Athletic Options for Regent Students
Staying active is essential to a healthy lifestyle. According to the CDC, physical activity can improve brain health, strengthen bones and muscles and increase your energy levels. However, it can be difficult to fit exercise into a busy schedule, especially once the semester is in full swing and you feel overwhelmed by assignments.
Whether you are a returning student looking for something new or a freshman unsure of the options, joining a sports team or program is a great way to stay active during your time at Regent. Athletics can be a great way to add movement to your weekly routine, make new friends and have lots of fun. I have outlined three different ways to get involved with athletics, depending on your skills and commitment level!
Regent Royals
Regent University is proud to have teams for nine different sports that compete as part of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). Regent offers basketball, soccer, track & field and cross country for men. For women, they offer all of these options as well as volleyball. Our Regent Royals represent our university as they compete against other students within the NCCAA as well as other universities outside their conference, such as Virginia Wesleyan and Elizabeth City State University.
This is a great option for people who have played a sport in high school and are looking for a new challenge. These teams require a solid skill set and a thorough understanding of the sport in order to compete at a high level. A majority of the students on these teams are recruited while they are still in high school; however, the teams also offer walk-on try-outs which are an opportunity for anyone who would like to compete for a spot on the team.
Representing our Regent Royals is an amazing opportunity and also a huge responsibility that requires a high level of commitment. While in-season, most teams practice every day unless they have a competition or are traveling to a game. There are also academic standards mandated by the NCCAA, so it is important that you manage your time wisely to maintain good grades and stay on top of your studies. Playing on one of these teams will help keep you in great physical shape as well as foster friendships that will last long after you’ve graduated.
For more information on how to become a part of the Regent Royals, check out their website.
Intramural Sports Board
If you are looking for a more relaxed athletic outlet that also provides a great social environment, check out Regent’s Intramural Sports Board (ISB). Run by students, it is a great place to meet other students and enjoy different sports. ISB offers many different events throughout the year, all of which are open to Regent students. These events are always super fun and provide ample entertainment, such as the PowderPuff game where girls play flag football while guys cheerlead from the sidelines!
ISB also hosts semester-long leagues, which include weekly games and conclude with a championship game. To compete in the leagues, you put together a team and play against other Regent students for the chance to win the championship title. ISB currently offers sand volleyball, ultimate frisbee and flag football leagues.
If you would like to get involved with the Intramural Sports Board or request more information, you can check out their Instagram @ru_intramurals.
Off-Campus Adult Leagues
While Regent hosts many sports exclusively for students, there are also lots of options off-campus in the Hampton Roads area. This can be a great option for anyone looking to meet people in the local community.
The Virginia Beach Field House (VBFH) is an awesome place to check out if you’re looking for a place to hang out. Located roughly 20 minutes from campus, it is a huge sports facility with volleyball courts, basketball courts and indoor soccer fields. Open gyms are available for many different sports, which are a great way to meet people and brush up on your skills. After paying at the door, you are free to jump in anywhere there is an empty position. Teams are often mixed up to keep things interesting and allow you to play with different people.
For students looking for a little more commitment, there are also leagues where you assemble a team that will compete together for the duration of the season. They offer men, women and co-ed teams, as well as different divisions depending on skill levels. Currently, they host leagues for basketball, soccer, volleyball, sand volleyball, kickball and flag football. The leagues typically run for seven weeks, and your team plays two games per week. After seven weeks, the top teams compete in a tournament for the chance to win the championship.
For more information about the VBFH, check out their website.
These are just a few of the many options available to Regent students. I encourage you to try out multiple things until you find something that you love. Sports can provide you with a fun and easy way to stay active and are a great way to get involved both on campus and in the community!
