Hala Karim
Hala Karim
Ready, Set, Go! Spelman Welcomes Swim and Track and Field
Ready, Set, Go! Spelman Welcomes Swim and Track and Field
Spelman College, formerly a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, eliminated its athletic program in 2012. Since then, Spelman students have rebuilt Spelman athletics through intramural clubs. The Track and Field Club and the Swim Club are two new additions to Spelman’s roster.
The Track and Field Club was founded in 2024 by junior Kendall Hagins and sophomore Nina Broughton, who competed in track together in high school. Their mission to bring track to Spelman began when Hagins felt the absence of something she loved.
“I came to Spelman and realized there were no sports. So I decided to change that. I missed having sports, being a part of a team. I talked to the coaches my freshman year, and they said we couldn't do it right now,” Hagins said.
Hagins revisited her idea once Broughton joined her at Spelman the following year. Broughton shared similar sentiments in her reasoning for starting the track club.
“I found it very insane that Spelman didn't have an outlet for us, the only team we had was the cheer team at Morehouse. That felt really crazy, 'cause why are we saying ‘You guys can't have sports, but you can go support the men across the street,’" Broughton said.
The Swim Club, founded in 2024 by Coach Adrienne Wesley, the Wellness Center’s Aquatics Coordinator, also emphasizes creating an inclusive space for Black women in the sport they love. Many of the club’s members experienced the isolation of being the only Black girl on their team in high school. Spelman’s swim club is changing that.
“This club is an amazing space for black women to feel comfortable in the swim space. To show that it's okay, that we're not afraid of breaking the typical stereotypes of we're afraid to get our hair wet and things like that,” senior Swim Club President Olivia Davis said.
The Swim Club and the Track and Field Club encourage diversity, inclusivity and community for Black women and join the larger initiative of revitalizing sports at Spelman. Currently, both clubs aspire to increase their campus engagement and presence, with the hope of leaving behind a legacy that lasts.
“I hope to see these young women breaking the records, going to regionals, going to nationals, and continuing to have an open space for the women that come behind us,” Davis said.
Although they have faced their share of setbacks, such as finding places to practice, both clubs affirm the importance of remaining persistent and committed to a vision. Their dedication to enhance their community exemplifies Spelmanites’ mission of choosing to change the world.
“If you see it, go for it,” Hagins said. “If you see a need anywhere, fulfill it.”
Spelman College, formerly a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, eliminated its athletic program in 2012. Since then, Spelman students have rebuilt Spelman athletics through intramural clubs. The Track and Field Club and the Swim Club are two new additions to Spelman’s roster.
The Track and Field Club was founded in 2024 by junior Kendall Hagins and sophomore Nina Broughton, who competed in track together in high school. Their mission to bring track to Spelman began when Hagins felt the absence of something she loved.
“I came to Spelman and realized there were no sports. So I decided to change that. I missed having sports, being a part of a team. I talked to the coaches my freshman year, and they said we couldn't do it right now,” Hagins said.
Hagins revisited her idea once Broughton joined her at Spelman the following year. Broughton shared similar sentiments in her reasoning for starting the track club.
“I found it very insane that Spelman didn't have an outlet for us, the only team we had was the cheer team at Morehouse. That felt really crazy, 'cause why are we saying ‘You guys can't have sports, but you can go support the men across the street,’" Broughton said.
The Swim Club, founded in 2024 by Coach Adrienne Wesley, the Wellness Center’s Aquatics Coordinator, also emphasizes creating an inclusive space for Black women in the sport they love. Many of the club’s members experienced the isolation of being the only Black girl on their team in high school. Spelman’s swim club is changing that.
“This club is an amazing space for black women to feel comfortable in the swim space. To show that it's okay, that we're not afraid of breaking the typical stereotypes of we're afraid to get our hair wet and things like that,” senior Swim Club President Olivia Davis said.
The Swim Club and the Track and Field Club encourage diversity, inclusivity and community for Black women and join the larger initiative of revitalizing sports at Spelman. Currently, both clubs aspire to increase their campus engagement and presence, with the hope of leaving behind a legacy that lasts.
“I hope to see these young women breaking the records, going to regionals, going to nationals, and continuing to have an open space for the women that come behind us,” Davis said.
Although they have faced their share of setbacks, such as finding places to practice, both clubs affirm the importance of remaining persistent and committed to a vision. Their dedication to enhance their community exemplifies Spelmanites’ mission of choosing to change the world.
“If you see it, go for it,” Hagins said. “If you see a need anywhere, fulfill it.”