Team sports played a huge role in shaping my high school experience. Throughout the year, I stayed active participating and competing in soccer, basketball, and track through daily practices and games multiple times a week.
Through these activities, I discovered a passion for fitness, becoming particularly interested in weight training. I found that throughout high school, remaining physically active was necessary for maintaining both my physical and mental wellbeing. Coming to Harvard, it is important that I maintain and build upon these habits, especially now that my involvement in team sports is less than when I was in high school.
There are certainly many opportunities to continue team sports when you enter Harvard. In fact, Harvard College is home to 42 D1 teams, making it the largest collegiate program by number of sports. If you are looking for a more relaxed environment that still encourages friendly competition, Harvard also has strong club and intramural sports programs. Club teams have regular practices and play against nearby Boston and New England teams; some teams have tryouts while for others you just have to show up!
Intramural sports are certainly the most relaxed, but do not let that fool you! Students excitedly rally to support the intramural program—both as players or fans. Anyone can show up at any game to play at games. First-year students represent their dorms to compete for the Yard Cup while upperclassmen students represent their houses for the Strauss Cup. This past year, my future house Winthrop won the Strauss Cup (yes, which makes us the undisputed best house)! I am so excited to represent Winthrop in intramurals next year and get back involved in team sports–hoping for another Strauss Cup!
This past year, even though I haven’t been as involved in team sports as I was in high school, I have found many different ways to remain active and decompress on campus. Hemenway Gymnasium, one of several recreational facilities students have access to, was a short five-minute walk from my first-year dormitory Canaday Hall. In this gym, I can use strength-training and cardio equipment throughout the week. Therefore, after classes and before I do my homework, attend club meetings, and fulfill other evening-time commitments, I would head over the Hemenway for a gym session to break up my day. Another gym that many undergraduates students utilize is the Malkin Athletic Center (MAC), which features exercise equipment, three full-sized basketball courts, an indoor pool, and so much more. Furthermore, each upperclassmen house features its own gym that is open to students to access.
Sometimes, I will also head over to Hemenway or the MAC to join basketball runs! I have found joining these open games in these gyms is a great way to get a quick, but effective workout, make new friends, and refresh my basketball skills.
One of my favorite things about Cambridge and the wider city of Boston is how walkable it is. Harvard, specifically, is conveniently located right along the Charles River. I love to go on runs or walks with friends as the paths following the river stretch for miles. I can look forward to beautiful views and great conversations as I get my steps in—what’s not to love?
And of course, there are many ways in greater Boston to have fun and stay active. Just a couple weeks ago, my co-interns in the Admissions Office and I went kayaking along the Charles River together.
While I may no longer be juggling multiple practices each week, I’ve come to appreciate the flexibility and variety of ways I can challenge myself physically, manage stress, and connect with others on campus through new activities. Harvard has made it easy to continue prioritizing my well-being, and I’m excited to keep exploring new opportunities that push me physically, help me decompress, and bring me joy throughout the day.
