The magical game from the Harry Potter books has grown into a sport in its own right — and the University of Maryland has the top-ranked college team in the nation.
Dale Farnan, center, runs with the quaffle during a Maryland quidditch practice. By Emily Giambalvo Emily Giambalvo Reporter covering University of Maryland athletics Email Bio Follow April 11 at 2:27 PM Quidditch practice feels like a typical sports practice because that’s what it has become. Players arrive for one of three weekly training sessions, trade sneakers for cleats, and leave their water bottles and duffel bags in a loosely organized circle.
This weekend, questions and questioning looks will subside. The mixed-gender, full-contact competition will take over a sports complex in Round Rock, Tex., for U.S. Quidditch Cup 12, the national championship tournament with more than 1,500 athletes from 83 participating teams, split into community and college divisions.
Sarah Woolsey, the executive director of U.S. Quidditch who was part of Maryland’s inaugural team in 2010, sees the Harry Potter books and quidditch as separate passions. Quidditch, she said, prides itself on inclusivity, whether that’s related to gender identity, athletic background or degree of Harry Potter fandom.
“We kind of forget that we're associated with Harry Potter until someone reminds you,” said Melissa Smith, a senior on Maryland’s team.
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