HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University has announced a new Intercollegiate Club Sports Plan, effective immediately to begin in 2025.

Under the direction of High Point native Dr. Stephen Denny, who was appointed the Intercollegiate Club Sports Associate Athletic Director in December, club sports will now be an extension under the umbrella of the 17-team Division I HPU Athletic Department. 

"It's an exciting opportunity to expand the club sports offering as an extension of the athletic department and increase the reach of Panther Athletics," Dr. Denny said. "I expect there are a large number of athletes that will want to compete at this level and enjoy the wholistic educational environment of High Point University."

Intercollegiate Club Sports at High Point University will feature over 30 teams and 850 athletes, with the long-term plan to add more offerings.

The teams will compete in state-of-art facilities and receive a collegiate athletic experience, though scholarship opportunities won't be available in its inception.

"High Point University has an extensive history of maximizing opportunity through creative strategic initiatives, and we are very excited to announce the Intercollegiate Club Sports Plan," HPU Vice President and Athletic Director Dan Hauser said. "The NCAA collegiate sports landscape has changed tremendously with the transfer portal, NIL, and the House Settlement resulting in decreased athletic opportunities for high school graduates.  The HPU Intercollegiate Club Sports Plan will create the ability to fill this competitive sports participation need at an elite experience level. We look forward to our new ICS Athletic Director Stephen Denny's leadership as we transform and grow the program for the future."

HPU Club Sports' successes helped jumpstart this initiative. Last year, the ice hockey team was crowned ACCHL Champions, while other club sports teams like baseball and men's golf have flourished in recent years.

For students interested in joining Intercollegiate Club Sports, they can visit with Dr. Denny and Assistant Director Brady Bauer in their offices located in the Millis Athletic and Convocation Center or email them at clubsports@highpoint.edu.