend a lot of time together and there’s a certain level of comfort in that, and so IM sports really pushed me to be a better person, a better athlete, a better friend.”
McLaughlin isn’t the only one who feels this way. Hudson Chris ’27, a varsity tennis player and participant in MI flag football, ping pong, and hockey, says MI is about “meeting new friends, meeting new people, shaking hands, it’s about is good “.
Oliv Janerico ’27, varsity lacrosse, club soccer, and IM hockey player, says, “I’ve made a lot of new friends and different skill levels are joining these IM and club teams. Beyond this social aspect, many athletes report that IM sports have helped them reshape their outlook on athletics.
“What I love about IM sports is that there are no expectations and honestly it may have cured my probably overly competitive mind because I learned to really enjoy athletics for athletics,” McLaughlin said.
In a culture that places such pressure on young collegiate athletes to not only excel, but to constantly improve in their sport, the opportunity for them to participate in competitive physical activity in an environment whose primary goal is Pleasure is crucial for their mental development and emotional well-being.
Justin Boder ’27 believes that coaches should not prohibit their players from participating in IM sports. “I think IMs should actually be mandatory for all student-athletes,” he says. “It allows you to be free in everything you do and allows you to not have to be so serious and enjoy it in a different way.”
As the issue of mental health in college sports becomes a national topic of discussion, creative solutions must be found, and schools and coaches must learn to value the individual as much as the athlete. These individuals must not only be allowed but encouraged to find interests that allow them to distract themselves from the constant pressure of their sport. For many, IM Sports is that outlet.
To reach the level of college athletics takes a special type of individual, dedicated, competitive, and willing to sacrifice for your sport. These traits can sometimes manifest in unhealthy ways.
A common feeling among athletes was that they generally didn’t like doing things they weren’t good at. IM sports may have been a first step for many. College soccer player Veronica Bianco ’27 says playing IM volleyball this year was “a big thing” for her, while Chris says IM hockey helped him realize he didn’t have ” need to be competitive in everything, you just have to have a good time.”
Intramural sports are now much more than a fun pastime for many; they provide a connection to non-college athletes and an escape from the anxiety that has become so ingrained in many collegiate athletes.
