Athletics on campus are a large part of Trinity’s identity. Nearly a quarter of students are members of varsity teams, and countless more participate in club or intramural sports. For athletes, sports are a large part of their identity. But for non-athletes, sports matter almost as much. Through attending games, cheering for the Tigers and building school spirit, athletics creates an environment built for everyone to enjoy.

The Trinitonian spoke with several students outside of Coates Student Center to get their perspective on athletics on campus and what meaning it holds for them.

Charlotte Callahan 2026

Are you interested in athletics on campus? Do you think you have school spirit?

I think [athletics] are important. I don’t know if I get too involved in it as I probably should.

Do you think there’s anything the school could do to get students more engaged in athletic events?

I know that, at least for some events, they will have bonus points or you can get extra credit in a class if you go to a theater event or something like that. I feel like maybe they could do that for sports to kind of incentivize people to go to them.

John Adamczyk 2025

Are you interested in athletics on campus? Do you think you have school spirit?

Oh absolutely. I should probably note that I’m on the basketball team as well.

So how does being on the basketball team affect your relationship with other students and school spirit?

Being on the team definitely helps me be more tight-knit with other students. As we know, our campus is already very small. So, now that I’m a sophomore, I met a lot of people last year and I’m continuing to meet people. And with sports, it just helps me to get to know more people. It’s more of an influence to show up to other stuff too. We’ve had tailgates for men’s and women’s soccer, football and it’s just been a great opportunity.

What would you say is your favorite part of being in and around athletics on campus?

I would say just the energy that all the events give off. The main thing is that, no matter what the score of the game is, no matter how many people are there, it’s always going to be fun.

Jude Helmes 2026

Are you interested in athletics on campus? Do you think you have school spirit?

Yeah, I’d say so. I like to go to the soccer games. I’ve got some friends who get really loud at those, so that’s really fun. I’ve gone to football games as well, it’s really enjoyable.

What is your favorite part of being in and around athletics on campus?

I think just having the ability to let loose for a little bit and yell and chant and do the sort of fun team things, especially being there with other people. That’s really enjoyable, especially when so much at Trinity is academically focused. It’s nice to be able to do something a little more relaxed than that.

Max Young 2025

Are you interested in athletics on campus? Do you think you have school spirit?

A little bit, yeah, I just do volleyball club, but that’s pretty much it.

Do you think there’s anything the school could do to get students more engaged in athletic events?

I mean, for me, it’s just kind of a time thing. If I managed my time a little better I might do other clubs. I’ve been thinking about being a little more involved, joining other clubs like maybe tennis or badminton. I just never really have enough time. As far as going to games, I really just go to volleyball games, again it’s just kind of a time thing.

Lucius Brown 2025

Are you interested in athletics on campus? Do you think you have school spirit?

Maybe a little bit. Not really.

Do you think there’s anything the school could do to get students more engaged in athletic events?

I think sports on campus definitely could be fun, I just don’t really know enough about them. Maybe if there was some sport here that I was more interested in. Maybe there is and I just haven’t looked. Maybe they should advertise them more.