“I think my favorite part of the weather warming up is everybody just flocking outside and wanting to do things together outside. It brings everybody out. It’s awesome,” reflected third-year business major and track athlete, Dane Voldman. 

With April’s arrival comes green lawns, cascading flower baskets and students spilling out into the lush offerings of Whitworth’s extensive grounds, now having surfaced from long winter months.

“Also, I love it because the track practices are warmer,” said Voldman, raising the point that the sunshine of spring weather not only allows for athletes to be immersed in the warmth throughout previously chilly and windblown practices, but that students and fans can more comfortably participate in Whitworth Athletics as spectators, too.

With men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s tennis, softball, baseball, men’s and women’s golf, and women’s lacrosse all playing outdoors throughout the spring, opportunities abound to witness National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletics on Whitworth’s manicured grounds, amidst the glow of spring.

“My favorite part of the weather warming up is that it allows me to spend time outside with my friends. Things I can finally do in the spring are playing volleyball in the sand volleyball court and playing frisbee golf in the back forty and playing spikeball,” said third-year health science major and track athlete, Will Moore.  

Whitworth offers students a plethora of opportunities to get outside and bask in warm weather throughout the stress of an ending semester and rapidly approaching finals, such as those listed by Moore, along with an extensive offering of intramural sports students can take part in, both for the physical and social benefits of simply playing outside.

In an article from CNET on “Why Springtime Can Affect your Mood“, family physician Dr. Natasha Bhuyan denotes the importance of sunlight exposure and taking advantage of its return in the spring.

Furthermore, author Jessica Rendall says, “The sun actually can help decrease levels of melatonin, so we don’t feel as sleepy during the day. The sun can also help increase the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is known as a ‘feel good’ chemical.”  

Bhuyan also notes that the extra sunlight exposure spring offers, particularly in the late afternoon, makes humans feel generally lighter and more social, and possibly even more likely to engage in physical activity and exercise, two factors she says are known to increase mood.