Reading that headline you might be thinking: dodgeball? Wait, people still play that outside of high school? The answer is yes, and it is more than just a hobby. Dodgeball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in college club sports  Really it shouldn't come as a huge surprise considering dodgeball was always the best sport to play.

 

It always brought out competitiveness in everyone, even those you wouldn't expect. Making a crucial catch to get your teammate back in was always such an ego boost. I attended Grand Valley State University and I considered joining the dodgeball club, thinking it was just a casual meetup.

 

Photo by Wan San Yip on Unsplash
Photo by Wan San Yip on Unsplash
loading...

 

I was very wrong. Collegiate dodgeball is a serious commitment, just as much as any other sport, to the point where, in a recent dodgeball ranking, my alma mater and four other Michigan schools are ranked in the top 25.

 

Collegiate Dodgeball

When I looked into joining the Grand Valley State University Dodgeball team, I learned that this wasn't just a local team. This is a legitimate sports team. The teams in the National Collegiate Dodgeball Association (NCDA) travel around the country and have a practice schedule, just like the teams you see on ESPN.

Currently, there are 32 teams in the NCDA, with Michigan having 5 schools: Michigan State University (MSU), Central Michigan University (CMU), Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), Western Michigan University (WMU), and Grand Valley State University (GVSU). 

 

NCDA
National Champions / NCDA
loading...

 

Michigan Collegiate Success

Michigan has a dominant presence in this dodgeball association. MSU is the reigning champions after an undefeated 2023 season, CMU and SVSU both have one championship under their belts, and GVSU is the most successful club in the Association with 11 National Championships. This year isn't any different, with five Michigan universities in the top 25, with two in the top 4.

 

 

With their seasons winding down, we're rooting for each of the teams to bring another championship back to Michigan. If you're interested in learning more about the NCDA, check out their official page here.

 

Where Are These Michigan State Basketball Players Now?

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball program have been a premier school in College Basketball, with a streak of 25 straight NCAA tournament appearances. Stellar teams generate stellar players, and over the years, MSU has had no shortage of stand-out players who have gone on to have successful careers in professional basketball. Here are 12 Spartans in the last 12 years and where they are now.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

The Evolution of the University of Michigan Wolverines Logo

The University of Michigan's athletic logo has changed dramatically over the last 100-plus years. It has gone through 7 different evolutions since 1912. Let's take a look at how the U of M athletic logo has changed over the last 100-plus years.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

More From Mix 95.7