For students looking to lower stress and connect with friends, the newly formed Spikeball Club and Outdoors Club offer a fun, relaxing, outdoor option.
The Spikeball Club was started by senior lan Gassiot. He said he started the club because there wasn’t a spikeball club yet. He and his classmates like to play it, so he thought that would be a fantastic idea.
“I started the Spikeball Club because I knew we didn’t have one, and I know that myself, and other people, like to play it. So I thought, why don’t I make a club for it?” Gassiot said.
He also said the club is an opportunity for people to get to know the sport better and do better at it. Freshman David Helms said he likes the friendly and competitive nature of the club.
For sophomore Nila Proffitt and others like her, joining Spikeball Club is just about having fun with friends and being outside.
“I joined the club because I enjoy playing spikeball,” Proffitt said. “Some friends and I thought it would be cool to join a club while doing something enjoyable.”
English teacher Tim Davis sponsors the Spikeball Club.
“Spikeball Club is a club that’s new and fun, and it seems to be catching on,” Davis said. “I think that there is a need at Tennessee High School for a fun club.”
The Outdoors Club is also new this year. Senior Sophia Streetman wanted to explore nature and go hiking with her classmates.
“I started this club because I want to give people the opportunity to have hikes here in our neighborhood,” Streetman said. “We’re so fortunate to be living in such a great place that is full of some amazing hikes.”
Streetman went on to say that the club gives members access to new hiking spots and talking about nature.
“This club…gives the forum where the people are able to talk about environmental topics that we are concerned about, and gives people the sense of security they need to be able to go out,” she said.
Math teacher Jase Slone, the faculty sponsor, similarly described how students will grow to love nature through membership in the Outdoors Club.
Both clubs are helping students have a better school experience. The Spikeball Club provides an opportunity for students to play a casual sport, challenge each other, and become friends. The Outdoors Club helps students learn about nature, find out about the world around them, and explore hikes.
