By Duda Maciel
University of Maryland students are finding friendships and relief from academic stress through Club Climbing, a student-run organization that welcomes climbers of all experience levels.
The club offers weekly practices, competitions and outdoor climbing trips, allowing students to improve their skills while connecting with others outside the classroom.
Benjamin Kim, a junior kinesiology major and the club’s president and coach, said members can participate as often as their schedules allow. Students who attend every practice typically spend two to four hours climbing each week.
“The nice thing about club climbing is that it is completely zero commitment,” Kim said.
During development team practices, members work on their climbing techniques, ask questions and exchange advice with other climbers. The club also hosts an annual fall competition, inviting students from nearby universities to participate.
Despite the competitive opportunities, Kim said the club’s relaxed environment encourages members to socialize and develop friendships between climbs.
For sophomore international business and real estate development major Paul Simonson, those friendships are what encouraged him to keep climbing.
Simonson discovered the climbing wall while exploring Eppley Recreation Center during his first semester at UMD in spring 2026. He later joined the club after meeting other students through the sport.
During one climbing session, Simonson struggled for nearly two hours to complete a climb. As he approached the final move, about six other climbers gathered to watch and encourage him.
When he finally completed the climb, the group cheered and applauded.
“Having everyone support and clap and, you know, to kind of just be there for you to recognize your achievement was really cool,” Simonson said.
Simonson said he tried several student organizations, including water polo, swimming, flag football and running, but continued attending Club Climbing because of its social atmosphere.
Quincy Webb, a sixth-year doctoral student studying physics, said the club has provided friendships outside her graduate program.
Webb began climbing in 2017 and joined UMD’s club in spring 2025. She said regular development team practices helped her connect with students from different academic backgrounds.
“Most of my friends are physics grad students, and I have a lot more diversity in friends and interests and ages and all of that,” Webb said.
Although Webb participates in competitions, she said balancing climbing with graduate school can be difficult. Scheduled practices help her make time for the sport.
Webb also recalled struggling to complete a climb because she could not reach a particular hold. Another member, Gabe, helped her consider a different approach rather than dismissing her frustration.
“It was just, ‘yeah, that sucks that you can’t do it that way, but you can get around it. Here’s another way. Let’s try,'” Webb said.
For newer members, the club also offers an opportunity to exercise and take a break from academic responsibilities.
Victoria Kerimov, a freshman computer science major, began climbing in September and recently discovered the club through a friend. She said climbing helps distract her from the stress of her coursework.
“I’m always stressed out because I’m a CS major and it’s kind of hard,” Kerimov said.
Although she is still getting to know other members, Kerimov said the welcoming environment makes it easier to approach students she has never met, including upperclassmen.
“I feel like I can go up to people and just start a conversation with them because everyone is really nice,” she said.
Kim said he has watched members develop friendships that extend beyond club practices, with students climbing together, sharing meals and spending time with one another.
He said he never expected to make so many friends when he first joined, but has since watched other members build similar relationships.
When asked what he hopes students gain from the organization beyond improving their climbing skills, Kim had one answer.
“A family,” he said.
Featured Image: Paul Simonson climbs during a UMD Club Climbing practice at Eppley Recreation Center in College Park, Maryland, on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Duda Maciel.