This fall semester, some Simmons University students in the stands of school sporting events have been aiming to receive free merchandise through a new Student Government Association (SGA) initiative. This effort affects not only attendees, but Simmons student athletes as well.
Zoe Schmaling, a senior field hockey player, said that the initiative has been a positive addition, noting, “It just made me enjoy attending games outside the whole T-shirt thing.” She noted that the program could improve with better promotion, alongside an increase in fan buses to Daly Field, where the field hockey, soccer and tennis teams play.
The goal of the initiative is to increase student attendance at sporting events and boost overall school spirit. Erica Schuling, the director of athletics and recreation, said she supports the program. “As a former student athlete, the hope is that if anything, even if it adds five, 10, or 15 more people in the stands, it’s awesome,” Schuling reflected.
To qualify for the initiative, students must fill out a Google form with their name, email, and a photo showing their attendance at a game and specify which sport and date they attended. Students who attend four events will receive a free T-shirt. Those who attend eight events will receive a free sweatshirt.
The success has already begun to show, with 167 total responses to the Google form at the time of publication. So far, 19 students qualified for the T-shirt and nine students for the sweatshirt.
Schuling stated that attendance for sporting events has always fluctuated. “The more that the teams do well, the bigger the hype is,” she said while pointing out that rivalry and senior night games tend to draw the most attention.
As for the future, the SGA executive board is looking to continue the initiative and have it on a rotating fall/spring schedule. Schuling hopes sport viewership will continue to increase with the new Living and Learning Center, making swim meets and volleyball games now on the academic campus.
CORRECTION: December 9, 2025
A previous version of this article contained an interview with an individual who was not aware their quotes would be published. The quotes have since been removed.
