KENNESAW, Ga. | May 29, 2026

While balancing classes, jobs, and leadership roles, Kennesaw State University Club Sports participants spent the 2025-26 academic year competing on some of the nation’s biggest stages.

Unlike NCAA varsity athletic programs, Club Sports are primarily organized and operated by students. Team leaders coordinate travel, fundraising, scheduling, and recruitment while also juggling class duties. Coaching structures also vary widely across KSU club sports programs. Some teams are self-coached by members, while others utilize volunteer coaches or outside coaching support to assist with player and team development.

Yet the programs thrive because of the dedication students bring to their organizations, said Associate Director of Sport Programs, Steve Kinsey.

“It’s one of our stronger student-led initiatives,” Kinsey said. “Club sports are very highly involved student groups that are getting together two, three, four times a week and then competing against other institutions across the country. Their dedication is something that we kind of marvel at every year when it happens.”

Multiple programs have channeled that dedication into on-the-field results, with teams reaching national competitions through different paths. Some organizations overcame travel challenges, while others rebuilt rosters, expanded recruiting efforts, or developed stronger team cultures to compete at a higher level.

Among them was the KSU Club Dance Team, which qualified for nationals for the first time in program history this season. Club president Kaya Waller said the accomplishment carried extra meaning because of the obstacles the team faced throughout the year.

"Our journey has been long and difficult, constantly jumping through hoops and trying to find creative ways to get funds for nationals, but it was worth every second,” Waller said.

While some teams overcame resource challenges, others found success through culture, consistency, and player development. Josh Howard, president of the KSU Swim Club, said the organization focused on investing in every athlete on the roster while building a strong support system within the team.

“Every member of our team is important, and keeping track of everyone’s growth helps to provide a strong foundation,” Howard said. “Our team’s success includes everyone’s success.”

That emphasis on team culture also helped fuel success within the KSU Barbell Club. Bryson Moore said accountability and support among teammates played a major role throughout the season.

“The biggest factor behind our success this season has honestly been the culture of the club,” Moore said. “Having people who genuinely want to see each other succeed has made a huge difference in both performance and team morale.”

Other organizations pointed to growth and rebuilding as major factors behind their recent success. The KSU Roundnet Club finished the season ranked No. 16 nationally after rebuilding the program over the past two years.

“As I wrap up my second year of rebuilding a club that once did not have enough players to compete in the top division, it is incredible to see how far we have come,” said club leader Austin Niles.

The KSU Pickleball Club also continued expanding its presence through recruiting connections within the Atlanta pickleball community.

“We’ve just got a large presence in the Atlanta pickleball community which helps us to gain some amazing players,” said Barclay Barnes of the KSU Pickleball Club.

Beyond competition, many club athletes also balance demanding schedules that include academics, work and travel. KSU Cycling Club member Challaghan Strickland said athletes often must adapt their training schedules around classes and work responsibilities.

“Having to train while taking full class loads and working is difficult, but you have to go with the flow and train a lot some weeks and less others based on what is happening with school,” Strickland said.

For the KSU Men’s Club Volleyball team, reaching nationals represented the payoff from years of persistence and commitment. Club president Rukevwe Ukpede said the opportunity carried special meaning for those who helped build the program.

“It means a lot for the graduating seniors to have this opportunity,” Ukpede said.

Along with qualifying teams for national competitions, KSU Club Sports continued making an impact beyond athletics. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the program recorded 1,306 verified community service hours, hosted 67 home events, and participated in 168 away competitions.

Several programs also earned major milestones throughout the year. The Barbell Club received an international collegiate powerlifting bid after finishing fourth overall at nationals, while the Gymnastics Club continued competing at a high national level.

Kinsey said the continued growth of club sports strengthens KSU’s national visibility while helping students build leadership skills, friendships, and lifelong experiences. All of which tie into university priorities regarding student wellbeing.

“One of the biggest things is a sense of connection,” Kinsey said. “Whether you’re in it for education, for social, for competition, for being the best of the best in the country, whatever you want, you’re going to find somewhere in Club Sports.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photos provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.