For all participants, Club Sports at Butler University offers students the opportunity to continue playing their favorite sports competitively in college. However, each club offers something unique and fun to their members. Read below to see why our students love their club sport! Follow the links to see the clubs’ blogs for contact information!
Men’s Basketball – Mark Pearson
The men’s club basketball team on Butler’s campus not only is competitive but it is a lot of fun. As a freshman, I tried out for the team and was fortunate to make the team. I loved basketball and wanted to meet others 
on campus that had the same passion and figured this would be a perfect way to do it. Not only did I get to prolong my basketball career, but I made lifetime friends while doing it. The club basketball team travels to tournaments together and stays in cities all over the Midwest. Yes, the team is about having fun, but we also carry a tradition of winning. We expect to win, and we carry ourselves in a manner in which we act like champions on and off the court. If you are looking for a great experience and looking to enjoy some competitive basketball, give club basketball a shot! Go Dawgs!
Women’s Basketball – Claire Jaffee
Let me just start off by saying that I am so unbelievably excited to be a member of Butler Unive
rsity’s club basketball team this year. I am a transfer student, and unfortunately was not able to play club basketball at my school last year due to the intensity of my academic schedule. Because I love the sport so much, I did find time to play in intramural and pick-up games throughout the year, but always missed the comradery of being on a team. There truly is nothing like the feeling of being a part of a team; the idea of a group of people coming together and supporting each other towards a common goal is so incredible, and there is absolutely nothing like it. Throughout grade school and all through high school, most of my best friends comprised of my basketball teammates; there is just something about struggling through practices, and traveling to tournaments that brings people together like no other. Teammates share such a special bond, and this was something that I really missed last year. Club basketball, I feel, is the perfect college athletic experience. It is not nearly as time consuming or intense as being, for example, a division 1 athlete, and therefore allows for participants to have more well-rounded college experiences. It provides the competitiveness and excitement of real game experiences, and the comradery of being on a team, but allows time for schoolwork and social lives as well. Being on the club basketball team, I never feel pressured to get my homework done or that I am missing out on time with my other friends. Club basketball has enhanced my life in college by allotting me the opportunity to spend time with some of the nicest girls that I have met here at Butler, while playing a sport that I love! I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to play on the club basketball team this year and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the season goes!
Climbing – Jenna Kresak
Are you adventurous? Rock on! In Climbing Club, we practice weekly at an indoor gym in Indianapolis. Additionally, we go on a camping trip in Kentucky each semester to do some outdoor climbing. Climbing is an easy and fun way to stay fit, and no experience is necessary.
Crew – Maggie Jensen
I joined Club Crew as a way to get involved on campus and meet people. I had shown horses competitively in high school and was looking for something that had the same structure and competitive nature but that would be something new to try. It proved to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my time here at Butler. The people I have met are so supportive of each other and I know that if I need help with anything I always have my teammates to lean on. That was proven to me when, due to an injury, half my team spent hours in the ER with me. Club Sports has been a great way for me to build relationships that will last a life time, develop my leadership skills, and to have fun and be competitive in a sport that I never thought I would be a part of.
Cycling – Cole Smith
My dad got me into cycling because he needed a riding buddy. At the time, I did it for the exercise and health benefits, and also to spend time with my dad. Flash forward a few years after casually cycling, and I was signing up for the cycling club at Block Party at Butler University. I figured I would join so that I would have other people to ride with, not thinking that I would ever really get serious about it. Through the Fall of my first year, I went on all the group rides and attended all the spin classes with everyone. I started to pick up more of the cycling lingo, learned more about training, and became more interested in road racing in the Spring. There were four other members who joined with me and we all became very close. Everyone was on board for racing and we trained well together, planning group rides on our own. The first race was the last week of February and after that, I was completely 
hooked. The competitiveness, speed, and friendships I made along the way fueled my passion for the sport. Our team went to every race, and by the end of the season I went from finishing in 52nd place to 12th place in Regionals. I am thrilled to be a part of Butler’s cycling team. Our team has a special bond and whenever I see another team member on campus, they always make it a point to stop and ask how my day is going. We are like a big family, and our love for cycling brings us closer to one another than any other club I have been involved with. I also appreciate the opportunity to travel, racing on campuses like Notre Dame, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, St. Louis University, and Lindsey Wilson. And it’s true that the club takes care of its members. We have sponsorships with big name cycling companies, so my initial hesitation of spending a lot of money when I joined was null because of the deals we get. But the best takeaways I have from the cycling club are the memories I’ve made. Some of my favorites are racing of course, our Spring Break training trips to Asheville, North Carolina, and also qualifying for Nationals last year in Washington, D.C. I would highly recommend the cycling club to anyone, even if your interest in cycling is minimal like mine initially. Our family is welcoming to anyone, our sport provides a fun competitiveness, and the opportunities that come from the club are priceless.
Equestrian – Lena Fajardo
I joined the Butler University Equestrian Team (BUET) as a way for me to continue riding horses throughout my college career and to be able to compete at the inter
collegiate level. However, when I joined I did not know that I would make these great friendships and develop my leadership skills even farther. As Secretary for the team, I am responsible for all of our social media management. At first I thought that this would be a very scary task being responsible for all of our social media presence. However, it is not that bad and it allows me to make the team what I want it to be: a warm home for those who love horses and who want to be able to compete or even just ride. The team takes riders of all abilities which is so great because everyone is able to enjoy a sport that has my home for my whole life. I loving being able to help out the riders with less experience than I have but I also love that their are riders with more experience than me so I have someone to look up to. Additionally, my riding skills have improved so much in just the short time I have been riding with the team all thanks to Dawn, our coach, patience. Dawn is great to take lessons from and great to be around as well. BUET has been one of the best choices that I have made here at Butler because I am able to enjoy the sport I love so dearly, make great friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Men’s Lacrosse – Mark Williams
As a freshman at Butler University, one of the first activities that I immediately looked to get involved in was the club lacrosse team. As an avid lacrosse player who has played roughly for three years, I was excited to be able to play again the college level.One of the main aspects about the team I liked immediately when I first started playing was the friendliness, cooperativeness, and openness that everyone exhibited. It did not matter if you are one of the best 
players on team or just picking up a stick for the first time. I and many others take pleasure in helping people that are just starting out or are looking to improve their game. The comradery that the team possesses is something I believe feeds into everyone during practices and games.The future of the team is looking bright. We have players that are willing and motivated. Individuals are stepping up to the plate enhancing their abilities so they can perform their best every day. In short, it is a team that I am happy to be a part of and I encourage anyone that has not tried or even heard of lacrosse to come out and join Butler’s club lacrosse team.
Women’s Lacrosse – Emma Annand
Throughout my years in High School, I had played 10 varsity seasons, 4 sports competitively, and 2 of them year round. Sports have always been a huge part of my life and upon graduating I wasn’t ready to let them go. I opted out of playing any in college, as I wanted to give myself the freedom to enjoy my college experience without the intense commitment that comes with a D1, 2, or 3 team. As I began looking into colleges senior year, the club sports program at Butler was actually part of the reason I chose it over other schools. I currently play on the club lacrosse team and have since freshman year. Trust me, it was terrifying joining the team not knowing anyone, and showing up to the first practice alone. After the first practice though, I was so glad I had chosen to join. I have met some of my best friends through club lacrosse. It is both fun and competitive, and though may not be the highest level of competition offered in college, the experience has been one that has been an integral part of my time in college, and at Butler specifically. I encourage anyone, whether you want to try a sport or have played it your whole life, to try and join a club sport at Butler! If nothing else, for a few hours break from homework each week 🙂
Ski & Snowboarding – Sari Sachnoff & Leah Hilgenkamp
Joining the ski and snowboard club team was a no brainer. We’ve been shredding the gnar for as long as we can remember and are always looking forward to the next snowfall. During first semester as we learned about the BU ski and snowboard club team, we got more and more stoked for the first trip over MLK weekend. Boarding up in Michigan was truly one of our favorite experiences of our freshman year. The conditions were delicious and we were able to shred some sick powder with twelve other people that were just as passionate about the sport as we are. Over the course of the weekend, it was super dope to get to know other Butler students that were different ages and majors who we wouldn’t have met without joining this club sport. Coming in as freshmen and only knowing each other was a little intimidating at first but everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The best part of the weekend was definitely watching one of our teammates who has had no experience on the mountain go from having to be ski patrolled down a run the first day to graduating ski school and being able to “pizza” & “french fry” the next day. Being around all different skill levels really challenged us to become better riders. It truly was an experience we will never forget and we are already hyped for the next trip.
Women’s Soccer – Rachel Williams
Playing a club sport gives you the chance to play for a competitive team while also not being overwhelmed with balancing a sport and school. The Butler University Women’s Club Soccer Team is the perfect team to play for if you are looking for good competition with a more flexible schedule. The team consists of around 20 women who are dedicated to playing the sport of soccer. The competitive season lasts from the beginning of September to the end of October. It is a short but busy two months. On average, half of the games are home and the other half are away. We travel all throughout the state of Indiana, and also to Ohio and Illinois, depending on whom we play during the season. The team normally practices twice a week, and all games are played on the weekends. This ensures that no one will miss any classes. If you are interested in playing club soccer, you are expected to be committed to the team. I highly encourage anyone who loves playing soccer and does not want to give up their soccer career quite yet to come and try out for the team. You will meet new people, make so many new friends, and create some unforgettable memories. Playing club soccer is so much fun and a great chance to enhance your college career.
Swimming – Sarah Lenahan
What I like about Club Swimming is the escape. For me, attending practices allows me to forget about the stress of school. When attending practices, I can simply focus on pushing myself physically. What I love most about Club Swimming is the friendships. I am a senior now, and looking back on my freshman year, Club Swimming helped me transition from high school to college. The junior and senior members of the team took me under their wings and not only helped me socially but also academically. My college experience defiantly not be the same without Club Swimming!
Tennis – Abram Fleming
Coming to campus my first year, club sports gave me the chance to continue playing my favorite sport while being flexible to my schedule, stay active, meet new people on campus. I could not only keep playing the sport, but compete in it as well. Club sports has given me that opportunity to make great friends while having tons of fun, and improving on my skills. I love traveling to different universities around the Midwest and competing against their club teams and growing with the people on my team. The club sports program provides such a great experience to all students on campus regardless of skill level.
Ultimate Frisbee – Josh Johnson
I started playing Club Ultimate because I played in high school and loved it. So as I came to Butler, I was instantly drawn to the club team here. My team members from that first year are some of my best friends even now, four years later. The best thing about Club Sports is that you join a community of people who all love the same sport as you.
Men’s Volleyball – Danny Sievers, Junior
I’m really glad I joined the club volleyball team my Freshman year. It’s nice being able to take a break from school work twice a week to practice with a great group of guys. It’s a good way to be active and have a good time, while still being able to participate in a competitive sport. Some of the people on the team haven’t played volleyball before, so it’s fun to give them some tips and watch them learn over time. Overall, it’s just nice to be around a fun group of guys twice a week to play.
Women’s Volleyball – Kennedy Flesner
I joined club sports because I missed the competitiveness of high school sports, but didn’t want a huge commitment, like co
llegiate athletes have. However, I’ve kept playing because of the friends I’ve made. We are all different ages, majors, and are a part of different Greek houses, so without club volleyball, there is a good chance none of us would have became friends. I look forward to our tournaments and weekly practices because not only do I love playing the game, I get to see the people who I couldn’t imagine my college experience without.