Robust BGSU club sports offerings elevate student experience and success

High school athletes can continue athletics career with a competitive club sport while obtaining their degrees

Students who know they want to continue their high school sport in college can connect well before they have taken their first class at BGSU.

The club sports website’s recruiting form allows a student to take steps toward joining a competitive team on campus before enrolling, providing invaluable structure that can ease the transition into college.

“It’s not recruiting like we want high school stats – we want to connect with them, get them information and get them to know a few people before they’re on campus,” Switaj said. “By the time they get to campus, they already know when the try-outs are, when the practices are and may even know a few other members of the team. At that point, you’re not the typical freshman.”

While on campus, athletes have access to high-level facilities like Perry Field House and the newly renovated Slater Family Ice Arena, and even dedicated coaches who are there to help their teams succeed.

“Our two soccer teams, for instance, the club coaches are Stu Riddle and Kate Larbes, who are both assistant coaches for our Division I soccer teams,” Switaj said. “Students who came to BGSU and play club soccer are not only getting the club sports experience, they’re also getting great coaching at an NCAA level.”

Thousands of students who come to BGSU find that a club sport becomes an invaluable part of their college experience.

“More than anything, we want students to have a great experience at BGSU,” Switaj said. “We want you to try out, be serious about and play the sport that you’re really passionate about.”