A huge part of my time at Amherst has been playing for the women’s golf team. It’s an important part of my student identity because, in season, I typically spend 3 hours every weekday and countless hours during weekends when we’re playing at tournaments and staying at hotels together. The women’s golf team has been an incredible support system during my time at Amherst, and I’m eternally grateful for the amazing people I’ve met through the team. I got recruited to play golf for the women’s golf team, which is the case for most athletes on varsity sports teams at Amherst. There are some students who have been able to walk on and join varsity sports teams after trying out once they’re admitted to Amherst, but the majority of students are specifically recruited and admitted to play on a varsity sports team for all four years.
Varsity sports teams require time and commitment, which helps build time-management and organizational skills. For example, when I’m in season, I often have to finish all my homework before the weekend because I know I won’t have time to work on anything when I’m playing 6-hour tournaments on Saturdays and Sundays on top of the hours it takes to travel to these tournaments and stay overnight. Also, I have to get up early weekly for lifts, though I know that other varsity teams tend to do more intensive and frequent lifts. Even out of season, we have DEI meetings that we must attend.
However, for those who play sports more recreationally might not want to go through the rigorous recruiting process or dedicate hours every day in season to practicing, there’s the option of joining club sports. There are club sports for sports that already have varsity teams, such as the co-ed club volleyball team and club soccer. However, there are also club sports for sports that don’t have a varsity team in place, like men’s and women’s rugby and crew. Many join these club sports to keep their athletic skills sharp and meet fellow athletes. While some people might join these clubs for recreation, there’s also the option of playing in competitions at a club level. The choice to either join a club sports team or play on a varsity team illustrates the wide range of talents that students at Amherst have, and it’s truly been incredible meeting people across different teams and getting involved with sports at Amherst.