Kennesaw State University Club Sports participants balanced classes, jobs, and leadership roles during the 2025-26 academic year while competing on some of the nation’s biggest stages, according to a May 29 announcement.
Unlike NCAA varsity athletic programs, KSU’s Club Sports are primarily organized and operated by students. Team leaders manage travel, fundraising, scheduling, and recruitment in addition to their class responsibilities. Coaching structures vary across teams; some are self-coached by members while others use volunteer or outside coaches for player development.
Associate Director of Sport Programs Steve Kinsey said student dedication is central to the success of these organizations. “It’s one of our stronger student-led initiatives,” Kinsey said. “Club sports are very highly involved student groups that are getting together two, three, four times a week and then competing against other institutions across the country. Their dedication is something that we kind of marvel at every year when it happens.”
Several KSU club teams reached national competitions this season through different paths. The KSU Club Dance Team qualified for nationals for the first time in program history despite funding challenges. “Our journey has been long and difficult, constantly jumping through hoops and trying to find creative ways to get funds for nationals, but it was worth every second,” said club president Kaya Waller.
Other clubs found success by focusing on team culture or rebuilding efforts. Josh Howard of the Swim Club said investing in every athlete provided a strong foundation: “Every member of our team is important, and keeping track of everyone’s growth helps to provide a strong foundation,” Howard said. Bryson Moore from Barbell Club credited accountability among teammates: “The biggest factor behind our success this season has honestly been the culture of the club,” Moore said.
Clubs like Roundnet rebuilt their rosters over two years to finish ranked No. 16 nationally; Pickleball expanded its presence with help from Atlanta community connections; Cycling athletes adapted training around academics; Men’s Volleyball reached nationals after years of persistence—an opportunity that meant much for graduating seniors.
Beyond competition results—including an international collegiate powerlifting bid for Barbell Club—the program logged 1,306 verified community service hours during 2024-25 while hosting dozens of events at home and away. Kinsey said these achievements strengthen KSU’s national visibility as well as build leadership skills among students: “One of the biggest things is a sense of connection… you’re going to find somewhere in Club Sports.”
