From the turf to the ice rink, Syracuse University Competitive Club Sports are dominating in every arena. At Syracuse, there are over 40 Club Sports teams with over 1,400 student-athletes participating in them—that’s a lot! While all these athletes deserve recognition, we’ll be highlighting six students who have really been showing up and showing off in their sports.
Keenan Sawada ’28
With an impressive first-year batting average of 0.483, sophomore Keenan Sawada has been a stand-out player in Club Baseball. Sawada has been a key player, leading the team with 22 hits, 10 runs batted in (RBIs) and 16 stolen bases. In just two years, Sawada has not only become an integral player to the team, but has been able to find his people through Club Baseball. “The team helped me adjust to college life better than anyone else. As soon as I made the team, there were 30 guys that I could go to for anything,” Sawada said. Sawada’s commitment to the team is not only shown through his stellar accomplishments, but also his close bonds with teammates.
Leah Landry ’26
Two-year team captain and treasurer, senior Leah Landry is leading the Club Women’s Ice Hockey team with 10 goals and eight assists so far this season. Named National Tournament MVP by the Amateur Athletic Union in the 2024-25 season, Landry has proven to be a star player throughout her time on the Club Ice Hockey team. More than that, Landry appreciates the accessibility and flexibility of the Club Sports team, providing her an environment to destress, stay active and connect with teammates. “I have learned to work with my teammates to make sure that we are all contributing to the team in a positive way and putting in our best efforts while managing the stress of school, jobs and our personal lives,” Landry said. While her ice hockey career is coming to a close this school year, Landry’s accomplishments and memories on the team will stay with her for years to come.
Zoe Rubin ’26
Team captain and goalkeeper Zoe Rubin ’26 has led the Club Women’s Soccer team to success this season, both through her spectacular playing ability and leadership. In her athletics career, Rubin’s team has been regional finalists twice, made two national tournament appearances and had two undefeated regular seasons. Not to mention, after an accomplished 11-3 season, the team received a bid to the National Club Women’s Soccer Championship Tournament. More than that, Rubin has found her community and been able to grow with her team, stepping out of the mentee role and into the mentor position. “I’m grateful to serve as captain this year, a role that has strengthened my leadership and communication skills. It means a lot to know that my teammates now look to me the same way I once looked up to our captains,” Rubin said. While her time on the Club Women’s Soccer team is coming to a close, Rubin’s legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Emma Penniman ’29
As two-time pitching MVP leading the team with 10 RBIs, first-year student Emma Penniman has had an impressive start to her Club Softball career. With 35 strikeouts in 18 innings, she’s already been able to stand out as an integral player in her first year. She had an impressive and enjoyable high school career as well, and was looking to continue that in college. While Penniman wanted to find a space to continue playing the sport she loved, the girls on the Club Softball team being welcoming and kind was also important to her. “We are all very committed to giving it our all and there is a constant sense of positivity in the dugout,” Penniman said. With impressive stats and uplifting energy, Penniman is bound to take it far in her college softball career!
Sayo Kumapayi ’26
Two-term president and star Club Women’s Rugby player Sayo Kumapayi ’26 embodies what it really means to be a rugby player: grit, determination and commitment. Drafted for the National Collegiate Rugby’s (NCR) inaugural Women’s All-Star XVs tournament and the Upstate New York Collegiate Rugby Conference Women’s All-Star 7s team, Kumapayi has stood out as an incredible player, especially this season. Coming from a track and field background, Kumapayi was looking to continue her athletic career, but in a team sport this time—and that’s how she discovered rugby. “Rugby gave me a platform to be known, but more importantly, it gave me insight into what I am capable of,” Kumapayi said. Not only is Kumapayi a fantastic rugby player, but she has proven her ability to lead and be a rock to the entire team!
Sam Sutton ’28
Spearheading a project to host a high-level eight-team competition here at Syracuse, president and film captain Sam Sutton ’28 has exemplified his dedication to the Club Ultimate Frisbee team. The Salt City Classic, hosted Nov. 8-9, took a lot of time, organization and effort to make it a reality—and was a great success! Sutton also made it an effort to completely livestream the event—a milestone that has never been seen before at this level. “While there is, of course, room to build on our success from this year, the satisfaction of seeing the whole weekend come together, paired with the overwhelming support from families and friends both in person and online, made the entire weekend feel like a milestone for our program,” Sutton said. Not to mention, the Syracuse team ranked 3rd overall! The countless hours and overwhelming appreciation Sutton has for this team and those he works with is certainly recognizable and inspiring.
These athletes are truly paving the way for their sports and embody what being a team player means. While these players are exceptional portrayals of Club Sports, they represent a few of many players—and entire teams—who deserve our recognition and support, too! Be sure to check out the Competitive Club Sports website to keep up on everything Club Sports-related.
Written By Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs