After years of playing volleyball growing up, Reeves Beckley (BFA 2027) saw a chance to fill a gap. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago had no outlet for people who loved the sport, and Beckley, a second year student in the photo department, joined with Lily Sellers (BFA 2026) to form a club.
“I wanted to play volleyball, and I thought it would be fun to bring it back,” Beckley said. His vision was simple: to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can engage with volleyball, whether they’re new to the sport or seasoned players looking for a recreational space.
The SAIC Volleyball Club is designed to cater to anyone with an interest in volleyball, whether they’re looking to casually play, improve their skills, or gain experience with the sport. Beckley said that the club is not just about competition, but about building a community of volleyball enthusiasts.
“We want to create an environment where everyone feels welcome to join, no matter their skill level,” Beckley said. “Right now, it’s all about coming together as a community and having fun. We want to make volleyball accessible to as many people as possible.”
With the club’s initial formation, the focus is primarily on participation, practice, and fostering a friendly and supportive environment for everyone. Plans for the future are looking towards a more competitive direction.
Beckley hopes that after the first year or two, the SAIC Volleyball Club will transition into a tryout-based organization. As the club grows in membership and skill level, the goal is to compete against other universities and colleges in the Chicago area.
“We’re still figuring out the details,” Beckley said, noting that the club is still in its early stages. “The main goal for the first few months is just to get people involved and see what works.”
The club hosted a volleyball interest meeting on March 13 that brought out students looking to join team sports at SAIC. Students at the meeting said they felt a gap and a desire for team sports at SAIC.
“Honestly, I really miss being on a team. I also just need a good excuse to be active and competitive. I didn’t think I’d miss sports like I do,” Rydell Morgan-Carland (BFA 2028) said.
Finn Heinzen (BFA 2027) felt similarly, “I have played a lot of beach volleyball with friends, but having an outlet through the school to play is an opportunity I just can’t pass up.”
The club’s meetings, practices, and scrimmages are expected to take place at the University of Illinois Chicago gym, with Beckley and Sellers working on finalizing the details with the facility. While there are still some logistical kinks to work out, the plan is to hold regular events at this location, providing a central spot for students to come together and enjoy the sport.
“We’re hoping to get everything up and running soon,” Beckley said. For now, the focus is on securing a consistent practice space, with regular club activities anticipated to begin in the coming weeks.
“We’re looking forward to hosting more events and getting people excited about volleyball at SAIC. There aren’t a ton of clubs that create that sort of connection that team sports do,” Beckley said. “I think that SAIC could really benefit from having more team-based activities. There’s something special about coming together as a group and working toward a common goal.” He hopes that the volleyball club can serve as a starting point for other team sports at SAIC, and that it will provide a much-needed space for students to bond over shared experiences both on and off the court.
Avery Ortlund (BFA 2027), who was at the March 13 meeting, said they’re excited for what the club might become.
“I really love the sport and I miss playing it, especially playing a real game,” they said. “I’m excited to play again and I think it could be really fun!”
For updates on practice times, scrimmages, and other events, students can follow the SAIC Volleyball Club on Instagram (@saic.volleyball) and sign up through Engage.
