Emily Flückiger, a cybersecurity student, co-founded RIT’s Co-ed Wrestling Club to challenge stereotypes and build inclusive communities. Learn more about club sports at RIT: https://t.co/N6d9U5uTfA pic.twitter.com/p9BqfRh1ks
— RIT Admissions (@RITAdmissions) June 9, 2026
Emily Flückiger likes to combat gender stereotypes. That’s why she joined wrestling in high school.
“I was the only girl on the team, and it was tough at first,” said Flückiger, a third-year cybersecurity student from Hartford, Conn. “But once you throw people around a little bit, they give you some respect.”
When she got to RIT, she wanted to continue wrestling. For her, the exercise is a much-needed mind break from school. This year, she helped create the RIT Co-ed Wrestling Club. As co-president of RIT’s newest club sport, Flückiger is bringing together around 30 student-athletes who want to hone their skills and aspire to compete against other colleges.
Club sports are a big part of student life at the university. Every year, about 2,000 students are involved with the nearly 50 different club sports. For many, it scratches that competitive itch. For others, it’s a chance to try something new, find a community, and stay active.
Athletics at RIT come in several variations. The Tigers have 24 NCAA teams. Any member of the university community can also participate in friendly intramural sports. Sitting somewhere in the middle are club sports.
Many club sports are competitive, while some are geared toward recreational learning and teaching.
Competitive teams have tryouts, routine practices, and coaches. From alpine skiing to sailing, these athletes play against other collegiate teams and represent RIT on the national stage.
However, the time commitment for a club sport can be less than NCAA athletics—with fewer hours dedicated to practices and games. Club athletes don’t have to travel during the week for competitions, and they can have fewer off-season responsibilities.
Each club is largely student-run, with the formation of a constitution and annual leadership elections. Students have a vested interest because they organize team practices, schedules, travel, referees, and fundraisers. As student interests evolve each year, some clubs become defunct and new teams are added.
“We’re here for the students and we cater to their needs,” said Christopher Terwilliger, associate director of Club Sports and Intramurals. “Club sports are a big reason that a lot of students stay connected to the university. Plus, it’s a great source of experiential learning that they can bring with them to the workforce.”
To support the new Co-ed Wrestling Club and the rapid growth of women’s wrestling nationwide, RIT recently opened a specialized Mat Studio in the Hale-Andrews Student Life Center. The space is home base for the Wrestling Club, Taekwondo Club, and Judo Club.