What sports do you have?
We have 36 club sport teams and programs. You can view our teams here: Sacred Heart Club Sports
Do your teams have tryouts?
Yes, our teams do have tryouts. Some of our teams do have roster limits due to their league restrictions but we will not cut anybody. If there is enough turnout for multiple teams, then we will add a second team in that sport.
What is the competition level of Club Sports?
We equate our level of competition to either D2 or D3 level of talent depending on the sport. Our teams play mostly in the tri-state (CT, NY, NJ) and northeast regions for conference play but will also play at the national level. Typically, between 4 and 8 teams play for a national championship each year.
What is the difference between D1 and Club Sports at Sacred Heart?
There are many differences but the ones we highlight are talent level and time commitment.
D1 athletics has division 1 talented student athletes whereas club sports has anywhere between novice and NCAA level talent depending on the team. If you feel as though you have the talent to play division 1, then please reach out to our varsity coaches here on campus at this link. If you feel as though you want to play a sport at SHU but not necessarily at the D1 level, then we are the perfect fit for you!
In regard to time commitment, D1 sports require around 20+ hours of commitment to their sports per week, including practice, study hall, meetings, lifting, community service and more. By contrast, Club Sports requires a commitment of 4-6 hours per week including practice and game times on weekends. This allows you to play multiple sports, join other clubs on campus, pledge a fraternity or sorority and concentrate on studies. Essentially, it allows you to be a regular college student while also playing a sport you grew up loving or always wanting to try.
Are you able to play a Club Sport & a Varsity Sport?
Yes and no. Students are NOT able to play the same varsity and club sport, but you may be able to play for different teams within each program with some conditions. Varsity athletes interested in playing a club sport will need to obtain written approval from their varsity coach in order to play a club sport, and approval is at the discretion of each varsity coach. This policy applies for all club sports, even low contact ones such as eSports.
If you are interested in playing a club sport first and then trying out or walking on to a varsity team, that would be a question for the respective varsity coach after their season. In the past, we have had club sports athletes walk on to varsity teams after playing a year or two with our club sport programs.
Can you tell me more about the playing fields and facilities available for club sports athletes?
The Club Sports department is housed within the Valentine Health & Recreation Center . Our club basketball and volleyball teams use the courts in the Rec Center for their practices and home games. We are able to share some facilities with the D1 programs, including Campus Field (all outdoor sports) the William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center, Veteran's Memorial Park (Baseball), Pioneer Park (Softball) and the Martire Family Arena (D2, D3, AAU, Women's Hockey and Figure Skating)!
Our baseball team currently plays at Veteran's Memorial Park which is just off campus on Madison Avenue, we currently share the field with the D1 program. Our softball team plays at Pioneer Park, located next to the Valentine Health & Recreation Center, which is also shared with the D1 program. All of our outdoor club sport teams will play their home games on Campus Field (located next to the Valentine Health & Recreation Center) or Park Avenue Field (Located near to Bergoglio Hall).
Our hockey team's currently play at the Matire Family Arena. The arena is located on West Campus and houses the D1 men's and women's hockey programs, Club Sports Men's D2, D3, AAU, and Women's D2 programs as well as the Club Figure Skating team.
