Every Wednesday at 10 p.m., climbers of all skill levels gather at the Johnson Recreation Center (JC) climbing wall, honing their skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Climbers stretch out, their fingers reaching for holds of various sizes and shapes, each color-coded to represent different difficulty levels. As they ascend, belayers—who manage the ropes—offer guidance, adjusting the length of the rope and ensuring safety as the climbers make their way up the wall.
The University of Kentucky’s Rock Climbing Club has become a popular space for students to build their climbing abilities while fostering a sense of community. The club is open to all UK students, with no membership fees or hidden costs. The JC provides the necessary equipment, including shoes and harnesses, while members are only required to complete an online waiver each year to participate.
According to Ellie Carter, the club’s president and a sophomore electrical engineering major, the meetings typically feature challenges or team-building activities followed by free climbing. Some of these challenges include racing to the top, climbing with one arm, or even blindfolded climbing.
Carter, who discovered her passion for climbing through the club, explained that it has been a transformative experience for her. “I didn’t know anyone when I first came to college, but I decided to give climbing a try. I ended up loving it and started climbing every day,” she said.
For Carter, the club not only provided an outlet for her love of climbing but also helped her form lasting friendships. “Last year, I really appreciated how the leaders dedicated their time and effort. This club helped me find my place at UK, and I want to help others do the same,” she said.
Caroline DuVall, the club’s vice president and a sophomore marketing and management major, also found a sense of community through the club. Initially joining as a freshman with little experience, DuVall has since developed a passion for climbing and now plays a leadership role.
“The club offers a great community for people who share similar interests. We love rock climbing, but we also enjoy problem-solving and challenging ourselves physically,” DuVall explained.
For DuVall, the club provided a sense of belonging. As vice president, she hopes to ensure that incoming students have the same positive experience she had.
The club has grown significantly in the past year, with nearly 200 members. However, the typical turnout for a meeting is about 20 people. Both Carter and DuVall emphasize that the club’s laid-back, casual environment makes it easy for members to participate at their own pace.
“It’s a low-stress way to meet new people and build connections,” DuVall said. “It’s easy to find like-minded individuals and form friendships.”
The club has also been a place for members to experience a sense of accomplishment. Caleb Campbell, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, joined the club with minimal climbing experience. Since then, he has made rapid progress and now tackles more challenging routes.
“Climbing is a great way to see your improvement quickly. You start with easier routes and work your way up,” Campbell said. “It feels rewarding to make progress in a short amount of time.”
Campbell has also learned the importance of recognizing his limits. “You can’t just jump into the hardest routes without considering your skill level. It’s important to stay safe for yourself and your belayer,” he said.
Izzy Schmidt, a sophomore animal science major and the club’s treasurer, joined the club to stay active. She has since learned valuable skills, including problem-solving and strategizing.
“It’s fun and it’s at your own pace,” Schmidt said. “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, the club offers a supportive environment where everyone gets along.”
Max Zengel, a freshman aerospace engineering major, also joined the club with only basic climbing knowledge. He has since learned a great deal about balance and creativity while problem-solving his way through the routes.
“The club has taught me how to think outside the box and figure out the best way to place my hands and feet to climb efficiently,” Zengel said.
The UK Rock Climbing Club is more than just a place to practice climbing—it’s a community where students can make lasting connections, challenge themselves physically, and discover new passions. Whether they are beginners or experienced climbers, members of the club continue to support one another and scale new heights together.
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