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At Taylor University, the courts, fields and gym floors are alive with more than competition—they are alive with community.
Student engagement in club and intramural athletics is reaching new heights, with 45% of the student body participating in at least one intramural sport. That number is especially remarkable considering that roughly 25% of our students are intercollegiate athletes who are unable to compete in intramurals to avoid injury risk. Even with that limitation, nearly half the campus chooses to lace up their shoes and join a team.
In February alone, 68 intramural basketball teams filled the Kesler Student Activity Center (KSAC) with energy and anticipation, competing for championship bragging rights alongside cheering from friends and classmates. The buzz inside the KSAC reflected more than enthusiasm for athletics—it showcased a campus culture rooted in belonging.
This growing participation signals something deeper than a love of the game. Club and intramural sports at Taylor have become a meaningful part of the student experience, building friendships, encouraging wellness and offering connection points outside the classroom. That commitment to student engagement recently earned Taylor the eighth spot in the nation in The Princeton Review’s “Everyone Plays Intramural Sports” category.
“A Christ-centered community is central to the Taylor experience, and sports are a tremendous way to bond over shared interests and to encourage one another to grow,” said Supervisor of Intramural Sports and Recreation Nick Pultz, who works closely with the intramural cabinet. “There are many positive aspects to participating in clubs and intramurals at Taylor, but above all, I hope the students gain a sense of belonging. I hope students develop friendships that go beyond the field or court and find one more space to connect deeply with others.”
As campus development continues—including the relocation of the track to the northwest side to make room for the new Chapel and Welcome Center—Taylor is intentionally creating space for expanding athletic opportunities. With support from the 1846 Giving Circle, a grant has been awarded to prepare new fields for intramural use, ensuring students have room to compete and connect.
The KSAC continues to host basketball and volleyball intramurals, while the new outdoor fields promise additional opportunities for soccer, flag football and other outdoor sports. Participation in intramural and club sports is growing alongside the Taylor community, reinforcing the University’s commitment to holistic student life.
One of the most exciting stories in Taylor’s expanding club sports landscape is the rapid rise of the Women’s Club Volleyball team. In its inaugural season last year, the team earned a fifth national ranking at the Division II level—an extraordinary accomplishment for a brand-new program.
Club President Christina Shaffer has witnessed firsthand how club sports shape both competition and character.
“We have the opportunity to represent Christ and Taylor through this experience, and I love being able to do that with the sport I love,” Shaffer said.
This year, the team qualified for nationals once again, proving their early success was only the beginning. For Shaffer, however, the impact of club sports extends far beyond rankings and tournaments.
For students considering club or intramural sports, she offers simple encouragement:
“It may feel uncomfortable putting yourself out there, but there are so many beautiful new friendships and memories to be made by trying new things. I have highly valued my time with the club and playing intramurals,” Shaffer said.
As participation continues to climb and facilities expand, club and intramural sports at Taylor are doing more than filling schedules—they are strengthening community, cultivating belonging and shaping a campus experience where competition and connection go hand in hand.
Taylor Club Sports
Taylor Intramural Sports