Club Sports are a big part of the University of Montana's campus culture. With 20+ teams and growing, our club sports teams build community, provide exercise and routine, and give every student a chance for some friendly competition against other schools. And it’s just fun! UM Club Sports gives students something to look forward to each week.
Scroll on to learn about the difference between club sports and student clubs, the most current list of club sports, and how to make your own club sport if we’re missing yours.
What Makes a Club Sport a Club Sport?
A question as old as time: : what’s the difference between a club sport and a sport-related club? The answer is simple. A club sport has the opportunity to compete against other universities and win intercollegiate championships. A sport-related club (like Spikeball Club), however, is a group that plays more casually and does not compete with other universities.
Much like other student clubs and groups, Club Sports is funded and administratively overseen by ASUM – UM’s Student Government. This means that, to start a new club, founding members will go through the ASUM approval process.
Sidenote: Some club sports require tryouts while others do not. Check out the sports-specific page linked in the list below.
Another Sidenote: Did you know UM has over 150 student groups, ranging from social to cultural and fun and games. Check out all the student clubs on GrizHub.
Why Join a Club Sport?
Club sports foster relationships between students. Once you connect with someone over the hockey rink, there’s no going back. Club sports are also a great way to exercise your body and mind outside of the classroom. They challenge you to play your best.
There’s also the chance to win state competitions, which raises the stakes and makes it a fun challenge to work towards with your teammates. Club sports can also be a great way to explore something you’ve never done before and make it a part of your life in a meaningful and exploratory way.
Being a part of a community in a club sport will also make you feel more connected at UM. There’s nothing like spending time with your mates and putting Grizzly pride into every aspect of the game. With club sports, it’s time to show other universities who’s boss. Be proud of being a Griz and join a club sport!
A Student Voice – What to Expect
Hurling team member and environmental science student Caitlyn Sena describes her first practice experience: “They showed me what the sport was and a week later I was flying with them to Denver to go to our regional tournament.” She acknowledged the tough beginning but ultimate outcome of her joining the hurling team, saying she “got thrown in the deep end, but it was great. I’d never had so much fun.”
The Current Pickin’s
UM has men’s, women’s and co-ed teams, each with different practice schedules and ways of doing things.
Click on any to check out the sport’s main page:
Coed:
Tennis
Equestrian Club
Figure Skating
Shooting Sports
Cycling
Freestyle Skiing/Snowboarding
Golf
Hurling
Pickleball
Competitive Pickleball
Alpine Ski Racing
Nordic Ski Racing
Swimming
Telemark Skiing
Woodsman’s Team
Volleyball
Rodeo
Women’s:
Hockey
Basketball
Lacrosse
Rugby
Soccer
Ultimate Frisbee
Men’s:
Hockey
Lacrosse
Baseball
Rugby
Soccer
Ultimate Frisbee
Basketball
How to Create a New Team
Don’t see something you want to play? Worry not. Creating a club is a fairly simple process. Just follow the ASUM recognition process, including filling out the group’s recognition documents (like Bylaws, Risk Management Plans and Leadership Agreements). This will get you reviewed and approved within the Student Club Union.
Learn More About Club Sports
Questions? Concerns? General musings? Email Tucker Sargent, Assistant Director of Club Sports, at tucker.sargent@umontana.edu.
Madison Knapp is a student at the University of Montana, majoring in creative writing with a minor in French. She is an out-of-state student from Bellingham, Washington and has thoroughly enjoyed her time at UM. She is also a DHC student and a proud member of the Grizzly Marching Band.
