Athletics

four members of risd rowing team in the water

When you take part in athletics at RISD, you discover avenues for teamwork, personal growth and creative expression. Through our competitive and recreational sports organizations, you can develop discipline, resilience and leadership capabilities that you’ll value well beyond the sport itself.

Athletics season

Athletics clubs host games and other activities throughout the academic year. This includes both open events and club-member only activities.


For anyone looking to learn more about our competitive and recreational teams before the start of the sports season, you can meet athletics club leaders at the annual Center for Student Involvement (CSI) Block Party, which happens during Welcome Week each September.
 

Competitive teams

Several of our athletics clubs compete against club teams from other schools. These student organizations provide the opportunity for you to continue competing in a sport you’ve played before or to take on a new challenge. See below for what competitive clubs we offer and click through to find more information on involved.risd.edu.

Basketball

Simply put, “the best art school basketball team in the world.”

Hockey

High-effort play (with wildly varying results) and raucous fans since 1961.

Kendo

A competitive club with ties to Brown University’s kendo team and a positive space for engaging with this Japanese martial art form.

Rock Climbing

On Friday nights throughout the school year, our squad heads off campus for competitive and recreational climbing. No experience needed!

Rowing

Open to beginners and experienced rowers, our crew team offers serious exercise and a strong team culture.

Soccer

Our club welcomes athletes of all skill levels to play competitive soccer with us. Specifically, midnight soccer.

Volleyball

With weekly pickup matches throughout the year, this active student-run team encourages you to find and let out your “inner athlete” alongside a community of peers.

Recreational clubs

If you’re looking for something less competitive, our other sports clubs give you similar opportunities to challenge yourself while meeting students with shared interests. If you want to sign up, follow the links below to find out more.

Cycling

Our cycling club takes both formal and informal rides together, with some riders occasionally competing in local races.

Equestrian

This club welcomes riders of all experience levels to take part in the full range of horseback riding activities, including stable management and safe horsemanship.

Ski and Snowboard

This student-run club organizes trips throughout the season for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes of New England.

Surfing

A club that aims to expand student access to the sport of surfing and the ocean, and along the way foster a deep sense of environmental stewardship.

Wilderness

This club is for anyone looking for calm and inspiration from nature as they take a break from campus and studio life.

Athletics club proposals and renewals

If you’re looking to play a sport without an established club, you can propose a new athletics club (competitive or recreational) during the new club proposal period each spring semester. Leaders of existing teams can also renew their clubs during the spring.

Applications are reviewed during the summer by (CSI). Decisions are made before the beginning of the academic year.

Contact Athletics

risd athletic memorabilia

Hours

Main office:
Mon–Fri: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Contact

30 Waterman Street

Providence, RI 02903

athletics@risd.edu