NIRSA Championship Series
Dedicated to providing experiential learning through sport
NIRSA Championship Series – Why Get Involved?
I keep coming back to NIRSA Championship events because of the impact I see it have on the students who are involved. The officials and players are creating core memories of their college experiences at these events, and I love being a part of that.
NIRSA has a focus on community and development at so many levels that is unmatched in collegiate recreation. Whether it is a Regional or National tournament, you always leave with new friends, colleagues, and experiences to make you and your own program better.
Each Champ Series tournament I volunteer at makes me excited to the next one, they reinvigorate me with the enthusiasm I see among the participants and staff.
NIRSA was also truly an experience for our team. Our club had never been to a tournament like this and I think it is quite amazing that you put on a tournament for clubs like us. Going to the tournament really opened our eyes to how many other universities have “club” sports and not just the sports sponsored by their university. The positive and competitive environment was very exciting to be a part of and we will definitely be back next year!
I choose to come back to these events to continue to grow my network, impact young leaders in the field, and enhance my relationships with NIRSA members.
I would tell someone who is interested in NIRSA Championship Series to DO IT. Whether you are debating going to a regional or national tournament, you should do it! You never know what could happen and the experiences you might miss out on.
I choose to volunteer with NIRSA and the NIRSA Championship Series because I know firsthand the impact the experience brings. I’ve extended my network far and wide because of NIRSA which has directly impacted my personal and professional journeys. I have identified mentors in the field that have been so helpful in my development as well provided me with direct experiences that have positively influenced my leadership development and styles.
The campus recreation professionals that volunteer for the Series are some of the most knowledgeable and caring individuals you will find at events like the Championship Series. By the end of your experience, you will have made valuable friends and have learned new ideas and methods that you can apply to your programs as well!
Aside from the obvious love of sports, volunteering with the NIRSA Champ Series provided the opportunity for me to continue to give back to the students we serve daily in campus recreation. In my position as a Competitive Sports Coordinator, I always want to ensure that students are gaining a valuable experience from participating in our programs and the Champ Series is an extension of that. It’s our opportunity to deliver an exceptional tournament experience in the sport they love and continue to encourage their participation in recreational and competitive activities because of the countless benefits they personally reap from it. We get to do that for them with the series and it’s why I chose to volunteer.
How to Get Involved with the Champ Series
NIRSA Championship Series puts the focus back on the students – that’s who we are here for! An official, a team, a volunteer. This opportunity grows students and I know that is what I am here for because that is exactly what it did for me when I was a student.
Brittany Mueller (She/Her) from Florida State University
Volunteer, Officiate, or Play
Let’s Celebrate Those Within the Championship Series
I want to celebrate all of those people who made it possible for me to develop to where I am today as a flag football official. It all started with my Intramural Sports Coordinator and Director who gave me the opportunity to officiate at a NIRSA tournament.
I feel seen, appreciated, and valued for my work on the Champ Series, we truly are one big NIRSA family there.
I think it has been AWESOME to see the accomplishments Unified has had throughout the Series. Unified can be found at Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer and Esports and has been growing each year! Seeing the expansion of Unified on college campuses is very special.
I’d like to celebrate the Social Justice Work Team with the NIRSA Championship Series. These volunteers are doing such impactful work through research and planning of social justice activities, resources, and guides so that regional and national tournament hosts can facilitate meaningful discussions and training sessions for the volunteers.
Meet the Executive Team
Oscee Wheatfall III
Series Executive Chair, Director of Operations and Events, Texas A&M-College Station, He/Him
Kris Newsome
Series Executive Vice Chair, Assistant Director for Sport Clubs and Risk Management, University of Central Florida, He/Him
Stephanie Calhoun
Series Executive 2nd Vice Chair, Senior Coordinator for Competitive Sports, University of Georgia, She/Hers
Nicole Jackson
Director of National Sport Programs, NIRSA, She/Her
Lauren Carlson
Coordinator of National Sport Programs, NIRSA, She/Her
My favorite series memory would have to be the creation of the Sarah Fain Distinguished Service Award during my first go around with the Executive Team. Sarah was originally part of the Executive Team with me and meant so much to so many people and to the Series. It was great that while she did not get to finish her term, she still will always be a part of the series for many years to come. It was a fitting way to honor someone who gave so much h of her time and energy to our field.
I joined the Executive Team because the team needed help and I had a similar experience when I was first chair. It was only proper for me to step in and provide assistance when needed because everything always comes full circle, and this was my way to repay the favor Randall Ford provided me. I am excited about working with all the Work Teams and seeing what they can accomplish. There are a ton of fresh faces and being able to experience them while they go through this process is fun. I remember my first iteration as a member of the Executive Team and where we left off, so its great to see all of the progress after jumping back in.
Need more information?
Questions about the NIRSA Championship Series can be directed to:
NIRSA Director of National Sport Programs, Nicole Jackson
NIRSA Championship Series Chair, Oscee Wheatfall III