Game On This Summer, College Park

Casual summer days are all about flip-flops and dinners cooked on the grill, and next month, that vibe extends to a loose yet competitive sports league on the University of Maryland campus.

Terrapin Social Sports, sponsored by UMD’s Recreation and Wellness office, is returning from June to August for its second year of organized volleyball games and the introduction of flag football.

While RecWell already offers summer intramural sports for students, Terrapin Social Sports is also for faculty, staff, alums and nearby residents missing the sportsmanship and camaraderie of gym class and college intramurals, regardless of their university affiliation.

“There’s a sense of belonging and community building that comes through sports,” said RecWell Associate Director for Programs Mary Kate Crawford ’06.

New this year, the city of College Park is getting in on the action, offering residents a 50% discount on the $85 registration fee to encourage local participation.

“We are so excited at the prospect of partnering with the university,” said Ryna Quinones, communication and events manager for the city. “I think it’s a very fun way to get to know all of our neighbors.”

Volleyball games will be hosted at the Reckord Armory on one of the six courts in its climate-controlled open gym. Flag football games will kick off on the adjacent Engineering Field. Experienced players are encouraged to join the competitive bracket, while beginners may be more interested in the recreational one.

Because Terrapin Social Sports is built on a foundation of good sportsmanship, after every game, referees score each team on a 1–4 scale based on their conduct throughout the match. While this doesn’t impact game outcomes, teams need to maintain an average or 3 or higher throughout the season to secure a spot in the playoff bracket.

“While we want the atmosphere to be competitive, we also want people to be able to shake hands at the end of the game and be proud of how they represented themselves,” Crawford said.