It’s September, so by now everybody already knows about football season, but I think we need to show love to the smaller sports currently in play, such as soccer and volleyball. And for those of you who don’t know, yes, Nicholls does have a soccer and volleyball team, as well as track, tennis and golf teams.

That last statement might sound sarcastic, but I’ve ran across a couple of clueless people who only know Nicholls athletics as football, baseball, basketball and softball.

Believe me, I’m just as excited as anyone about football season, and I can’t wait to wear the colors and tailgate before every home football game. However, I also feel it’s important to support the rest of our athletes.

I know it’s difficult to make every home soccer or volleyball game, but it’s not too much to ask for students to support our smaller sports, even if they can only make one game.

The same holds true for me. Upon first arriving on this campus, I was strictly a fan of football, baseball, softball and basketball, but once I started writing for this publication, I started to develop a love for the smaller sports.

It wasn’t until my first soccer game two years ago against Texas State that I began to gain respect for the smaller sports.

The Lady Colonels fought hard in the game against the favored first-place Bobcats, losing by only one goal. From that point on, I knew the team had potential.

The World Cup made me even more of a fan, as I stayed glued to my television watching nearly every game. Now my interest in Nicholls soccer has greatly increased, and I encourage everyone to show up for at least one game and give support to these ladies.

This team has already broken or tied seven school records in its first week of action. I’ve made it a point to make at least one every season and look forward to making even more.

If they get into the conference tournament, (which after talking to coach Cindy Piper, I believe is a possibility), look out. This team has talent and can do damage in the Southland Conference this season.

As for volleyball, I think they should be commended for their efforts last season. After the storm, they had to play all of their games away from Stopher Gym. Just imagine having to take a bus to a home game at a local high school.

Throughout the season, they battled through the adversity and were able to stay competitive. Even though they only picked up one victory, they still showed nothing could bring them down.

This season, the Lady Colonels return to their true home, Stopher Gym, and have already notched a victory in their first game back against the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Everyone should be excited about this season. In fact, the volleyball team has even made it a point to declare their Sept. 13 game against the University of Southern Mississippi “Stuff Stopher” night as an effort to get fans to fill the seats.

On weekdays when you have nothing to do, why not take in a soccer or a volleyball game?