Rec Sports Offers Fitness, Friendly Competition, Opportunities to Explore Marin

Indoor rock climbing, yoga, volleyball, standup paddle boarding, SoulCycle, hiking, tennis, and Friday evenings at the golf range are among the many activities offered by Dominican Recreation Sports this semester.

Dominican Rec Sports is managed by Matthew Gaulding ’12 MBA. Each week more than 80 students participate in club sports and events. Students also are invited to start their own club sport. The activities, which are either free or low cost, are supported by about 15 students and staff.

“Dominican is committed to increasing students’ knowledge about fitness, exercise, and well-being,” Gaulding says. “Rec Sports provides students the opportunity to meet and form new friendships, laugh, and bond, plus show their competitive side. All students at all sporting levels are welcome to participate.”

Now in its 10th year, Rec Sports has welcomed more than 2,500 students, faculty, and staff to participate in multiple activities. Over the years, Gaulding has developed partnerships with local businesses that offer discounted services or equipment rentals. Partners include 101 Surf Sports (SUP rentals and tours), Gravity Vault (indoor rock climbing) McInnis Park (golf), Mike’s Bikes (discounted bike gear), and Sports Basement (discounted outdoor gear). 

“We also have a good partnership with ELS Language Centers, located on the Dominican campus,” Gaulding says. “The international ELS students and the Dominican students enjoy spending time together, particularly  through Zumba classes, softball, and hikes around Marin County.”

A full schedule of activities is available on the Dominican Rec Sports webpage. Students can even rent equipment, including athletic and video game equipment. Camping gear, including tents and sleeping pads, is available for students wanting to explore the many campsitescamp sites around Marin and Northern California.

This fall, Rec Sports has organized a series of special events, including a nutrition class; soccer, volleyball, softball, and basketball tournaments and an Angel Island hike. An esports league is held online every Monday night. 

For more information, contact ducrecsports@dominican.edu. Or, visit Rec Sports’ Facebook (facebook.com/ducrecsports), Twitter (@DUC_RECsports), or Instagram (@DUC_RECsports) pages.

_{Photo credit: Adrian Canares ’25}