Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Quidditch on November 6, 2020

The Club Sports program at Grand Valley consists of a very diverse selection of sports, ranging from the most well-known sports to some hidden gems that you may have never heard of. One of these lesser-known sports provides one of the most unique experiences that Grand Valley can offer. Based on the fictional game created by J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, the sport of Quidditch blends elements of Rugby, Dodgeball, and Tag to create an increasingly popular sport being played around the world.

Quidditch is a mixed-gender sport that involves teams of seven members, with brooms between their legs, tasked with certain roles trying to outscore the opposing team. The roles on the team are one Seeker, three Chasers, two Beaters, and one Keeper. The Seeker is attempting to grab the Snitch, a valuable task worth 30 points that also signals the end of the game. The Chasers are attempting to score goals worth 10 points by sending the quaffle through any of the three hoops on the opposing team's side. On the defensive side, the Beaters are attempting to use balls called bludgers to disrupt the other team. Finally, the Keeper is defending the hoops, trying to deter the Chasers from scoring. Quidditch is a contact sport, bringing aggressive and exciting play throughout each game, making it equally thrilling to play and to watch.

The club at Grand Valley has been growing throughout the past few years. In the 2018-2019 season, they were the last remaining Great Lakes team at Nationals, showing the significant improvements the club has been making. The club continues to strive to improve, with the goal of making it to Nationals every year. The Quidditch club also has a growing reputation of being one of the most friendly and welcoming teams. 

The president of the club said that "the sport might be based on Harry Potter, but we are so much more than that. This is a legitimate full-time commitment with an incredibly welcoming environment where you can make friends across the Great Lakes region." The Quidditch club is very welcoming, offering tryouts for people of any skill level, making it a sport that anyone can be a part of. 

Quidditch is not a one size fits all sport. Whether you are looking for people with a similar interest to you, a new sport to try, or just want to be part of something new and unique, Quidditch will have something to offer you. 

Written by Trent Barker, GVSU Student

Categories: Club Sport Feature Coed Sports Quidditch
Posted on Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Quidditch on November 6, 2020.

Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Women's Lacrosse on October 27, 2020

GVSU's Club Sports program has a long history of athletic and academic excellence. This is shown in no better way than by the Women's Lacrosse Club. The club holds a strong reputation among the club sports at Grand Valley and looks to continue its success in the 2020-2021 season. 

The Women's Lacrosse team won the WCLL league for three straight years in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and also had 7 All-American/All-Academic players in the 2019 season. The club certainly sets the bar high when it comes to competing on the field and in the classroom. Club president, Beth Weizeorick, has impressive expectations coming into this season. "Our goal for the future is to place in the top 5 at nationals," said Beth. After placing 8th and 5th in 2018 and 2019 respectively, this goal is next on the list for the club.

While the Women's Lacrosse team remains successful competitively and academically, they still like to keep things fun throughout the season as a team. Beth Weizeorick says that she joined the team because of "the competitive atmosphere while making new friends who have a common interest" and practice also acts as a "stress reliever" at the end of the day. The culture that the club exudes is that it is a family away from home. 

With a comfortable culture and a family-like bond, the Women's Lacrosse Club is a perfect example of what it is like to be involved with club sports at GVSU. As a bridge between intramural and varsity sports, club sports allow students to participate in something they love as well as stay active and meet lifelong friends while maintaining a perfect balance between school and social life. 

Written by Tristen Szafranski, GVSU Student

Categories: Club Sport Feature Women's Lacrosse Women's Sports
Posted on Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Women's Lacrosse on October 27, 2020.

Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Men's Ice Hockey on October 7, 2020

The Men's Hockey Club team has had great success in the past. With eight Final Four appearances, finalist finishes in 2012, 2013, and 2018 with a National Championship in 2011, the team's ability to compete at the highest level is a staple of the program. Success is never met without challenge though. Earlier this year, it was announced that the Men's Hockey Club would be making the move up from ACHA Division 2 to ACHA Division 1 while continuing the ACHA Division 3 team as well. This challenge, however, is being met with open arms thanks to the team's commitment to building a great culture.

Coach Trosien believes that "you need great culture to get to the level our guys want to be at," which is why it has been such a big focus for the team. With goals of winning the conference, being regulars in the national tournament, and advancing in the tournament, work ethic has been a top priority. A dedication to working hard from each member of the team has been vital in the building of their culture. The team has built a sense of accountability between each other. The athletes work hard not only for their own success but for the good of each other and the whole team. That selfless commitment leads to everyone buying in, creating a culture that athletes dream of being a part of on such a high level. 

The determination being shown in training is instrumental to building their chemistry, but a second factor contributing to their growth is being shown off the ice. In recent years, the club has placed an emphasis on being engaged with local youth hockey by working in tournaments and coaching. It is a way for them to continue giving back to the game that they love. It is also helping the GV Hockey brand to grow into the community as they build up the program. The players and coaches have taken this opportunity to use their skills and platform to continue to try and build up the local hockey scene so that it will continue to grow for many years to come. 

Grand Valley's Men's Hockey Club is growing into something special. The commitment to culture within the team is showing huge dividends and will continue to do so. As the team continues to find new ways to improve themselves and the hockey community, the club will strive to set the bar higher and higher. With using their illustrious past to help them build a bright future in Division 1 and continuing the success of the Division 3 team, the Men's Hockey Club is the team collegiate hockey players should want to be on.

Written by Trent Barker, GVSU Student

This article has been edited. It was previously stated that they had gone to the national finals in 2019 when it was 2018. Our apologies for any confusion. 

Categories: Club Sport Feature Men's Ice Hockey Men's Sports
Posted on Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Men's Ice Hockey on October 7, 2020.

Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Rowing on September 29, 2020

Grand Valley State University's Club Sports teams have a long history of excellence. With a streak of at least one National Championship every year dating all the way back to 2004, winning has become a staple of the programs, but that is far from all they have to offer. 

Take for example the Rowing team. When asked what the team culture is like, the team's President said "Our team really is like a family, I have met all of my close friends in college through the club. We are a very upbeat and driven group of individuals, who strive to be not only the best athletes but the best teammates." That culture is what drives this multi-time National Championship program. The strong bonds of the team are a huge draw for people of any background. The team prides itself on welcoming anyone with open arms, striving to find a place for anyone who is interested whether they have experience or not. With this strong culture, they have also been able to experience one of the most unique opportunities Club Sports has to offer, with goals of reaching it again.

One of the main goals of the team is to get back to the Henley Royal Regatta. When they achieve this goal, members of the team embark on a trip to England to compete in the regatta, where they face off against some of the best teams in the world. The Henley Royal Regatta is the most well-known regatta in the world, making it an incredible event to be a part of. The team also strives to continue expanding its alumni network to open up more incredible and unique opportunities.

Along with the team's goals of reaching England again, they also get to experience some of the best areas West Michigan has to offer. With practice taking place on the Grand River, rowers get to explore incredible scenery and uncover some of the best-hidden gems the environment has to offer.

With over 40 sports available in total, Club Sports has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are looking to scratch that competitive itch, find a team with a rich background of success, create memories that last a lifetime, or anything in between, Grand Valley's Club Sports is the perfect place to look.

Written by Trent Barker, GVSU Student

Categories: Club Sport Feature Coed Sports Men's Sports Rowing Women's Sports
Posted on Permanent link for Club Sport Feature: Rowing on September 29, 2020.