Which sports teams and clubs are available at UC Berkeley?
I'm starting to look into colleges where I can stay active and maybe even try some new sports. I know UC Berkeley is a big school, but I'm not exactly sure what kinds of sports are offered there.
Are there varsity teams for just the major sports like football and basketball, or do they have options for things like swimming, tennis, or track and field? Also, are there a lot of club or intramural teams that regular students can join? I'd really appreciate if anyone could share their experiences or maybe link to where I can find a complete list of sports at Cal. Just trying to figure out what my options would look like if I decided to go there!
Are there varsity teams for just the major sports like football and basketball, or do they have options for things like swimming, tennis, or track and field? Also, are there a lot of club or intramural teams that regular students can join? I'd really appreciate if anyone could share their experiences or maybe link to where I can find a complete list of sports at Cal. Just trying to figure out what my options would look like if I decided to go there!
4 months ago
•
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Kathy Jayanth
• 4 months ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley offers a huge range of ways to stay active, whether you're into traditional varsity sports or just looking to join a recreational club with friends. For NCAA Division I varsity, Cal has teams in major sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. You’ll also find competitive teams for swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, gymnastics, golf, rugby, and water polo, among others. Some sports, like men’s rugby and men’s rowing, are especially renowned at Cal, and the swimming program has produced several Olympians.
If you’re not aiming for a varsity spot but still want to compete, Berkeley has dozens of club sports. These are student-run teams that play at a high level but are more flexible than varsity, so you don't have the same time commitment or recruitment pressure. Club sports at Cal range from ultimate frisbee, sailing, and fencing to lacrosse, badminton, and even archery. Many of these clubs travel for competitions against other schools, but they’re usually open to students with a variety of skill levels. For example, the Quidditch club is always looking for new players, even if you’ve never picked up a broomstick before!
Intramural sports are another big part of campus life. These leagues are open to everyone, no matter your experience, and cover everything from flag football to dodgeball, inner tube water polo, and even esports. You can join teams with your dorm, friends, or as a free agent if you want to meet new people. Intramurals are a fun, low-pressure way to stay fit and socialize.
To get a complete and current list of all varsity, club, and intramural sports at UC Berkeley, check out their official websites: the Cal Athletics site (calbears.com) lists varsity teams, and Rec Sports (recsports.berkeley.edu) has details on intramural and club options. If you visit campus, drop by the Recreational Sports Facility—it's the hub for a lot of activities. Many students join a club or intramural on a whim and end up making some of their best friends that way. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just curious to try out something new, Berkeley offers a little of everything.
If you’re not aiming for a varsity spot but still want to compete, Berkeley has dozens of club sports. These are student-run teams that play at a high level but are more flexible than varsity, so you don't have the same time commitment or recruitment pressure. Club sports at Cal range from ultimate frisbee, sailing, and fencing to lacrosse, badminton, and even archery. Many of these clubs travel for competitions against other schools, but they’re usually open to students with a variety of skill levels. For example, the Quidditch club is always looking for new players, even if you’ve never picked up a broomstick before!
Intramural sports are another big part of campus life. These leagues are open to everyone, no matter your experience, and cover everything from flag football to dodgeball, inner tube water polo, and even esports. You can join teams with your dorm, friends, or as a free agent if you want to meet new people. Intramurals are a fun, low-pressure way to stay fit and socialize.
To get a complete and current list of all varsity, club, and intramural sports at UC Berkeley, check out their official websites: the Cal Athletics site (calbears.com) lists varsity teams, and Rec Sports (recsports.berkeley.edu) has details on intramural and club options. If you visit campus, drop by the Recreational Sports Facility—it's the hub for a lot of activities. Many students join a club or intramural on a whim and end up making some of their best friends that way. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just curious to try out something new, Berkeley offers a little of everything.
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Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
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