The University of Akron (UA) is home to almost 300 student organizations, covering a wide range of interests and majors. Each of these groups has its unique mission and focus, offering students a wealth of opportunities to get involved on campus. To make it easier for students to find the perfect organization and explore their options, UA offers RooConnect, an online portal that lists student groups and upcoming activities.
To help students in their search for the perfect organization, UCM will be highlighting student-led organizations, with Q&As featuring club presidents or advisors.
Student Group: Dodgeball Club
President: Cooper Sites, a third-year mechanical engineering major
Q: What is the mission of the Dodgeball Club?
A: The Dodgeball Club is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to enjoy new friendships, feed their competitive fire, learn the game of dodgeball and compete for a national title with teams from across the country.
Q: What events, gatherings and activities does the Dodgeball Club host?
A: We typically host two co-ed tournaments throughout the year, one in October titled “Pink Out,” which shows support for breast cancer awareness, and one in March, titled "War.” Additionally, our women’s team hosts a tournament once per semester. We are also in the process of hosting a couple of fundraiser tournaments for students on campus to promote what our club is about and to engage with a broader community.
Q: Why should a student join the Dodgeball Club?
A: The Dodgeball Club is a great opportunity to find new friends and feel more connected on campus. It also allows students to feed their competitive nature, especially those who miss playing a competitive sport or are looking to join one.
Q: How does Dodgeball Club prepare students for their future careers?
A: Being a part of our club teaches both teamwork and communication skills. Playing dodgeball is a completely new sport for most, and this is comparable to getting a new job. The environment is entirely new and you need to adjust to what is around you through communication and teamwork skills. Dodgeball Club teaches these essential skills.
Q: Does Dodgeball Club compete in any competitions, if so, please explain the competition.
A: We compete in the National Collegiate Dodgeball Association. Our club competes in tournaments around 1-2 times a month. We also travel to schools all around the state of Ohio and surrounding states. At each tournament, we play 3-4 games. Each co-ed game has two, twenty-five-minute halves, whereas each women’s game has two, fifteen-minute halves.
Q: What significant achievements, awards, or honors has the Dodgeball Club received?
A: Our club is regularly one of the top three teams in Ohio. Last year, our co-ed team had the best finish in club history, finishing in the elite eight of the 2023 national tournament. Our women’s team ranked first nationally last year.
Q: What is one goal the Dodgeball Club hopes to achieve in the future?
A: Our team has our eyes set on the national championship this year. We have high standards as a club, especially this year, but we hope to ride the momentum from our great performance last year.
Q: Where does the Dodgeball Club meet, and what time?
A: Our club practices twice a week, Monday and Thursday nights, from 6-8 p.m., in Central Hower High School, which is located across E Buchtel Ave from the College of Arts and Sciences building.
Q: Is there anything else you want to say about the Dodgeball Club?
A: Our club is always looking to expand with new members joining. It is a great opportunity to make friends and feel more connected on campus. Almost everyone playing dodgeball starts with zero experience, so it is very easy to pick up!