Athletics - Rec Sports

Recreation Sports Helps Dominican Community Stay Well

Recreation Sports, fondly known to the Dominican community as Rec Sports, has not only survived during the pandemic but has thrived. Through creativity, flexibility, and regular pivots to stay in line with Marin County public health COVID guidelines, Rec Sports, under the leadership of Recreational Sports and Allen Sports Club Manager Matt Gaulding, MBA ‘12, has provided opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni to destress and refocus on physical and mental health. “Our community’s safety has been a top priority when it comes to encouraging students to get engaged again with online and outdoor activities,” Gaulding said. “We’re happy we could bring some much-needed joy and opportunities for connection to the Dominican community throughout the pandemic.” Online Classes

Online yoga and Zumba classes allowed those who were not comfortable meeting in person to engage. Yoga teacher Crystal Hatzimichael taught online yoga, and classes filled up quickly as people took the opportunity to unwind and regain mental clarity. Fernanda Cedeno taught Zumba and gave the Dominican community the chance to have fun while working out to a great mix of international music. A partnership with The Room provided access to virtual on-demand fitness classes.

Having rec sports offer activities in person helps me get away from my computer. It’s so nice seeing people while being safe and doing fun activities!

— Rosa Leguria, 3rd-year biology major on the softball team

This past semester has been filled with a lot of obstacles. However, once Dominican Rec sports was able to schedule in-person activities such as hikes around Marin County this semester, I was able to attend to take study breaks and enjoy socially distanced hikes with my peers.

— Edgard Morazan, 3rd-year biology major on the men's soccer team In-Person Classes

As restrictions allowed, in-person classes were offered throughout the fall and spring, including Zumba, Yoga, and SoulCycle. Those strolling by Conlan Recreation Center may have seen mask-wearing, socially distant students exercising and enjoying being together. Outdoor Activities

Golf at McInnis on Friday nights provided access to reserved driving range stalls. Hikes around Marin in beautiful locations like Peacock Gap Trail, Cataract Falls, and Wood Oaks Trail encouraged students to take a study break and clear their minds. Online Activities

Esports, a new endeavor for Rec Sports, helped keep students connected through Rec Games Nights on their Discord server, a group made by students for students (although they are careful to point out that faculty and alumni are also welcome). Rec Sports has hosted six virtual challenges since October 2020. The Trick Shot challenge allowed students to let their creativity shine competitively, while the Throwback challenge encouraged students to submit a photo of their favorite pre-COVID memory on campus or Dominican-sponsored activity. A holiday challenge, Zumba challenge, distance challenge and selfie scavenger hunt rounded out the offerings.

[I] just wanted to say that you’re doing an amazing job making so much happen despite all the impediments these days. I had a student tell me that the Zumba classes during all of this have saved her from totally losing it. It’s great you include faculty and staff too. Thanks for all you do! — Susana McKeough, student health center director