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Within a sub-varsity structure, the strives to provide students a welcoming, recreation-focused community that fosters competition alongside leadership skill building. This year, the men’s and women’s basketball teams took home regional championship titles and fought hard in the national championship bracket, and the boxing team brought home three national titles following a demanding and successful championship weekend.

Pete Way, director of Competitive Club Sports, takes immense pride in the program and the students that make it what it is today.

“Club teams and student-athletes that win regional and national championships highlight the high level of competition and outstanding individual commitment that drives success for Competitive Club Sports at Syracuse University,” says Way.

Club Boxing Takes Home Three National Titles

“This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget,” says O’Connor Rerrie ’28. “From being able to watch my team succeed and fight alongside them, to spending quality time with my teammates in a new place, it really gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and become deeply connected to the Syracuse University Boxing Club.”

Offering students the opportunity to train, compete and represent the University in a fast-growing sport, continues to have a positive impact both on and off campus. Led by Coach Phil Benedict, the team competed in the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association (USIBA) National Tournament. The team brought home three national champions with Emma Knorpp ’29, O’Connor Rerrie ’28 and Caleb Riley ’28 all coming out victorious in their respective brackets.

“Hearing my name being called as the winner on top of cheers from my coaches and teammates was a surreal experience after all the work we put in to get there,” says Riley, Male 168# Novice bracket champion. “Everyone on the roster is a champion. I wouldn’t trade anything for the time we spent in Las Vegas and I can’t wait to do it all over again next year.”

Founded in the 1930s, the Boxing Club has a deep history of producing champions and creating community that outlasts time on campus. The program emphasizes leadership and teamwork, with members consistently supporting and motivating one another. Annually the team works together to bring home at least one national championship, achieving three only deepens the team’s commitment.

“My success wouldn’t be possible without the support of my teammates and coach,” says Knorpp.

“All I can say is how super proud I am of the team,” says Benedict. “For nearing 100 years, Syracuse University has a reputation of producing some of the roughest collegiate boxers. We went to the USIBA Nationals ready to fight and we did just that! Everyone in the club and on the team are champions, in my eyes they’re family.”

Club Men’s Basketball Competes on National Stage

The season reflected the program’s strength, competitiveness and unity on a national stage. With a foundation built on teamwork and shared purpose, the program continues to establish itself as one of the premier Club Basketball teams in the country.

“This team is special. We have all bought into something bigger than ourselves, and we play for one another,” says Oz Elad ’26. “But more than that, this team is a collection of great people who make it so easy to enjoy playing alongside each other.”

The finished the season ranked number four in the country and earned the right to host the National Club Basketball Association (NCBBA) North Atlantic Regional Championship. Entering the tournament as the number one seed, the team advanced through regional play to secure an automatic bid to the National Championship Tournament. Seeded number four, the team faced a first-round matchup against the University of Florida.

The team fought hard with Kazembe Okera-Anglin ’26 scoring 18 points and Stephen Walsh Jr. ’28 scoring 16 points. The intensity continued into overtime where the team ultimately fell just short with Florida earning a 72-64 victory. Beyond the team competition,  Elad finished second in the championship round of the NCBBA Obstacle Course during the Skills/All Star Competition.

Club Women’s Basketball Shines in Postseason Play

The collected numerous accolades this season, leading with a number one in the country ranking going into their spring semester championship weekend. This ranking earned them the right to host the National Club Basketball Association (NCBBA) Women’s North Atlantic Regional Championship and advanced through to win the final game. Following and then seeded number two, the team earned an automatic bid to the National Championship Tournament where they faced Sacred Heart University.

In the first round of the national tournament, Victoria Daley ’26 scored 12 points, Andraia DiPisa ’26 completed seven rebounds and Alison Kunzwiler ’26 supported four assists and five steals. Kunzwiler also earned individual recognition at the tournament, winning the NCBBA Obstacle Course during the Women’s Skills/All-Star Competition. The season concluded with a hard-fought loss as Sacred Heart University secured a 70-45 victory. However, the team is no stranger to championship appearances

“This team is truly exceptional, defined by its energy, passion and unwavering support for one another,” says Women’s Club Basketball coach Kayla Clark.

Each season, the team gets to play teams from across the United States, allowing players to compete at the highest level of Club basketball while gaining valuable experience, building confidence and representing Syracuse University on a national stage.

Beyond competition, the Syracuse University Club Sports program continues to serve as a foundation for leadership, mentorship and student engagement across campus. With a commitment to personal growth and team development, club sports provide a supportive environment where athletes develop confidence, discipline and lifelong connections. Success at the national level reflects not only the talent of the athletes, but the strength of the program and culture that unites them. Students are encouraged to learn more and get involved on the .

—Story by Megan Palestro