Student Feature: Finding teamwork, leadership and balance in YSU Club Sports

FEATURE STORY

Story by: Aicha Sawaneh, Professional Communication Graduate Student
Photography by: Rijan Tamang, Computer Science major
Chloe Thompson, Art Studio major

At Youngstown State University, Club Sports provide students with the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports and recreational activities that cater to individual interests. These student-run organizations are designed to promote physical activity, skill development and social interaction in a supportive environment.

With 19 unique clubs to choose from, students can find a team that suits their interests and fitness level — from competitive leagues to recreational play. Club Sports allow students to represent YSU in regional and national competitions, experience the thrill of competition without the demanding commitments of varsity athletics and build lifelong friendships through teamwork and shared goals.

Beyond the game, students gain valuable experience in leadership, communication and organization by managing teams, planning events and serving as officers. The program helps Penguins strike a balance between academics, personal interests and athletic passion, all while fostering a sense of belonging and pride in representing Youngstown State University.

Connor Wallace — Men’s Soccer (President; Club Sports Executive Board VP) 
For Connor Wallace, a chemical engineering major expected to graduate in fall 2027, joining the Men’s Soccer Club was a chance to keep playing the game he loves and step into leadership.

“I built my high school career around soccer, and when I came to YSU, I looked for a way to continue at the next level,” Wallace said. “Club Sports is perfect because it’s not crazy competitive, but it’s still lots of fun and there are so many great people involved.”

Since taking on officer roles, Wallace helped grow the roster from about 10 players to 38 active members this semester.

“One of my proudest moments is being able to recruit and redevelop the club into what it is now,” he said.

Balancing classes, matches and meetings, Wallace leans on strong time management. “I use my Outlook calendar; it’s like my little baby,” he said with a laugh. “Everything goes on there — that’s how I stay on top of everything.”

He credits Campus Recreation staff with steady support. “Josiah Horst, our Club Sports coordinator and Alan Caldwell, our graduate assistant, are always there to help,” Wallace said. “Even when I don’t have all the answers, they figure things out for us. They’re amazing.”

What Club Sports means to him: “It’s like being part of a second family that helps you feel supported and gives you the chance to give that support back.”

Cailey Wellman — Women’s Volleyball (Vice President) 
For Cailey Wellman, a primary education major graduating in 2028 and vice president of the Women’s Volleyball Club, joining Club Sports offered a chance to reconnect with the athletic side of herself she missed after high school.

“I just missed playing sports,” Wellman said. “Being part of Club Volleyball gave me that opportunity again.”

Balancing school, work and sports has helped her improve her focus and time management. “Before joining, I used to procrastinate a lot,” she said. “Now, having volleyball and classes keeps me on task. It actually makes it easier to get things done.”

One of her favorite memories was traveling to Phoenix, Arizona, for nationals. “We did okay, but our last game was the best,” she said. “After two semesters of trying to come together, everything finally clicked. It was so exciting to see how far we’d come as a team.”

Wellman said her leadership role strengthened her decision-making and communication skills. “Our executive board works really well together,” she said. “It’s nice that we all share the workload so we can focus on both school and sports.”

She added that the support from YSU’s faculty and Club Sports staff makes a huge difference. “YSU really supports all of its athletics, not just varsity,” Wellman said. “It’s a big college with a small-campus feel.”

For Wellman, Club Sports are more than competition. “It might seem time-consuming, but it actually helps take stress away,” she said. “It gives you something fun to do and helps you meet new people.”

Michael Gianetti — Men’s Basketball (Secretary; Club Sports Executive Board Secretary) 
Michael Gianetti, an exercise science major on the physical therapy track graduating in spring 2027, joined Club Basketball to keep competing in a relaxed, student-run environment while holding himself accountable.

“In high school, coaches make you show up. In college, it’s on you,” Gianetti said. “Club Basketball gives me something I’m excited to do, but it’s also discipline and a way to keep improving.”

On-court highlights range from a strong performance against Slippery Rock to a recent win over a junior college team. Off the court, his favorite memory is a team trip to Washington, D.C. “We rode scooters around the monuments the night before the tournament. It was pretty cool,” he said.

Leadership has sharpened skills he’ll carry into a health care career. “Coordinating travel waivers, practices and personalities teaches you to communicate, organize and bring people together,” Gianetti said.

He praised Coach Dalton at the Rec for creating a patient, growth-minded team culture and echoed appreciation for Club Sports staff. “Josiah and Alan are great. They keep us focused and supported.”

His one-sentence summary: “A unique community built around a familiar sport.”

Club teams at Youngstown State University are student-organized groups that compete with other colleges and universities, travel to events and proudly represent YSU in a variety of sports and recreational activities. Designed to promote physical activity, teamwork and personal growth, these clubs offer students the chance to experience the excitement of competition without the demanding time commitment of varsity athletics. In addition to developing athletic skills, members gain hands-on leadership experience by managing teams, coordinating events and serving as club officers. The program encourages balance between academics, personal interests and athletics while fostering a strong sense of community and Penguin pride.

Whether on the field, court or through executive leadership, Club Sports help Penguins stay active, make connections and build skills that extend far beyond the game.