LUKAS BLANKENSTEIN / CONTRIBUTOR

RILEY RAINS / SPORTS EDITOR

USD’s sports clubs are a huge part of many people’s college experience. Club sports are a way for many to exercise, make friends and compete against their fellow students, and they are not possible without the leaders that help run them. A leader can make or break a club, and it takes a lot to lead.

For club leaders, the rewards of running their clubs are numerous. USD sophomore Nayla Hifri, the captain and co-manager of the Swim Club, shared about her experience running the team. She mentioned that her favorite part was meeting other people who shared her love of swimming.

“I love being a part of the team here because while our group is small, I have been able to work alongside and coach some really cool people, who I likely would not have met if it wasn’t for our shared love for the sport,” Hifri said.

Solomon Ashenafi, a junior basketball general manager, also mentioned  that his love of his club came from the people he  met.

“Being involved in Men’s Club Basketball has introduced me to some of my best friends to this day,” Ashenafi said. “I have been able to continue playing the sport I love at a high level while being part of a team that supports me on and off the court. Even in professional development, giving me advice and referrals on classes and job opportunities, it has just been an overall positive experience for me.” 

Solomon Ashenafi playing basketball at his highschool prepared him for USD Club Basketball. Photo courtesy of  @solo_.18 / Instagram

For junior Lila “Ember” Fowler, the general manager of the Club Ultimate  Frisbee team, becoming a leader was a way for her to give back to the team that made her feel welcomed as a first year.

“I had never played a competitive  sport before  I joined the club, and so freshman year of college was the first time in my life that I’ve got to feel how special a community, a sports team, can be,” Fowler said. “As a freshman, being a part of club frisbee made me feel like I belonged on campus. As a junior on leadership, I’ve gotten to make our club serve that role for the next generation of students.”

Giving back to the team was a commonly mentioned trait among leaders’ motivation to become captains. Ashenafi, whose club was honored with the “New/Emerging Club” award, discussed how serving the community gave him motivation to become a better leader. 

“Being a campus leader to me means being able to serve my community in providing something meaningful to the students on campus,” Ashenafi mentioned. “The work that has gone into making Club Basketball the organization that it is today means so much to me because I get to see players, coaches and other team members/supporters reap the benefits through the amazing events we’ve been able to host this year!”

Hifri also chimed in on what she believed made someone a strong leader, emphasizing the ability to communicate effectively with other athletes.

USD Club Swim competing at University of California, San Diego. Photo courtesy of @usdclubswim/Instagram

“I think a  successful leader in sports is a person who can relate to the struggles and challenges other athletes face,” Hifri stated. “Also, someone who can cater to the abilities and goals of each athlete they coach.”

Ultimately, leadership is a rewarding job for those who choose to take it. While it comes with a lot of extra work and responsibilities, the ability to create, grow and lead your club is worth all the sacrifice. Their efforts are well-appreciated by those who they lead.

Lila “Ember” Fowler  (center) playing on Manchester field against University of California, San Diego. Photo courtesy of Taylor Newton