Club and Intramural Sports
USC provides hundreds of ways for students to find community on campus, whether that be in the classroom, clubs, organizations or other opportunities to connect with peers. Athletics are a big part of campus life, as the Trojan Family loves to support USC sports. USC is a member of the Big Ten Conference, so our Division I teams play at a very high level. You’ll see lots of Trojans at any sports game, but you’ll always see thousands of fans cheering on the historic football and basketball programs. However, supporting the D1 teams and going to those games is not the only way for students to get involved in athletics on campus. Hundreds of students participate in the various club and intramural sports opportunities at USC.
Club sports are great because you can be part of a team, but it is much less of a commitment than a D1 sport. There are about 50 club sports at USC, and these teams typically practice a couple times a week and travel to play other schools. Club teams provide opportunities for students who may have played varsity sports in high school to continue playing the sport and competing against others, while also having ample time to focus on their academics. Some club teams may have tryouts depending on the size or structure of the team. This past year, 1,600 students participated in club sports.
Some of my colleagues in the office played club sports during their time at USC. Let’s hear about their experiences:
John Russell ‘25: Club tennis was a great way for me to stay active and to meet new peers at USC. I loved the competitive atmosphere. Mostly everyone there was friendly, but they were still competing, which made you improve your overall performance and try to be the best player you could be. I developed a strong network of peers at USC that I probably would never have met outside of the team.
Eric Lopez ‘22: Playing club baseball at USC allowed me to continue playing the sport I love, while creating unforgettable college memories. Practicing on Dedeaux Field was an incredible experience I’ll always cherish. Weekend trips with the boys to compete against other schools were a blast. The highlight of it all was playing at Angel Stadium, with my family in the stands watching me. Competing at the club level was a meaningful part of my time in college and will always be a standout experience of my undergraduate years at USC.
Intramural sports are a step below club sports in the sense that anyone can join and the commitment is less than both D1 and club. Students who join an intramural sport typically play once a week, depending on the team. Intramural leagues can range in commitment—anywhere from a one-day tournament to an eight-week season. There are no tryouts involved, and you can form a team or join a random one individually. This past year, 6500 students participated in intramural sports.
USC’s student body is very active, and sports are a common way for students to meet each other and find community outside of the classroom. We hope that you are looking forward to some of these athletic opportunities and to cheer on your fellow Trojans, no matter what level they’re playing.
Written by: Jaelin Robin, Assistant Director, USC Office of Admission