AK-ROWDIES
Have you ever wondered what connects UA soccer, football, basketball and volleyball? Is it that they’re all sports? Or perhaps that they’re all played on a court or field? The answer is very simple: AK-ROWDIES. Founded in 2005, the AK-ROWDIES have supported Zips athletics through promoting school spirit at games and community events. Their presence is unmistakable at every game, showing unwavering support for Zips athletic teams. Now, AK-ROWDIES have moved from a basic student club to an official affiliation with UA Athletics, making their presence and impact more expansive through UA and the Akron community.
“We feed off the energy of Zips athletic teams and the UA community, and they feed off us,” said Ronald “Scottie” Spears, a freshman political science major and president of AK-ROWDIES. “We want to be loud and show UA and the Akron community that Zips athletics is the real deal.”
Akron Dodgeball Club and Women's Dodgeball Club
The University of Akron is home to two powerhouse dodgeball teams, the co-ed Akron Dodgeball Club and the Women’s Dodgeball Club both of which had standout 2024-25 seasons. The Akron Dodgeball Club captured the 2025 Ohio Dodgeball Cup and set a new NCDA home win streak record with 20 consecutive victories from November 2022 to March 2025. They finished the season with a 21-4 record, a Final Four appearance, a No. 2 national ranking — the highest in program history — and led the league in both total points and point differential. Meanwhile, the Women’s Dodgeball Club secured back-to-back NCDA national titles after a thrilling 5-4 overtime win against rival Michigan State, capped off with a 10-2 season and the 2025 Club Sports Team Achievement Award.
The Equestrian Club
Few opportunities arise for individuals to compete in a niche sport. At the college level, even fewer sports involve competing on a 1,200-pound animal. The UA Equestrian Team allows students, beginners through experienced riders, to compete on the team for a chance to represent the University at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Championship.
“Serving as president of the Equestrian Team has allowed me to connect with many students who share a love for horses,” said Katie Szpak, a senior majoring in surveying and mapping. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them find a sense of belonging within a community that shares the same niche passion, while allowing for the opportunity to compete against others at your skill level, which is something you don’t often find in other competitive sports.”
Story by Beau Balizet '25