A Guide to USU CLub Sports

by Carson Frost

At Utah State University, your next big leap might not be in a classroom but on a rugby field, a climbing wall or a country swing dance floor. With over two dozen club sports run by students, an Aggie athletic adventure is just one bold step away.

Club sports at USU offer high-level competition in a student-led, welcoming environment. Most clubs are open to all skill levels, whether you were a high school star or just a curious beginner. Teams travel regionally or even nationally, offering experiences beyond the classroom.

Here’s a closer look at some of Utah State’s standout club programs:

MEN’S RUGBY

The USU Men’s Rugby Team has rapidly grown into a competitive program under the leadership of club president Jacob Burton. When Burton joined in the spring of 2023, the team struggled to win games and lacked consistent structure.

“We’d play BYU, UVU, Utah, and we’d get smoked,” Burton said.

But after a coaching change and stronger organization, the team expanded to over 50 players and qualified for the national semifinals in spring 2024.

“It was a real turnaround from being kind of this bottom-tier Utah school to being up there with BYU, competing nationally,” Burton said.

Despite its rise in competitiveness, the club remains open to all students, regardless of experience.

“We invite anyone and everyone to come practice and play,” Burton said, emphasizing commitment and effort matter more than a player’s background.

The team practices three times a week and plays most Saturdays, with fall and spring seasons featuring regional travel. Dues are $350 per semester, covering travel and other costs, and payment plans are available. Interested students can join by reaching out on Instagram or simply showing up to practice.

WOMEN’S RUGBY

The USU Women’s Rugby Team has seen growth of their own under head coach Alia Stubbs, who transitioned from team captain to coach after graduating in 2023. Having played since high school, Stubbs heads into her third year as coach with a deep passion and plenty of experience.

“College rugby is kind of niche,” Stubbs said. “The first two weeks are about taking someone from no knowledge at all to being able to play in a game.”

During Stubbs’ junior year, for the first time in program history, the team reached the national championship game, demonstrating their strength in a tough conference that includes other top teams in the region.

“Even though we lost, we had the better celebration,” Stubbs said about the title game. “They picked me up in the air, and we were all screaming and cheering.”

The team welcomes all skill levels and body types, and Stubbs has found many players quickly overcome their initial fears about the sport’s physicality.

“We start out really slow,” Stubbs said. “We make sure you’re safe the whole way through.”

Practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4–6 p.m. starting the first week of the semester, with games scheduled through the fall. Dues range from $250–300 per season plus a one-time annual USA Rugby insurance fee of $50–70.

The club also participates in events like Aggie RecFest and Day on the Quad, where interested students can meet players and coaches.

Climbing Club

The USU Climbing Team offers students a welcoming community to grow both socially and athletically, regardless of climbing experience. Club President Cole Forsberg discovered the sport after arriving at Utah State and quickly found it to be a meaningful part of his college life.

“I had never climbed before, but I just kept going to the wall and got hooked,” Forsberg said.

For Forsberg, the appeal was as much about connection as it was about the sport.

“You always have someone to go climb with,” he said. “It’s a huge part of my social circle.”

Over his time with the club, he moved from a club member to vice president and then president, helping organize competitions and manage budgets, all while striving to give other students the same sense of community he values.

“A lot of us in leadership just wanted to give others the kind of experience we had,” Forsberg said.

The team holds tryouts each fall, where students climb designated routes and are evaluated on technique, strength and teamwork.

From there, the group is categorized into beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions, and many members start with little to no experience. Forsberg noted that many beginners in the club have progressed to an intermediate or advanced level within a year.

Beyond climbing, the club emphasizes service and leadership, offering students meaningful ways to engage with the community.

“Everyone feels lost at first,” Forsberg said. “Just keep trying until you find your people.”

Handball Club

The USU Handball Club offers students a unique opportunity to explore a lesser-known but rewarding sport. Led by head coach Stacey Marble, the club is centered around four-wall handball, a fast-paced sport played inside a racquetball court using only leathergloved hands.

“Most people show up thinking it’s Olympic handball and they’re totally confused,” Marble said.

But that initial surprise often turns into a favorite hobby for the students who join.

“It’s an incredible workout. It’s fun, and it’s one of the most welcoming sports communities I’ve ever been part of,” Marble said.

With deep roots in the school’s history and connections on a global scale, students not only train and compete but often build lasting friendships and gain access to elite-level competition.

“You get to watch and even interact with the top players in the world,” Marble said. “That just doesn’t happen in most college sports.”

No experience is required to join the club or enroll in the one-credit P.E. class — just a willingness to learn. Whether it takes a few weeks or a full semester, students typically gain enough skill to compete, and those who stick with it have seen major improvement over time. continued onto next page

“I’ve had students who couldn’t even return a serve on day one rallying and winning matches by the end of the semester,” Marble said.

The club emphasizes development and community, highlighted by national tournaments like the National Collegiate Handball Tournament each February, where players grow dramatically in just a few days.

“I tell every new group this is the greatest sport in the world,” Marble said. “Even if it’s not for everyone, I hope they feel the energy and support that make this club so special.”

Badminton Club

The USUSA Badminton Club, led by President Erik Petersen, is a space for students to enjoy the sport, whether seasoned players or beginners. Petersen first got into badminton playing in the backyard but got serious about it after taking a class at USU.

“I’m a very competitive person,” he said. “I started to really want to beat [my instructor] and see how good I could get.”

His passion led him to join the club his freshman year and eventually become president. What began as a small group has now grown to over a dozen regular players.

The club meets twice a week at the HPER building, and it’s completely free with no signup or prior experience required.

“All skill levels are welcome,” Petersen said. “We already have equipment for you.”

While the club is mostly casual, there’s growing interest in organizing more competitive events or even traveling to play other schools.

“I wouldn’t complain if we had some more competitive options,” Petersen said. “I know the esports club has tournaments and it’s like a fivedollar admission. It might not be a bad idea for us to start doing some paid events like that.”

For students looking for a fun, low-pressure way to get active or meet new people, badminton is easily accessible and gives a lot of room for growth.

Students can find meeting times and updates on the club’s MyUSU page.

Country Swing Club

The USUSA Country Swing Club strives to be a fun environment for students to dance and connect without intense competitiveness. Vice President Ethan Moser described the club as a mix of country-inspired partner dancing and upbeat line dances with a focus on enjoyment over formality.

“It’s pretty much just country music — nothing fancy,” Moser said. “You just dance with a partner, or you do line dances.”

Weekly socials often include informal competitions with students showing off lifts, ground moves and personal flair. While the club isn’t yet competing with other universities, the committee is looking into developing a competitive swing dance team and hosting official events in the future.

Three years ago, Moser joined the club almost by accident after scanning the wrong QR code — but quickly found himself on the planning committee. Now he spearheads the club’s social media presence and helps organize events.

Beyond the dancing, what Moser appreciates most are the post-social In-N-Out runs with the club members and the friendships that have formed along the way.

For students who are curious but hesitant, Ethan emphasized the club’s inclusive and lowpressure atmosphere.

“Even if you’re not coordinated, it’s just a fun way to meet people and learn something new,” Moser said.

Those interested can follow the club’s Instagram page for the latest updates and event info.

Club sports at USU can appeal to anyone, whether you’re looking for a social outlet, intense competition or a new hobby to explore.

Visit usu.edu/campusrec or follow @usucampusrec on Instagram to see schedules, signup information and upcoming club events.