Explainer: understanding the difference between intramural, club and NCAA sports
Photo by Reily Rogers courtesy of Lee Athletic Communications.
In college, there are three types of sports one could get involved in: intramural, club and an NCAA sport. At Lee University, all of these are offered.
“Intramural sports are definitely for everybody. It’s very low commitment and really just for the fun of it,” said Anna Acklin, junior psychology major and intramural coordinator for Atkins-Ellis. “It’s just a huge community builder.”
Intramural sports do not require tryouts or practices but rather exist to build community through playing sports.
“It’s just a way to get out there and have a good time. It’s just an opportunity to do a lot of new things,” Acklin said.
Club sports are another option for students at Lee. Junior exercise science major and rugby player at Lee Gabriella Beeler defines club sports as somewhere in-between intramural and NCAA sports.
“NCAA sports on campus are super high commitment. I would say intramural sports are more dorm and Greek Life oriented,” says Beeler. “Club sports are in the middle, so it’s people that are more committed, but they’re not here on scholarship or for a specific sport. They are more like, ‘oh, this sounds super fun. I still want to be an athlete; I still want to invest and put that work in.’”
Beeler says club sports offer an outlet for competition without the intense commitment.
“What’s cool about a club sport is that you can still be a part of a team, but you don’t have morning practice and evening like the [NCAA] athletes on campus have. What I’ve loved is that I get the competitive side, but I can also do other things in my life and have other communities too,” says Beeler.
Lee University is part of the NCAA Division II.
“It’s not just for fun; it’s more of a lifestyle,” said junior sports management major and baseball player Brandon Daniels. “The NCAA is more of a championship level.”
Daniels says the NCAA is more goal-driven and a more competitive platform compared to intramural and club sports.
“You’re here for one reason; you’re here to win championships … to win them for the school, for the program, for yourself. Obviously, you’re here to get your education — but you’re here, as a goal, to win championships,” said Daniels.
Daniels said being a member of the Flames baseball team is very time-consuming, but from it, he has developed social skills and formed a brotherhood with his teammates.
“Right off the bat [I] made friendships and made relationships with all the guys — everybody comes close and has a good bond, so that’s a good thing for me,” says Daniels.
For more information regarding Lee University’s NCAA sports, visit leeuflames.com and for intramural and club sports, visit the Lee University website.
