Club sports are constantly growing and making a name for ASU nationally.
With over 40 different club teams on three of four campuses, there are sports ranging from the typical (baseball and hockey) to the peculiar (equestrian and sailing).
The upcoming year has been anticipated for many teams after successful, yet shortcoming seasons last year.
Men’s hockey, men’s lacrosse, women’s water polo, women’s rugby and men’s soccer are all hoping to continue winning seasons and get closer to winning a championship.
Each team and its players have the same goal and mindset, but are focusing on smaller goals to get there.
Men’s Soccer
While the NCAA-sanctioned women’s soccer team is causing a stir on the field already this season, the men’s soccer team is looking to match that outstanding performance in their division.
With a 2-1-1 record to begin the year, coach Eisa Shamroukh looks to go far this season with their seasoned veterans.
“This year we’re all expecting to make it to nationals,” Shamroukh said.
Coming off a victory over New Mexico Tech, Shamroukh is pleased with what he’s seen so far and is excited about his team’s performance.
Senior Ilyasse Rassouli had an impressive four-goal game against NM Tech assuring a Sun Devils victory.
With a promising up-and-coming season, the men’s soccer team looks to cash in on their talent.
Their next home game is Sept. 30 against NAU.
Men’s Hockey
Coach Greg Powers and the Sun Devils begin their pursuit towards an ACHA national title this week with a match against Texas A&M Thursday night at Oceanside Arena.
Men’s Lacrosse
After three consecutive winning seasons, the Sun Devil lacrosse team looks forward to a repeat year by focusing on smaller, obtainable goals.
“This year we are taking an approach to try and get better everyday for our main goal,” senior captain Jon Little said. “We felt in past years by overlooking little goals we held ourselves back.”
Their young talent last year didn’t present a problem, as the Sun Devils still put together a 13-6 season and SLC D-I championship.
“Last year we had a lot of young guys, somewhere around seven to 9 freshmen getting into the rotation,” Little said.
Coach Chris Malone and staff hope his young yet experienced players will help lead the team to an even better season in 2013.
The men’s team has an inter-squad scrimmage game on Sept. 21.
Women’s Water Polo
Coming off a 25-6 record and a fifth place finish in the MPSF tournament last season, the women’s water polo team will have a mix of young and veteran players to improve last year’s playoff run.
With their season still a few months away, the drive to the women’s ultimate goal begins now.
With the overall success from ASU’s club sports programs, it’s a promising time for sports fans to be proud to be a Sun Devil for more reasons than just for ASU’s NCAA-affiliated teams.
Reach the reporter at msterrel@asu.edu
