When Maddie Morton first joined the UFV Campus Recreation intramural volleyball league, she had little experience playing the sport. What started as a fun way to stay active with friends quickly evolved into something more meaningful. Now, after multiple semesters of dedication, she and her teammates have transformed from casual players into serious competitors in the UFV league. 

“When we first started, we were really just figuring things out as we went along,” Maddie says. “I remember some of us barely knew how to bump the ball properly. But we stuck with it, and now we can actually compete at a pretty solid level.” 

Maddie is just one example of how UFV’s Campus Recreation program helps students develop both social connections and physical wellness. The program offers a welcoming environment for students of all skill levels to engage in sports and other activities, whether they have years of experience or are trying something new for the first time. 

Cheryl Johnson, Campus Recreation program manager, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. “This group of students started out as just a bunch of friends looking for something to do together,” she explains. “Most of them had never played volleyball before, but they kept showing up week after week. Now, after a couple of years, it’s more than a social gathering — they’ve become real contenders within the league! It’s inspiring to see how much they’ve grown.” 

The UFV intramural volleyball league has expanded significantly since the pandemic, growing from just eight teams to twelve. The league is now divided into recreational and competitive divisions, ensuring that students can find the right level of play for them. 

For students like Sam Torok, another member of Maddie’s friend group, the experience has been about more than just volleyball. “It started as a fun way to hang out with friends, but now it’s something I look forward to every week. I’ve built confidence, improved my skills, and made connections I wouldn’t have otherwise.” 

Beyond volleyball, UFV’s Campus Recreation program offers a wide range of opportunities for students to stay active, from drop-in sports to structured fitness programs. “At UFV, the ‘E’ in Building E stands for everyone!” Cheryl stresses. “It’s not just for varsity athletes. We want all students to feel like they belong here, whether they’re playing intramural sports, using the fitness centre, or just looking for a way to be active.” 

For those interested in getting involved, Campus Recreation offers affordable memberships that include access to the fitness centre, drop-in sports, and discounted intramural fees. On the Chilliwack campus, students can use the “moVement” studio in Building V, which features an open gym with video walkthroughs for quick workouts as well as scheduled expert-led classes. 

“The best part is that our programs are run by students, for students,” Cheryl adds. “It’s a great way to build community, stay active, and have fun — all while making lasting friendships.” 

As for Maddie and her teammates, they’re eager to keep improving and competing. “If you had told me two years ago that we’d be playing in the competitive division, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she says with a laugh. “But here we are, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

For more information on how to get involved with Campus Recreation, visit ufv.ca/campusrec.