Club sports at Roger Williams have exploded during the 2025/26 academic year, allowing more students to participate in competitive sports across campus.

Roger Williams University Athletics Director, Kiki Jacobs said athletics saw interest in sports such as soccer, basketball, field hockey, women’s volleyball, and men’s golf, and the Athletics Department is working to expand opportunities for students. 

Previously, gymnastics and e-sports were recognized as club sports through Student Senate, Jacobs said. Per the Student Senate Bylaws, club sports that have varsity counterparts are not eligible for funding.  

Club sports create more opportunities for student involvement and help students to build connections and create a sense of community, Jacobs said. The engagement can also support student retention by strengthening students’ connections to the university. 

There are many benefits to club sports but being such a small school brings challenges with limited funding for new programs and limited space. “With only one gym, one turf field, and a shared baseball/softball outfield, scheduling practices and games becomes difficult and can affect all athletic programs,” Jacobs said. 

“Club sports, even those with varsity counterparts, can be highly beneficial and should be encouraged to grow,” Jacobs said, “Many peer institutions offer a wide range of club sports, and RWU has the potential to do the same. Expanding these opportunities gives students more ways to engage with one another, which ultimately strengthens the campus community.”