Loving the Game, Living the Mission: The Power of Division III Athletics

For me, being a Division III athlete was a really special and unique experience. Those years not only shaped me as an athlete, but they also shaped me into the person I am today. At the Division III level, I was able to invest in the full college experience. I joined clubs, played intramurals, hung out with friends, and attended events, all while also competing in two sports. I was also encouraged to thrive in my academics by coaches who cared about me as a whole individual. I was pushed to be the best I could be in my sports without sacrificing my well-being or my love for the game.

College is an opportunity to start fresh, try new things, meet new people, and get involved all over campus. For some students, athletics get to be part of that experience, but they should not take away from the rest of the college experience. Division III athletics doesn’t limit what you can be involved in because your sport is an added bonus rather than a job you are required to do. The sport is not a full-year commitment at this level; there may be lifts and open gyms offered during the pre-season and post-season, to prepare for the season or rest and recover after the season. However, these things do not consume your schedule, allowing you to invest in the other parts of your life.

The primary reason to attend college is to figure out what you want to do with your future. You are learning, developing, and preparing for your career. As a student-athlete, the coaches understand this balance and encourage you to find success in the classroom, not just success on the court, field, or track. I found that I was most effective in the classroom during the season. I had a regular schedule, accountability from my coaches and teammates, and learned how to communicate with the professors and coaches during busy times.

On a team where no one is receiving a scholarship to play, it removes comparison that can divide a team. Division III draws athletes who simply love the sport they are playing and want to play because they respect the game. These teams come together as a unit with the same mindset of being the best team they can be. When you play because of your passion rather than pressure and responsibility, you can enjoy what you are doing. With that mindset, you will create a joyful, healthy, and meaningful collegiate career. 

At the University of Northwestern, the Division III experience is elevated with the motto of “Compete With Purpose.” Athletes at UNW love their experience because they are surrounded by fellow athletes who love their sport and want to use their abilities to shine the light of Christ to their opponents, officials, and fans. Choosing to attend Northwestern was one of the best decisions I could have made as a Christian athlete. I found community with my teammates, I have a job with which I feel fulfilled, I am coaching a sport that I love and will continue to love, and I know that my time as an athlete at the Division III level made an impact for the Kingdom of God.