Written By: Victoria Williamson ~ Sports Editor
Lynchburg’s intramural spring sports started with a bang, as the basketball teams set the stage for a competitive season. With growing participation each year, intramural sports at the University of Lynchburg continues to gain popularity on campus, with basketball emerging as a standout attraction.
Freshman Grayson Lopez heard about the team by word of mouth and decided he needed to join and be a part of the fun atmosphere.
“I found out about intramural sports through my upperclassmen teammates. They talked about how fun basketball was and how the vibes were always high when playing with friends. So some of my freshman teammates and I decided to join the fun and make a team,” Lopez said..
With a couple of years of experience, junior Reid Rouse appreciates his time on the team and reflects on how intramural basketball has positively influenced him and those around him.
With a couple of years of experience, junior Reid Rouse expressed his appreciation for the team’s camaraderie, reflecting on its positive influence on him and his teammates.
“The community surrounding intramural sports here is awesome. People are always smiling, laughing, and having a great time. It does not matter if you airball five shots in a row or drain three threes; the vibes stay high,” Rouse said.
Lynchburg Intramural Basketball Team, 2024. Photo via Lynchburg Intramurals Facebook.
From playing basketball as a young kid to joining the intramural basketball team on campus, fifth-year Matthew Kopsidas sees the team as an opportunity to bond with teammates as he continues to improve his gameplay.
Fifth-year student Matthew Kopsidas, who played basketball throughout childhood, joined the intramural basketball team to improve his gameplay and has enjoyed competing with his teammates.
“It interested me to join because I played basketball as a kid, and although I’m not too great, I have fun competing with my guys,” Kopsidas said.
By creating a community within Lynchburg’s campus within intramural sports and specifically the basketball league, students are encouraged to connect with those around them and tap into skill sets they might not have looked into before to better themselves and enjoy their short time at the University.
Intramural sports have helped foster new communities on campus by encouraging students to connect with their peers and utilize their unique skill sets.
According to the intramural sports mission statement, the program aims to provide students with a positive outlet that promotes health, wellness, and leadership.
Through our programs and activities, we strive to promote lifelong health and wellness of the campus community. We anticipate that our programs and activities will provide a positive and healthy outlet for stress. We will assist The University in the overall development of students by providing leadership opportunities to both participants and student employees. Additionally, we aim to unite the student body and serve as a retention tool for the University. Our main goal is to continue to provide quality programs that are continually changing and adapting with the goal to maintain if not increase participation levels within Intramural activities.
For more information, visit: Intramural Basketball at Lynchburg.
