Intramural sports social networks and implications for college student physical activity, sense of community, and retention.

Objective: This study examines associations between social networks developed through intramural sports and physical activity (PA), sense of community, and retention. Participants: College students participating in intramural sports at a large public university in the Southern United States (n = 250). Methods: Students self-reported PA, sense of community, retention, and social networks developed through intramural sports in Fall 2022. Logistic and linear regression determined significant individual and network factors associated with PA, sense of community, and retention. Results: Participants were significantly more likely to meet PA recommendations (Nagelkerke R²=.24) if they were younger, male, and reported more people in their networks were physically active often. Participants reported a greater sense of community (R² =.28) and retention intention (R² =.26) if they reported meeting PA recommendations, feeling closer to network members, and more relationships improving through intramurals. Conclusion: Results underline the importance of creating quality intramural experiences for college students.