College students often turn to intramural sports for more than just competition. For many, it’s a way to relieve stress, stay active and build connections outside the classroom.

At the University of South Carolina, intramural sports give students an opportunity to continue playing the games they love while balancing the demands of college life.

For junior Carter Godfrey, flag football offers a more relaxed environment than traditional organized athletics.

“I feel like it’s just a lot more fun than real-competitive sport,” Godfrey said. “It’s good to have some competitive aspects. But with intramurals, you’re really able to just enjoy the game.”

Godfrey said the social side of intramurals is one of the main reasons students continue to participate. 

“My freshman year, I joined the team that I only knew, like, one guy on,” Godfrey said. “I ended up meeting a lot of guys who I still talk to today.”

Intramural sports for many students also serve as a break from the academic pressures that come with college.

Junior broadcast student Elijah Threadgill said his history with flag football made joining an intramural team an easy decision.

“I grew up playing flag football from fifth grade up until my senior year of high school and I’ve always had a love for the game,” Threadgill said. “It was a good way to relieve stress.”

Threadgill, who this year played with the same team he did with last year, said intramurals also helped him build community after transferring to USC.

“Especially coming in as a transfer student, I really didn’t know too many people, but they took me in with open arms,” Threadgill said.

Beyond the student experience, intramural officials say the program’s culture is built around consistency, community and enjoyment.

Kallsen Wright, a flag football and basketball official in his sixth semester of working intramural games, said the environment is just as meaningful on the officiating side as it is for the students on the field.

“It’s a really tight-knit group,” Wright said. “A lot of people come back every semester and play with the same friends. It’s just a really good time when you see people you know each week.”

Wright said students often join teams connected to fraternities, organizations or friend groups already established on campus.

“It’s a way to get outside and be active in the middle of a busy academic schedule without a huge commitment,” Wright said.

From his perspective, the accessibility of intramurals is what keeps students returning season after season.

“There’s no reason not to play,” Wright said. “Even if you’ve never played before, you can still come out and have a great time with your friends.”