NC State’s club swim team poses for a group photo by a kiddie pool at Recfest. The team has around four meets per semester, as well as participating in local volunteer work during the season. “It’s a good form of exercise, it’s a great way to meet new people and it’s a chill environment,” said club member Neelin Vakil, a fourth-year studying electrical and computer engineering." />
Courtesy of Club Swimming
NC State’s club swim team poses for a group photo by a kiddie pool at Recfest. The team has around four meets per semester, as well as participating in local volunteer work during the season. “It’s a good form of exercise, it’s a great way to meet new people and it’s a chill environment,” said club member Neelin Vakil, a fourth-year studying electrical and computer engineering.
For those looking to make instant friend groups, serve the community or improve their fitness, look no further than the pools of Carmichael Gymnasium. NC State’s club swimming is looking forward to another fun and memorable season.
With their first interest meeting last Monday, students from many different years, majors and swimming experiences came together to be a part of a team that values a relaxed, yet engaged, fun time in the pool.
“It’s a good form of exercise, it’s a great way to meet new people and it’s a chill environment,” said returning member Neelin Vakil, a fourth-year studying electrical and computer engineering. “It is practically a social club that enjoys swimming.”
Club swimming has been the largest club sport on campus for several years, which gives members an advantage of creating relationships with people who have similar interests.
“It’s an instant way to make friends,” said co-president Kristen Wade, a fourth-year studying biology. “Outside of the pool, we are just a big family … a big group of friends.”
On top of the great connections made through the club, swimmers get a chance to compete in the pool. Competitions are optional and stress-free as swimmers with all skill sets come together to make the most of their time in club swim. Having around four meets a semester, members will definitely get a chance to show off their skills and continue improving as the year goes along. The pinnacle for the season is in April when the team makes the trip to Atlanta for nationals with a full bus.
In addition to traveling for competition, club swim plans to host two meets this season. In November, the Raleighwood Invitational meet will be a two-day event, which featured 14 different teams last year.
Another meet will take place in Carmichael Gymnasium this upcoming January, which will highlight another aspect of the team. This event, called the Inaugural Triangle Area Pajamas for the Kids Invitational, will focus on giving back to the community.
“Instead of meet fees, [participating] teams come and donate pajamas for the UNC Children’s Hospital,” Wade said.
Club swim also likes to make an impact outside of the pool.
“Once or twice a month, we volunteer at a local soup kitchen, we do the bell ringing for Salvation Army…” Wade said. “This season we are looking at being even more active and considering new places to volunteer.”
Even though it is the largest club on campus, club swim is still accepting and welcoming of new members into its pack. In addition to events designed for meeting new friends, the team gives its members a three-week period to test the waters and then commit to the fun-loving and energetic environment. New members are still encouraged to come out and join.
“When I come to club swim, I get to hang out with my friends and there’s no stress,” said Kati Scruggs, a fourth-year studying applied nutrition and women’s and gender studies. “In this environment, I’m not worried about anything else… [just] swimming with my friends.”