By Caitlin Rubsamen, Sports Editor
While the 24 NCAA teams that compete in the Centennial Conference for Gettysburg have excelled for years and continue to represent the college in the highest levels of athletic competition, it would be remiss not to feature the non-varsity but still high achieving club sports teams that also compete for the Bullets.
At Gettysburg, we currently have seven club sports that run through our Campus Recreation Department. While each team’s schedule and quantity of games vary, it is still an excellent opportunity for students to either get involved in a new sport, or continue to compete at a high level in a sport they grew up playing.
Currently, the college offers ice hockey, men’s rugby, women’s rugby, equestrian, climbing, men’s volleyball and ultimate frisbee.
Annette Hunt-Shephard is the Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness and also serves as the Senior Woman Administrator in athletics. In her role, she also assists in overseeing all of club sports.
In how the program is designed, each club sport has an executive team that is voted on within their respective organizations. They serve as the voices of their sports and communicate with Hunt-Shephard, her staff and other teams executive members in monthly campus sports meetings. This model allows for students to continue to play their sport, but it also provides opportunities in management and leadership.
“Being a part of Club Ice Hockey has been one of the best parts about my time at Gettysburg,” said assistant manager Lilly Ball ’26. “Even though I’m not a player on the team, being a manager has been just as crucial to the team’s success. I’ve made so many connections and strong friendships through the club ice hockey program that I wouldn’t have ever able to make otherwise.”
For many students, this opportunity has changed their college experience.
“Being on a club sports team was something I never imagined I’d get to do in my college career— especially for a sport that is rarely set in a team environment!” explained equestrian team member Alessia Buoso ’26. “The club sport program has allowed me to do what I love while also making great connections.”
Women’s rugby player Izzy Coupe ’26, a four-year member of the team, shared: “Joining rugby helped me find my place at Gettysburg when I was a first-year, and I know the friendships I’ve made on the team are going to last a lifetime.”
Women’s Rugby Team competing. (Photos Alice Van Etten/The Gettysburgian)
Club sports also provide flexibility for students who want to participate in athletics, with many students engaging in several at the same time.
“Being in two club sports has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people and explore two very different sports that I love,” said Holly Vollman ’26, president of Climbing Club and assistant captain of ultimate frisbee. “Both teams have a great culture and being in a leadership position for both continues to give me opportunities to grow.”
Frisbee Team players. (Photo Alice Van Etten/The Gettysburgian)
There is also a unique social aspect to club sports, with participants getting to relax by taking a break from academic pressures with people who share the same interests. This, combined with fewer stressors than a collegiate sport, makes the experience a highlight for many. Additionally, students can acquire new skills, as their club sport may be their first experience with the activity.
“Climbing club is one of my favorite things that I get to do here at the college for so many reasons,” shared club secretary Riley Nolan ’26. “I had never climbed before coming to Gettysburg, so I hold a special place in my heart for this team that has taught me. There’s such a great community that we’ve built in the sport here, and you can really feel it when one of us gets on the wall and the rest of us are cheering that person on. With the team, I’ve also been able to go to other schools, gyms and even outdoor climbing, which has been such a cool experience and one that I never would’ve done without club sports at Gettysburg.”
Students interested in club sports can visit www.gettysburg.edu/campus-life/clubs-organizations/sports to learn more.
This article originally appeared on pages 16 and 17 of the November 2025 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
