In 1916, Berry M. Whitaker came to The University of Texas to formally establish an intramural sports program, starting what was then one of the first organized intramural programs in the United States. Initially administered as part of the Athletic Department under Athletic Director L.Theo Bellmont, the program's first home was located in the basement of the "Old Main." The first sports offered included baseball, basketball, football, track, cross-country, handball and tennis.

In 1919, as part of the Physical Training Department for Women, Anna Hiss organized the first women’s intramural activity, although women’s sports were largely social and non-competitive in nature. The first women’s sports included swimming, racquet (tennis), tee (golf), canter (riding), archery, touche (fencing), poona (badminton), strike & Spare (bowling), tumble (tumbling) and triggerette (riflery).

Today’s Intramural Sports Program attracts both men and women, offering over 100 team, individual or dual events each year for Men, Women and Coed divisions. Traditional sports such as football, soccer, volleyball and softball are staples of the intramural calendar, while sports such as Ultimate disc, sports trivia bowl and indoor soccer offer non-traditional options.

Each year, approximately 23,000 students participate in intramural sports, including 500 basketball teams, 400 flag football teams, 300 softball teams and 190 soccer teams.

The Intramural Sports Program is arguably the most popular attraction at RecSports and its oldest.