"It Feels Like I'm in P.E. Again": Behind-the-Scenes at Des Moines Corporate Games
The squeaking of shoes on the gym floor. The sharp thud of a dodgeball against the wall. The cheers of teammates celebrating a good throw. Those were just a few of the sounds that greeted me as I volunteered at the Des Moines Corporate Games dodgeball competition. Alongside a colleague, I helped manage participant check-in, giving me a front-row seat to the energy, excitement and camaraderie that filled the building.
During check-in and throughout the games, I had the opportunity to connect with participants, asking them why events like dodgeball matter to them and why they keep coming back year after year.
For Emilie Herter of DLL Finance, the answer is simple: connection. Herter has participated in Corporate Games for six years, dating back to her time as an intern.
“It’s such a fun way to get involved,” she shared. “There’s an activity for everyone and it’s nice to get to hang out with people from the office outside of our normal roles.”
The sentiment was echoed throughout the whole event and while competition brings teams together, a few noted that the relationships they get to build throughout the whole season are the most memorable.
Cory Schanner of Federal Home Loan Bank, a member of the winning Division 3 dodgeball team, said the activities have helped strengthen bonds for his team.
“It feels like I’m in P.E. again and get to have some fun,” Schanner said. “The last few years, we’ve been on the sand volleyball and dodgeball team and as time goes on, the team work we’re building only continues to get stronger.”
Brian Miner of KKR shared that his favorite part is the camaraderie and he encourages everyone to get involved, even if it’s just one event.
But it’s not just bonding as a team that keeps people coming back. For some, like Austin Percy of Farmers Mutual Hail, it’s the rush of competition. For Justin Paige of DCI Group, it’s the opportunity to meet new people and stay active.
No matter their reasoning for showing up, it was clear there was passion for not only the game but for their team and as a competitive young adult in the workforce, it was encouraging to see I’m not the only one who still has that longing for teamwork and the nostalgia of P.E. Maybe next year you’ll catch me on the court.
Interested in Participating?
Companies interested in participating in the 2027 Corporate Games can email info@dmcorporategames.org.