The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: Club sports athletes foster mental health through community

Many students at the University of South Carolina participate in club sports to help alleviate stress from school, work and the extra burdens that come in life. These athletes typically have two two-hour practices a week with a game during the weekend. Gamecock club rugby and women's club volleyball and Gamecocks' club men's lacrosse are some amongst the many clubs where Gamecock athletes can find their teammates to be reliable source when it comes to handling difficult topics.

The women’s club volleyball garnet team comes together after a successful set against the College of Charleston at its home Gamecock Classic tournament on Feb. 4, 2023. The garnet team pictured, made up of junior outside Ashlee Johnstone, sophomore libero/DS Rachel Hebblethwaite, junior middle Maddie Mitchum, sophomore right side Alanna Harder and senior setter Preya Simmons, earned silver in the tournament after a hard fought match.
The women’s club volleyball garnet team comes together after a successful set against the College of Charleston at its home Gamecock Classic tournament on Feb. 4, 2023. The garnet team pictured, made up of junior outside Ashlee Johnstone, sophomore libero/DS Rachel Hebblethwaite, junior middle Maddie Mitchum, sophomore right side Alanna Harder and senior setter Preya Simmons, earned silver in the tournament after a hard fought match.
The Gamecocks women’s rugby team takes a quick break from their practice at the Bluff Road Park fields to pose for a team portrait on Feb. 7, 2023. The team uses this time to improve the power of its game performance and ensure everyone is in a good place with school and everyday life.
The Gamecocks women’s rugby team takes a quick break from their practice at the Bluff Road Park fields to pose for a team portrait on Feb. 7, 2023. The team uses this time to improve the power of its game performance and ensure everyone is in a good place with school and everyday life.
Gamecock men’s rugby captain junior Grant Howard and teammates practice lineout runs at the Bluff Road Park practice fields on Feb. 7, 2023. Many students involved in club sports find their teammates to be a reliable source when it comes to relieving the stressors of school and everyday life.
Gamecock men’s rugby captain junior Grant Howard and teammates practice lineout runs at the Bluff Road Park practice fields on Feb. 7, 2023. Many students involved in club sports find their teammates to be a reliable source when it comes to relieving the stressors of school and everyday life.
The women’s club volleyball team shares smiles after a successful rally by freshmen middle Andi Jones at its Gamecock Classic tournament on Feb. 4, 2023. The garnet team features freshman middle Andi Jones, senior setter Preya Simmons, freshman outside Jessica Layton and freshman libero/DS Gracie Kilgrore, all of who use the sports as a means to destress from school and life.
The women’s club volleyball team shares smiles after a successful rally by freshmen middle Andi Jones at its Gamecock Classic tournament on Feb. 4, 2023. The garnet team features freshman middle Andi Jones, senior setter Preya Simmons, freshman outside Jessica Layton and freshman libero/DS Gracie Kilgrore, all of who use the sports as a means to destress from school and life.
The Gamecocks women’s rugby team stretches and warms up for its Tuesday night practice at the Bluff Road Park practice fields on Feb. 7, 2023. The team has been preparing for its upcoming 2023 spring season since October 2022.
The Gamecocks women’s rugby team stretches and warms up for its Tuesday night practice at the Bluff Road Park practice fields on Feb. 7, 2023. The team has been preparing for its upcoming 2023 spring season since October 2022.
The Gamecock men’s rugby team gathers around head coach John Roberts at the Bluff Road Park practice fields on Feb. 7, 2023. Roberts is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, and he began coaching the team in November 2021.
The Gamecock men’s rugby team gathers around head coach John Roberts at the Bluff Road Park practice fields on Feb. 7, 2023. Roberts is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, and he began coaching the team in November 2021.