While professional -- and sometimes even varsity -- collegiate athletes play the game just for money or fame, club sport athletes all over the country play for love of the game. Club sports at the University receive little to no recognition: no screaming fans, no stadium, no highlight reels and certainly no corporate sponsorship.
However, the men's club lacrosse team here at Virginia doesn't let any of that stop them from playing the high intensity game they love at full throttle.
The team of about 45 students plays in the National Collegiate Lacrosse League made up of approximately 86 teams. The League is divided into divisions based on school size and ability. Virginia is a Division I club team and plays in the Southern region.
At Virginia, club sports are operated as clubs or Contracted Independent Organizations. Club lacrosse is no different. Senior Stephen Crenshaw is the president of the club and serves as the coach. Crenshaw has dedicated much to the club lacrosse program, serving as president for the last three years. Of his four years with club lacrosse, Crenshaw feels that this team is something special.
"This is probably one of the best groups of guys in terms of playing ability and knowledge of the game we've had since I've been here," Crenshaw said.
Crenshaw isn't the only one who feels that way. The team carries with them a confidence in their ability and experience.
"I think we've really stepped things up a notch this year and I don't really think we have any weaknesses," senior Offensive MVP Dan Redding said. "All of our defense, midfielders, attacks and goalies are all very strong. We've had a strong influx of first years this year."
Crenshaw, however, sees this confidence as their weakness.
"Overconfidence is our number-one weakness," Crenshaw said. "If we play up to our ability, there is probably no team that is better than us in terms of ability. But there are teams who are better organized and get their heads in it better than we do."
It's not hard to see why the team may sometimes be overconfident. One of the more competitive club sports at Virginia, the club lacrosse team is made up of players who have played lacrosse virtually since middle school and some before that.
"It's a lot of fun," Redding said. "It's great camaraderie with my teammates. It's laid back but we like to pick up the intensity from time to time. It's a really good experience."
The team, which made it to the NCLL playoffs last weekend by decisively beating James Madison, will travel to Maryland for the first playoffs. There the team will face Georgetown, the only team that has beaten them this season.
"We're pretty confident against Georgetown," Crenshaw said. "That was our first game of the season and we want to get back at them because they beat us in overtime."
The incentive to win is that much greater because this year the University is hosting the NCLL Final Four tournament at Carr's Hill the weekend of April 28.
"We're always pumped," freshman goalie Nick Erdle said. "We're working extra hard the last couple of weeks in practice ... focusing on going to the 'ship.'"
Their achievements so far are quite impressive for a team who has to provide their own equipment and operate on the budget of any normal club. The University provides field space and the club can apply for reimbursement for hotel rooms (up to $110 a night per person) and referees for their games.
So while club sports may not get all of the attention of varsity sports, you won't hear them complain.
"I think [club lacrosse] is a great experience," Erdle said. "It is a lot of commitment but they are pretty relaxed and flexible. It is a lot of fun just playing the game."
If the team can pull out a win against Georgetown Friday night, the team will return home to Carr's Hill to face Maryland Saturday at 6:30 p.m. A win here will propel them to the final four next weekend. All games will be held at Carr's Hill.
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