Building College and Community: The Role of Sports on Campus
One of the greatest powers of sport is its ability to unite individuals from all different walks of life, fostering a sense of community between anyone willing to get involved.
At York College of Pennsylvania (YCP), athletics play an integral role in this phenomenon, helping to cultivate connections both on campus and throughout the wider York community we call home.
Sports and Campus Unity at York
Athletics at York College have long served as a bridge between the College and the wider York community. Events such as sports camps, clinics, and competitions have consistently created opportunities for younger athletes to engage with the campus, often sparking a relationship with the institution that goes beyond their initial interaction.
"Many of our teams run sports camps here on campus, which are a great resource for young athletes to connect with their sport, our athletes/coaches, and the college as a whole at a young age," explains Men’s Basketball Head Coach Matt Hunter. Those early connections often bring local high school and club teams to the College’s facilities for competitions, strengthening the ties between the campus and the next generation of athletes.
York College Spartans truly ground themselves in their community, beginning at the most local level. “Our rosters have a number of local athletes from York County and the surrounding area,” says Matt Day, Associate Athletic Director for York College. “This, combined with [camps] leads to good community support for York athletics."
York’s student-athletes aren’t just concerned with competition —it's also about involvement. “Attending one another's games, creating friendship groups across teams, getting involved in campus programs and clubs, and really embracing our small campus community” are just a few ways our athletes build connections, explains Jen Muston, Assistant Athletic Director (SWA) and Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach.
Spartans’ Local Community Impact
Outside of the immediate York community, the York College Athletics Department maintains outreach efforts that deepen the bond between the College and the people of York. Many of the College’s teams and student-athletes participate in initiatives that benefit the community, including:
- Organizing food drives
- Participating in the Adopt-A-Highway program
- Visiting local nursing homes and elementary schools
- …and more
One of York College’s signature initiatives for giving back to the community is a running collaboration with Special Olympics. Every year, York College hosts the York County Special Olympic Spring Games, where student-athletes take on important leadership roles to run the event.
“Our student-athletes help run this event from set-up to tear-down, participating as buddies and partners with the Special Olympic athletes and running various games and activities,” says Day.
By involving themselves in outreach programs like these, York College’s Spartans showcase values of leadership, teamwork, and compassion beyond their respective competitions—qualities that can inspire others throughout the York community.
Strengthening Bonds with Involvement
While York College Athletics actively works to engage the wider York area, the department also puts significant effort into building a strong sense of community within the campus. Sports at the College serve as a unifying force, bringing together students, parents, alumni, and faculty to support student-athletes.
According to Day, one of the key ways Athletics fosters these connections is through alumni events, which allow former athletes to stay involved with their teams. “A majority of our teams hold some type of alumni event each year. This could be a game (alums vs. current team) or a reception/get-together, but either way, it provides an opportunity to keep our alums connected and invested in the program.” By creating spaces where past and present athletes can bond, York College helps to cultivate a tight-knit, intergenerational community of Spartans who feel connected to one another and the campus.
York College also organizes events like the annual Spartan Advance golf outing, which serves as a department-wide fundraiser, but also functions as another way to bring the community together. These events again serve as more than just games for competition's sake—they are celebrations of both community and continuity.
Fostering Relationships From Day One
Sports camps and clinics hosted by York College Athletics are a foundational layer of community building, connecting younger athletes with college coaches and current student-athletes. According to Day, these camps are some of the most important events that the College hosts, as they get “younger local athletes exposure to our student-athletes and coaches and help build those connections."
By offering Camper Appreciation Days and inviting those who participated in camps to our games, York College nurtures the relationships formed during these camps, creating lasting connections that may even influence future college choices. These efforts are not only about skill development but also about helping local youth athletes feel like they are part of the college community.
York College Athletics: Shaping Community Leaders
Beyond the immediate campus community, athletics play a crucial role in developing individuals who will go on to contribute to society as leaders.
“Our athletes are our best and brightest!” says Coach Hunter. “Our department GPA, community service hours, and leadership/volunteering opportunities set an incredible tone on our campus and throughout the community.”
Many York College athletes are not only dedicated to their sports, but also deeply involved in their academic programs, clubs, and other student activities. Their impact extends far beyond the field, influencing their peers through leadership roles on campus and beyond.
Whether they are volunteering at the area’s schools, working internships at York’s local businesses, or representing the College at local events, Spartan athletes are constantly striving to make a difference. Their presence and participation create a ripple effect, showing younger athletes and community members how they use their background in sports as a platform for positive impact.
York College athletes continue to contribute positively to the campus and beyond, as the impact of sports extends into local schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. As Muston puts it, “Within the community, their footprint in building a community is extensive. Whether it's working camps and clinics to meet and bond with local coaches and their young athletes, to volunteering, working the Special Olympics, attending community events, and working jobs or internships, their opportunity to network and build connections is endless.”
