Syracuse University Competitive Club Sports athletes are really making a mark in their field! From basketball to water polo, there are tons of impressive athletes breaking records and winning awards. While there are many more that are outstanding in their sport, we’re highlighting five star Club Sports athletes who are bringing their A-game.
Oz Elad ’26
Club Men’s Basketball team captain and president Oz Elad ’26 has not only led the team to its current #10 ranking in the country, but has also created a culture of camaraderie. Elad got the team entered into the JMU pre-season tournament and organized all logistical details, making it the first non-conference/pre-season tournament the team has participated in during his time on the team. While being a court-starter and important player, Elad has grown the club’s social media accounts exponentially and created social media/broadcasting experiential learning and internship opportunities for students.
“The greatest thing about this club is that we genuinely want to succeed, and we have created a culture that has emphasized this. We have also had a legitimate imprint on the Syracuse basketball community through our social media pages that have brought fans to games and highlighted our skills on the court,” says Elad.
While this is his final year on the court for Syracuse, Elad has made a lasting imprint on the team’s legacy and brought them to a new level.
Meghan Devaughn ’26
Club Women’s Water Polo team co-captain Meghan Devaughn ’26, named 2023 MVP in the New York Division, has had a major impact on the team’s growth and achievement. An integral player for both the women’s and men’s teams, Devaughn has been able to find her voice as a leader on the women’s team, while also being challenged by the competition on the men’s team. At the beginning of her time on the team, the two teams practiced on separate sides of the pool, rarely interacting—now Devaughn describes both teams and her teammates as being a family.
“While I often am approached after games by my own teammates commenting on however many goals I scored, I wholeheartedly believe that I would not be able to convert on offense without defensive stops and great playmaking from my teammates,” Devaughn says.
Bringing the women’s team to a 1st place finish in 2023 and a 2nd place finish in 2024 for the CWPA New York Division, Devaughn has led the team to greatness through both athleticism and team culture.
Alex Letters ’27
2025 United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association (USIBA) national champion and Club Boxing team captain Alex Letters ’27 has inspired his team through his achievements and dedication. Letters believes that coming to practice focused and leading by example is one of the best ways to help younger fighters grow. Spending countless hours preparing himself and the team’s other fighters for the upcoming national tournament, Letters has committed himself to the betterment of the team and exemplifying greatness in their sport. Letters will be joining the team of returning and new fighters for the National Championships—a moment he has been preparing his team for all season.
“One moment that made me feel as if my hard work paid off was when I finally got to strap that belt on after I won the finals match at the 2025 USIBA nationals,” says Letters. “It was also amazing to see the joy on my teammates faces, and especially my coach, as I would not have been able to achieve that without each and every single one of them.”
Letters will be defending his title and representing Syracuse University at the 2026 USIBA National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 25-28.
Kana Wong ’25, G’26
Graduate student and 2025 Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (ECVA) D1 North All-Star in men’s volleyball Kana Wong ’25, G’26 has been an integral part of the team since his freshman year, leading him to co-found the Club Outdoor Volleyball team at Syracuse University. Wong joined the team as a way to stay active and continue playing volleyball in college, and now he has built a team legacy and friendships with his teammates.
An e-board member since his sophomore year, Wong has dedicated himself to growing with the team and making lasting memories. “This season we had 10 players across our three teams earn all-division honors. These individual achievements are partially reflective of the team and what we enable one another to accomplish—it made me extremely proud to take part in all of the team successes we’ve earned over my time at Syracuse University,” says Wong.
Wong recently received a D2 honorable mention all-star from their league and has also left his mark in the sport through his years of dedication to the team.
Britt Vanlerberghe ’26
Club Women’s Water Polo president and team co-captain Britt Vanlerberghe ’26 is an important player and leader for the team. Joining the team as a way to stay connected to her high school sport, Vanlerberghe found a great community of people and relationships that have played an important role in her life. More than that, Vanlerberghe has been instrumental in growing both the women’s and men’s club teams to Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division Championship-level play during her time on the team. She feels the team has allowed her to grow as both an athlete and a person, teaching her about teamwork, communication and accountability both inside and outside of the pool.
“This team has provided me with a community and space where I can be myself, have fun and build on my skills! It has also given me a sense of balance during college, especially when school can feel overwhelming,” Vanlerberghe said.
Making her mark through her leadership and commitment, Vanlerberghe has made a lasting impact on the team’s culture!
Our Competitive Club Sports athletes are spending countless hours to be better and grow their team. Show them your support by cheering them on, live from the sidelines or at home! Shout out to all our amazing Club Sports athletes representing Syracuse and making us proud.
Written by Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs