Seahawk student-athletes share why they choose DIII
NEWPORT, R.I. (Sunday, April 7, 2024)-- The NCAA celebrated DIII Week from April 1-7, 2024. As the week comes to an end Seahawk student-athletes have taken the time to reflect on why they chose to continue playing their sports in college, and why they picked a DIII institution and Salve Regina to do so.
From the NCAA: Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement.
Across 20 varsity sports 14 Seahawk student-athletes shared their story regarding why they chose DIII, what motivates them, lessons they've learned from college athletics, how they balance academics and athletics and their favorite aspects of competing at the DIII level.
Bella Gannon '26, Salve Regina field hockey:
"To me, being a DIII athlete means you are passionate about your sport and do it solely because it is what you love to do. There is no extrinsic gain from showing up every day, but you still do it because showing up for yourself and your team means more to you than anything else could. Being a DIII athlete means you are the most competitive and gritty players there are because nothing ties you to the commitment except your determination and will to be there."
Jake Stack '25, Salve Regina football:
"Playing college football has taught me many lessons, the most important of which is the value of teamwork. The success we achieve on the field relies on our ability to work together effectively, a lesson that extends beyond sports into all aspects of life."
Maddie Hudson '26, Salve Regina women's soccer:
"Being a DIII athlete at Salve has taught me that each player has a special and unique role on the team. After being injured this past season, I've learned to appreciate the ability to play athletics at the DIII level and how teammates support us through our hardships."
Jojo Powers '25, Salve Regina men's basketball:
"What drew me to a DIII Institution was the opportunity to play athletics while balancing academics and maintaining a social life. Especially at Salve where you have the fortune of living in Newport."
Colleen Ohrtman '27, Salve Regina women's basketball:
"The Flexibility of Division III allows me the opportunity to grow as a basketball player as well as a student. I am able to balance my commitments and compete at a high level while testing the limits of my athletic and academic abilities."
Sydney Baxter '26, Salve Regina woman's ice hockey:
"To be a DIII athlete means that I can compete in the sport I'm passionate about at a high level while still being able to prioritize and study a major that will prepare me for a future career. Having an academic and athletic balance makes for an enjoyable and unforgettable college experience."
Samantha McKenzie '26, Salve Regina women's ice hockey:
"What drew me to a DIII institution was my love for the sport that I play. DIII allows me to not only play this sport but also be able to enjoy it while being able to still focus on my academics and my social life."
Riley Esposito '26, Salve Regina women's ice hockey:
"One lesson I learned through my collegiate sport is the value of commitment. Whether it is on the ice, or in the classroom, success requires relentless dedication. This lesson has guided me in all aspects of life, teaching me to give my best effort and to stay focused on achieving my goals."
Sarah Hauptman '25, Salve Regina women's cross country:
"I was drawn to a DIII school after high school because I wanted to continue running, but not in a high stress environment. I wanted to be on a team that has a supportive environment no matter what your capabilities are and will push you to be your best but have your back no matter what."
Avery Braccia '25, Salve Regina women's cross country:
"When I was originally coming into college, I really wanted to be able to focus on my major and still be able to participate in the sport I had been doing for years. Now being in my third year of college, I couldn't be any more glad that I chose to pursue DIII athletics. Being a DIII athlete, gives students the opportunity to still be able to focus on their education and be able to do the sports we love. What I like the most about competing at the DIII level is that it is super easy to balance my school work as well as practices and meets. DIII is very flexible when it comes to school, I never felt like I was sacrificing my academics to do better in my sport. I've always been able to find a great balance which allowed me to succeed athletically and academically."
Delaney Marek '25, Salve Regina women's cross country:
"The thing I like most about competing at the DIII level is that I am able to prioritize my education while still maintaining my physical and mental health. DIII has allowed me to become intellectually and physically stronger."
Brandon Grover '24, Salve Regina baseball:
"I chose to come to a DIII school after high school because it offered the perfect balance between social life, academics, and sports. On the academic side, I was particularly drawn to the class sizes being on the smaller side which helps create a more engaging learning experience."
Morgan Bello '25, Salve Regina softball:
"Through the ability to participate in DIII softball I have had the opportunity to contribute to a team filled with dedicated athletes and scholars, which has taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and mental toughness both on the field and in the classroom."
Grace Haesche '25, Salve Regina women's lacrosse:
"I was drawn to a DIII institution for a more well-rounded college experience. I love being able to explore my interests outside of lacrosse, whether that be through academics or extracurriculars. Just last semester, I was able to spend a semester abroad in Italy. I felt supported through the whole process not only by my team but the whole athletics staff. The balance that DIII institutions offer their athletes is amazing. I have met some of the most amazing people through playing lacrosse while being able to prioritize my education."
Daniel Naglieri '26, Salve Regina men's lacrosse:
"Being a DIII athlete allows me to maintain a balanced college life, where I have adequate time for school and friends, while still being able to play the sport I love at a competitive level! I am so grateful I made this decision a few years ago, and wouldn't change a thing if I could do it all over again."