Building Bonds Beyond the Game
Words Codi Chen & Fallon Alexander | Photos Ali Hajipour & Bobby Dinh
Finding your crew in Austin can be tricky, especially if you’re new to town. “Austin’s [become] a transplant city, so a lot of people might not know anyone,” says Ashley McLerran, VP of Programming and Operations at SPORTSKIND. Their leagues turn an ordinary weeknight into something to look forward to: laughter, friendly competition, and maybe a little trash talk that ends in high fives.
Imagine tossing cornhole bags at an East Austin bar, music pulsing in the background, beer in hand, and strangers quickly becoming friends. Or maybe you’d prefer diving during sand volleyball under stringed lights, cheering as teammates spike the ball over the net. Either way, connection, camaraderie and community are at the center of every league.
Karla Besanceney, General Manager, says it’s easy for anyone 21+ to jump in. “Some leagues are designated for advanced or intermediate players,” she explains. “But we’re open to anyone, whether they’ve played forever or are brand new. We want to be part of their journey.”
Even if you haven’t touched a basketball in years or aren’t sure how to pitch a softball, trained referees guide every play, rules are explained with patience, and the ethos is all about fun over perfection.
The social side of the league is just as important as the sports themselves. After the game, everyone heads to the sponsor bar near the field. “It’s not required to go, of course, but it’s a cool opportunity to grab a drink with teammates and opponents,” Karla adds. Drop-in scrimmages and pop-up events make it easy to try something new without committing to a full season, allowing individuals a ‘test drive’ before diving in.
SPORTSKIND also offers e-Sports leagues like FIFA and Rocket League. These virtual competitions gained popularity during the pandemic and provide a different kind of game-day energy while keeping the focus on connection and fun.
“We take the pressure off making plans with people,” Ashley explains. “We tell you when and where to show up, and you just need to come and have fun!”
Contact:
sportskind.com
@sportskind_atx
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