Get InVOLved!

Students can compete with and against their peers in intramural play, join with other Vols to take on regional and national opponents as a member of a sport club, or be a part of the RecSports team as a student staff member. There’s something for everyone at RecSports, from informal pick-up games with friends to week-long kayaking or skiing adventures. In any case, you’re sure to make new friends, share new experiences, and connect in new ways to the University of Tennessee.

A number of leadership opportunities exist as well, including the Wellness Committee and the RecSports Council. For students interested in a career in the field of campus recreation, the RecSports Endowment provides support for professional development, certifications, and conference travel.

RecSports also hosts and co-sponsors a wide variety of student organization programming. Submit a facility reservation request for meetings and events, and contact our staff for event planning or marketing support.

Get Fit!

If you’re looking for a way to stay fit and healthy, RecSports is the place for you. Not only do we have a comprehensive collection of fitness equipment, RecSports also offers free Fitness Orientations, group fitness classes, and personal fitness training. In addition to these fitness and training resources, the RecSports Wellness Program offers seminars, personal fitness assessments, and other educational resources for students interested in learning more about staying healthy.

But the gym isn’t the only way to stay in shape. Many students stay active playing intramural or club sports, climbing at the Vol Wall or churning out laps in the pool. Also keep your eye out for information about local running, cycling, and multi-sport events, and sporty UT traditions such as Relay for Life and the TriDeltathon.

Get Out of Town!

On any given weekend RecSports participants venture to locations throughout the region and across the country. Last year, 11 sport clubs represented UT in their sport’s national tournament, and clubs travelled 200 times to 20 different states! The Outdoor Program visits locales both familiar and exotic, from the Great Smokey Mountains to Costa Rica. You can also plan your own trip with the help of the Outdoor Center staff and the outdoor library, and rent all the gear that you’ll need for your weekend outdoors. Intramural players and officials also get in on the action, pulling flag football belts and blowing whistles at extramural tournaments, from the TIRSA Flag Football Shoot-Out to the SEC Quaker State Hoops Challenge.

Try Something New!

RecSports programs and services make it easy to try something new. Student instructors bring new moves to the group fitness schedule, which features Zumba, Cardio Hip Hop and 16 other unique classes. The Outdoor Program calendar is filled with opportunities for students looking to learn something new, including weekly roll sessions in the pool and beginner climbing, paddling, and hiking trips. The recreational focus of many intramural leagues is a great way for students to try something new, and one-third of all sport club members had never participated in their sport prior to coming to UT!

Students can also take part in swim lessons, Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED classes, and AAAI fitness certifications. There are always new opportunities at RecSports, so visit the website periodically for announcements and updates!

Give Back!

RecSports is a great place to embrace the Volunteer Spirit and give back to the local community. The Outdoor Program is a departmental leader in service efforts, leading several trail maintenance and clean-up trips, raising money for east Tennessee climbing’s Access Fund, and promoting environmental awareness and conservation at UT Bike Day and other campus events. RecSports also hosts Girls in Sports Day in partnership with the Girls Scouts of the Tanasi Council, and coordinates a variety of service programs such as food drives and athletic shoe recycling programs. For more information or to share ideas for future service opportunities, please email Ben Stubbs at bstubbs@utk.edu.

Something for Everyone

RecSports is committed to providing a fun and supportive recreation experience for all students. Alternative changing rooms, wheelchair accessible fitness equipment, and other facility features allow us to accommodate the needs of a variety of students, and the RecSports staff is committed to working with students with specific needs. If you have requests for accommodation, or ideas for needs-specific programming, please contact us at recsports@utk.edu.