Having the "college experience" means something different to everyone. Kids spend their entire childhood playing every sport under the sun, then they find their sport and play their hearts out until they are either good enough to go varsity in college or not. It's a harsh reality that so many athletes face at one point in their life but, I have some great news: there are club sports in college – and they are amazing.

1. Your sport may only be offered as a club.

Do you play ultimate frisbee? I'm going to go ahead and help you to assume that your university doesn't offer that as a varsity sport but they probably will as a club sport. Exciting is an understatement.

2. It forces you to stay active.

Most club sports have regularly scheduled practices and games, which means you have to stay in shape! And bonus, practices are like 80% more fun than the gym.

3. You meet some great people.

Team members already have something in common that brings them together, so it's really easy to make friends. With practices, games, traveling, and social gatherings, you'll end up spending a lot of time together-basically you find a second family.

4. It keeps you competitive.

Intramurals are cool and all but with club sports you get to play schools from all over the country, which totally amps up the competitive vibe. Having the drive to compete gives the team and your work more meaning, and even without a coach, more similar to the setup of other teams you've been on.

5. It's a fun way to get involved.

Fun. The real reason to do, well, anything! But seriously some of my best college memories have involved my club swim team and the friends I've made through it.

It's the time of year when every club on campus is recruiting new members, so if you have a sport that you love, or even have a slight interest in – join. You won't regret it.