“I think going to games is one of the best ways to get involved on campus,” said junior Alexa Barbera. “It’s fun to support the teams, especially when you know people playing, and it gives you something to do with your friends.”
| Colin Mcpherson, Staff Writer and Photographer |
For some students, attending games is a regular part of their college experience. Others follow the teams from a distance, while some rarely attend games.
Some students who don’t attend games may have several factors that impact their campus involvement, such as busy schedules and other commitments.
“I don’t really follow the teams that closely, so I don’t always know when games are happening,” said junior Alison Dasco. “I might go if my friends were going or I knew more about the team.”
Another aspect of student engagement is familiarity with Sacred Heart athletes. While some can identify players by team, others are less familiar with individual athletes and their achievements.
For students who do not have personal connections to athletes, learning more about the teams and their seasons can give students another way to be familiar with Pioneer athletics. Knowing team scores, stats and individual players may influence how students follow sports throughout the year.
“I know a few players, especially from the teams that get more attention around campus,” said junior Sara Giacchi. “I probably couldn’t name someone from every sport, though.”
When asked about game-day experience, students shared different ideas about what they enjoy and what could make attending sports events more appealing. Suggestions included student giveaways, free merch, food promotions and theme nights for the student sections.
“I think giveaways and theme nights are fun because they give students another reason to come out,” said junior Gabriella LaMarca.
Other students focus on the importance of the facilities and the overall game-day atmosphere, including seating, student attendance and opportunities for students to be involved during the games.
Having school spirit and representing Sacred Heart is an important part of the relationship between students and athletics. Wearing merch and participating in campus events are different ways that students can show their school pride.
Student involvement can also vary depending on the sport and time of year. Basketball in the recently renovated William H. Pitt Center arena and hockey games in the new state-of-the-art Martire Family Arena may attract students to attend more indoor games. Football played at the recently renovated Sikorsky Credit Union field may also attract other students to attend games at the beginning of the school year in warm weather.
“Martire Family Arena is something that makes SHU hockey games stand out,” said junior Carly Pepi. “It’s a nice facility, and having a new arena on campus makes going to the hockey games a great experience. I think more students should take advantage of it.”
As Pioneer teams continue their seasons, student perspectives offer insight into how athletics fit into campus life and the different ways that students choose to support their university.
“I think SHU athletics is a big part of the university. Whether you attend games regularly or just follow along,” said junior Kayla Roe. “There are so many different teams and ways to show support, and I think everyone has their own way of getting involved.”
