Finding Community Through Club Sports

PASSION. In this photo, you see people who chose rowing as a club sport. There are lots of other club sports that people love to do, along with dance and many more. Photo courtesy of Grummer Photo.

There are lots of sports students play at Vashon Island High School, some of which are  connected to the school like cross country, basketball (boys and girls), softball, football, cheer, tennis and volleyball. But students also participate in club sports, such as dance and rowing. Club sports are sports that are not connected to the school, finding a club sport you like can help people find a new community.

The Vashon Dance Academy (VDA) is located in town next to the IGA grocery store. People who dance for the  VDA can take classes in various dance styles including ballet, modern, hip hop (for older kids and teens), and workshops that explore different music genres like jazz, tap, along with contemporary dance. 

There are many reasons why someone would sign up for dance. Maybe dance was a childhood dream that they wanted to fulfill, or something they wanted to do because it looks fun to them.

“I have done dance for my whole life, since I was a little girl,” said sophomore Maude Jackson. 

When people start a sport or a hobby that they love, they get better and better at it and that creates motivation to keep doing what they love because it makes them feel good. 

“My mom signed me up when I was three because both of my sisters did it too. After that I loved my first class and from there I chose to keep dancing. It's one of my favorite things to do and a defining part of me and that’s why I continue to dance,” explained sophomore Poppy Beck.

VDA is a very inclusive program. Anyone can take a class regardless of their gender and age. The VDA has summer camps that allow students to explore different dance styles through themed weeks. They also offer “Adult Dance Sampler classes” which rotate through different styles like ballet, modern, hip hop, belly dance, and musical theatre. 

Still, VDA students have favorite things to do, whether it’s a dance style or a certain move.

“One of my favorite parts about dance is that there is always room for improvement. I am constantly changing and improving my technique, my form, even my performance quality. There has never been a time that I have felt like I am the best I can be because I can always improve,” Beck stated. 

This shows that both dancers enjoy growth and movement, but each finds joy in different aspects of the art.

“My favorite thing about dance is turning. It is one of my favorite parts of class,” stated Jackson. 

While dance requires balance, rhythm, and dedication, other students at VHS find similar fulfillment through sports like rowing, which also require unique skill sets.

The Island’s rowing club is called Vashon Island Rowing Club, and it offers students the chance to connect with their community and the outdoors, all while building endurance and strength.

“I row at Vashon Island Rowing Club. I started rowing in the spring of 8th grade because I had two friends, Willa and Maude, that encouraged me to join. Working as a boat towards the same goal brings people together and strengthens bonds. Some of my closest friends are people I met at rowing,” explained Sophomore Kiran Rajaratnam. 

The shared experience of teamwork and friendship is a common theme among rowers at Vashon Island Rowing Club.

“I’m a rower at Vashon Island Rowing Club. I decided to start rowing in 8th grade when my friend asked me if I wanted to give one practice a try. After just one day I fell in love with it, and have been doing it ever since,” said Sophomore Willa Lee.

Vashon Crew is located at Jensen Point Boathouse, and like the VDA, any gender can join the team. There are youth and adult events and different seasons to row in. 

“My favorite thing to do in rowing is probably racing. The adrenaline rush right before the race is both terrifying and so exciting. I'm so grateful to be able to spend my afternoons on the water everyday with my best friends,”  Rajaratnam said.

Though every rower experiences the sport differently, many share the same appreciation for the bonds and sense of belonging that come with being part of a team.

“My favorite part about crew is how it connects you to so many new people you’ve never met before. It’s instant community, and everyone who is a part of it is very passionate about the sport,” explained Lee.

Both of these sports offer an amazing chance to try something new and connect with your peers. If you are inspired by these stories, or if you are looking to try something out of your comfort zone, consider joining a club sport. Finding a new sport can show you that new experiences can lead to great discoveries.