Sports in perspective

Athletics were vital to Theresa Likarish when choosing a college, but so were academics. “A swimming program was a requirement,” she says, “but I wanted to do more. I wanted to pursue all of my interests.”

Coming from a top high school team in Littleton, Colorado, Theresa was excited about joining Lewis &Clark’s growing program. “There’s something about athletics that helps people fall in love with a place. I was a little homesick when I first came here, and athletics helped me establish a home and a community.”

As a double major in music and English, Theresa had concerns that her professors might not support her athletic schedule, “but they have been completely behind me,” says Theresa. “My trumpet teacher even attended my last meet.” Similarly, her coaches have been supportive of her academic commitments—she is even fitting in a semester in East Africa next fall. “Being in athletics doesn’t reduce your opportunities,” she says, “it expands them.”

Athletic opportunities at Lewis & Clark range from varsity sports to club teams and intramurals, each offering a different level of competitiveness and commitment. All, however, share the goal of developing mind, body, and spirit—a whole human being. Sports in perspective is a concept that encompasses the entire athletic program at Lewis & Clark. Participation in athletics is part of the academic and intellectual experience, not something separate and an end unto itself. Lewis & Clark fosters an environment of excellence and competitiveness in its classrooms and on the fields and courts.

Lewis & Clark is a member of the NCAA Division III and fields varsity athletics teams in men’s and women’s basketball, crew, cross country, golf, swimming, tennis, and track and field, as well as women’s softball, soccer, and volleyball and men’s baseball and football.