More sports, more social events: Intramurals grow at Maryville College

By Charlsie McElhaney | Oct. 20, 2026

Maryville College intramurals are getting a refresh this year with new leagues, more recreation nights and a continued push to make campus athletics welcoming for everyone.

The upcoming flag football season marks a milestone for the program: For the first time, intramurals will offer a women’s league. The program will also offer familiar favorites such as futsal and basketball during March Madness, with talk of a potential softball or whiffleball season in the near future.

“Since taking over intramurals the last two years, I have tried to mix it up, introduce new sports, while also keeping the fan favorites,” said Elsa Eckenrod (’22), assistant women’s basketball coach and head of intramurals. “Our next season is flag football.”

Beyond traditional sports, last year’s Singo Night, a nonathletic social event, drew strong turnout and positive feedback. Eckenrod plans to expand on those “recreation” nights this year.

One of the biggest changes in recent years has been how tournaments are scheduled around students’ busy lives. Before every sports season, intramurals posts a voting poll on social media (@maryvilleintramurals on Instagram), letting students choose which days of competition work best for their schedules.

“I try to let the student body have as much say as possible,” Eckenrod explained. “I try very hard to make that happen.”

For Eckenrod, intramurals are about more than competition and winning. 

“I love intramurals because it’s a chance to get out of the dorms, have some friendly competition and make memories,” Eckenrod said, noting that some of her favorite memories date back to her own time as a student at MC.

The program has also become more intentional about gender inclusion. When possible, leagues are kept co-ed, such as pickleball and volleyball, while contact sports are scheduled with men’s and women’s leagues. 

“I think since we started doing that, we have seen better turnout, hopefully by creating a more inclusive and even environment for all,” Eckenrod said.

Turnout varies each semester depending on which varsity sports are in season, but the goal remains bringing in more non-athletes and building a strong community.

“Our turnout for pickleball was good [this year], although I always aim to make it better each year,” Eckenrod said.

Last year’s basketball season introduced team awards: a defensive award, a hustle award and MVP. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Eckenrod and her staff are now exploring ways to bring awards to every league.

For students on the fence, the message is simple: you don’t have to be an athlete to join.

“It is always my goal to create a welcoming, open environment. You don’t have to be good at any sport; I just want to encourage everyone to be willing to try something new,” Eckenrod said.

With new leagues, more social nights and a focus on inclusivity, this year’s intramural season looks to be the most welcoming yet. Watch social media for information about upcoming tournaments and events.