Hey ladies

Binders full of women have new athletic opportunities at Portland State these days.

Since last fall, five new clubs have formed, including three just in the last month. Rugby and water polo are in their second seasons and look to build on last year’s momentum. Lacrosse, soccer and volleyball are brand new.

COURTESY OF PSU rec clubs

The formation of the new clubs was a response to an imbalance that staff in PSU’s Rec Clubs program had recognized in recent years. “We noticed that the club sports were really male-dominated,” Rec Clubs Manager Stesha Heselius-Mashinchi said. She and her coworkers sought to change that, but their role is somewhat limited due to the independent nature of the organizations.

“Rec clubs are student-run and operated,” Heselius-Mashinchi explained. “As a Rec Clubs department, we try to oversee and facilitate them.”

Success in recruiting players has varied, but the fledgling programs are off to a good start. And though the clubs charge fees for committed members, anyone is encouraged to come by and try it out, free of charge. The lacrosse club even has extra equipment available for those who do not have their own. “All of the new clubs are open to teaching new people,”
Heselius-Mashinchi said.

In order to focus on teaching new members the basics and work on developing chemistry, the new women’s clubs do not plan to begin competing against other college clubs until the winter or spring. After a term or two of experience under their belts, members will then have the chance to travel around the region and test their skills.

For more on the clubs, including meeting times and contact information, visit pdx.edu/recreation/rec-clubs.