Temperatures may be getting warmer and campus emptier, but outdoor sports and recreation remain at the heart of Dartmouth’s campus every summer. Whether it be joining a spikeball game on the Green, leisurely tossing a frisbee on a frat lawn or competing in an intramural sport, classic summer sports have returned to Dartmouth.
For many sophomores, sports and games are an opportunity to enjoy the weather while also getting the chance to compete and make new friends.
“With the nice weather, the outdoor sports are innately much more fun and nice,” said Arjun Yerabothu ’27. “Especially given [that] you’re playing with people you get to know more and more closely and frequently.”
Among the favorites are spikeball, a Dartmouth Green staple, and pickleball, a modified version of tennis.
“I feel like pickleball is one of those sports that is more chill, not as competitive, but you can still get into it,” said Yerabothu, who said he has participated in intramural pickleball before.
Those looking for less structured play can also enjoy volleyball games, which have become a staple of recreational sports on the Green. Aakanksh Vaidya ’27 said that the games are very casual and attract students of all skill levels, especially given the team-based nature.
“You’re always looking for a few extra people to play with,” Vaidya said. “For that reason, it's probably one of the better ways to get to know people outside of classes.”
Vaidya, along with others, strongly encouraged people to get involved in recreational sports due to their physical and mental health benefits.
“I'm a big advocate for sports as a healthy way to maintain mental health and work-life balance,” he said. “I think it's pretty important that the Green is used for recreational sports.”
Vaidya emphasized the social nature of the sports. He said that he has built connections through other students spontaneously joining sports games.
“The nature of Dartmouth is such that when someone sees others play, they’ll eventually build the courage to play themself,” he said. “… It’s allowed me to meet people I haven’t before.”
However, some students have noted that participation in sports hasn’t reached its peak yet this summer. Alan Lam ’27 suggested that this is largely due to the summer term having just started.
“Everyone’s settling in right now,” he said.
Ultimately, the summer term seems to be the perfect opportunity to pick up a sport, regardless of prior experience.
Vaidya encouraged students to join the play.
“My advice is always to not be afraid to ask questions,” he said. “The first one is ‘Can I join?’ which in every group is usually yes. Build confidence to keep asking and don’t feel bad.”
Sid Singh ’27 is a sports editor and reporter. He is from Bethesda, Md. and Singapore and is majoring in Economics and Quantitative Social Science. Sid is also an engagement manager for Consult Your Community and a member of the Raaz dance team.
