On Monday, February 12, 2024, members of the Spelman College and Atlanta University Center communities crowded the stands of the Wellness Center at Read Hall for the return of the Spelman jaguar and the return of intramural sports.
“It’s an awesome time here at Spelman for sports – athletics, in general,” said Neal Scott, director of Wellness Operations & Recreation, while introducing a short teaser video that offered eager attendees a first look at the College’s renewed mascot.
Designed and approved by College leadership last year, the new iteration of the jaguar will replace the original likeness designed in the 1990s and will soon appear on College signage, memorabilia, apparel and more.
Following the mascot reveal, attendees were introduced to Spelman’s Intramural Sports Coordinator Deondre Jones-Carter and members of the season’s first intramural basketball teams ahead of a spirited showdown that had those in attendance clapping, screaming and springing up from their seats.
“It’s been a long journey, and I’m excited to introduce the new intramural program,” said Jones-Carter. “I’m excited to be able to have fun and to see this program last for a very long time.”
This intramural season marks the arrival of an intentional, holistic wellness-centered sports program at Spelman College. The program is part of the Department of Student Affairs’ efforts to prioritize community, wellbeing and increased student engagement. Jones-Carter was hired as intramural director last year to lead and oversee the programming.
Interested students can register via the free Fusion Play app and have their choice of multiple league types. Currently, students can participate in intramural basketball and volleyball. Additional sports are expected to be offered in the fall.
For more information on wellness programming, visit Spelman’s Wellness Center website.