Most sports don't stem from literary success but in the case of the newly growing sport Qudditch, that's exactly what happened. Those who love the famed book series Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling from 1997 - 2007 will know of the magical sport that takes place on flying broomsticks in the series, but may not know of the newly popular real life version of the sport that many are beginning to play.
 
The game differs from the sport in the novels, but not by much.  There are seven players on each team, three Chasers, two Beaters, one Keeper and one Seeker - as well as a Snitch who is an impartial game official who runs with a tennis ball attached to a flag that the Seekers must try to catch, effectively scoring their team 30 points and ending the game.  Both the Snitch and Seekers are not allowed onto the field until 17 and 18 minutes into the game, respectively.  This allows for gameplay to go on longer and for each team to try and score as much as possible before the Snitch is released.  The Chasers on each team try to score into the other team's three hoops at the end of each side of the pitch by throwing a volleyball through the hoops, each is worth 10 points. The Beaters attempt to hit the opposing team with dodge balls.
 
The team was created by current team Captain and Junior Sociology major Emma Moosmueller and alumni Victoria Bongiorno after attending a charity tournament hosted by the Dumbledore's Army club on campus in Spring 2014.
 
Ironically, Moosmueller originally was not interested in playing in the charity tournament in the Spring of 2014, but after being convinced to play she and Bongiorno decided to create a team specifically to compete in the game of Quidditch.
 
The team came to fruition the semester following the charity event with many members coming from the Dumbledore's Army club.
 
Sophomore and Childhood Education major and President of the club, Jessica Zito stated that having never playing sports before Quidditch appeals to her because "It was something different."
She added that being a fan of the books growing up also influenced her and many other members on the team.
 
The club does face its difficulties though, being such a new sport, "You can't just walk into a store and buy Quidditch supplies" jokes Zito.  
 
Everything is constantly changing within the world of collegiate Quidditch, which means the rules from past seasons may not be the same in future seasons. Zito doesn't mind though, she stated that she likes being a part of a growing sport and is always reading new versions of the rulebook to stay in the know about how the game is constantly changing and adapting as it becomes more popular.
 
Similarly, Assistant Captain and Biology major Cassidy King stated that the sport is light and "a lot more fun" playing at the club level.
 
Moosmueller's plans as captain for the future of the club is to expand the athleticism of the club and hopefully grow to the point where they can annually host a spring tournament like the one that inspired the club's beginnings.

SUNY New Paltz is now one of many college campuses across the country to have their own Quidditch team.

The Quidditch team meets three times a week to practice on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays and anyone is welcome to join but must try to make one practice a week to be considered an active member. To get in contact with the club, email quidditch.np@gmail.com