FEATURE

Club sports welcome all ages

Imani Keel defends the ball during a recent game against Mott Community College. Eric Le | Washtenaw Voice

By Kristy King
Staff Writer

Club Sports are back in business at WCC, with a variety of athletes competing this semester. Many athletes range in age from 18 to 23; however, there are plenty of seasoned athletes that are turning heads.

“I’m fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine by playing soccer here at WCC,” said Veronica Slayton, a former soccer captain.

Slayton has been playing soccer for over 26 years and was recognized as Most Valuable Player in high school more than once. WCC gave Slayton the opportunity to play at the next level, and she plays on three club teams at WCC.

Slayton hung up her cleats after two seasons at WCC.

Slayton said that club sports are competitive and have numerous players with great skills coming from high caliber teams.

“They know where to put themselves on the field,” Slayton said. “We have a coach that holds us accountable and helps us master our skills.”

The same goes for men’s basketball, which also has a few players over age 25 on the team. Nicholos Dorrough and William Allen are the sophomore men’s basketball team captains.

Slayton spends her free time lifting weights, spending time with her husband and running half marathons—she runs a six-minute mile. When she’s not running after the soccer ball, she’s chasing after her three kids and two dogs.

Slayton said that she never thought that she had the skills to be able to coach, but that has changed and she wants to coach her kids someday.

“WCC has taught me the fundamental skills at the next level of soccer which I can pass down to my children,” Slayton said.

For information about tryouts, visit the sports office in the Student Center.