Division III week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution to observe and celebrate the impact athletics and student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community. During the week, members of the Simmons University SAAC took a moment to reflect on "Why D3?" and the reasons they chose Division III. 

Sarah Arenberg, Field Hockey 
"I chose D3 athletics to ensure that I can focus on my academics just as much as my love for field hockey. Being a part of D3 athletics has benefited me in more ways than just that though, I have learned so much about myself and ways to push myself to become the best I can be."

Gabby Cacia, Soccer
"I chose Division 3 athletics because I knew I would be able to prioritize my academics while also playing the sport I love. Simmons athletics is a tight knit community that supports one another. My time as a Simmons Shark is slowly coming to an end, but I have loved every moment with my teammates and coaches along with the athletic trainers and staff. There are some valuable lessons I will be taking with me as I enter into a new chapter. Once a Shark always a Shark!"

Katie Castle, Swiming & Diving and Lacrosse
"I chose D3 athletics because the teams feel more like a family to me, but it also allows me to study my major at the school that fit best for me. D3 athletics has allowed me to continue my academic and sports careers while making some lifelong connections and friendships."

Maggie Callender, Lacrosse
"Division 3 gives me the ability to have the perfect work-life balance. It keeps me organized and lets me continue to do something I love while also being able to have a high focus on school."

Brianna Desharnais, Field Hockey
"I've enjoyed the flexibility that D3 has allowed, as I can work hard in sports and academically! It has given me the opportunity to apply to medical school while pursuing my passions."

Lilly Devitt, Lacrosse
"Being a D3 athlete has given me the opportunity to express myself as a player, teammate, and leader while being a student first and prioritizing my academics and career. Athletics bring student-athletes together, empower us, and teach us strength. For me, sports have brought me friends and a confidence in myself I would've never acquired otherwise. I'm happy in my own body, sharing my opinions, speaking up, and working with others to accomplish something bigger. My teammates and coaches have undoubtedly shaped me into the person I am today."

Sierra Duggan, Soccer
"Division 3 is fun, competitive, and still allows you to succeed in school."

Steffi Gaehde, Rowing
"Division three has allowed me to play a sport while putting my academics first."

Sofia Girioni, Soccer
"I made really great friends! I love the competitive but fun environment."

Fiona Hagberg, Rowing
"Division 3 athletics has allowed me to maintain physical fitness in college, while also giving me a built in group of friends. It's also taught me how to better manage my time, so I can stay on top of my coursework. It's a big commitment, but it's a lot of fun!" 

Ella Harmon, Swimming & Diving 
"D3 athletics has absolutely helped me maintain a balanced life in college! It allows me to pursue my passion for my sport while not having it take up my entire life. I'm able to still focus on the academic and social sides of college while still experiencing being a college athlete!"

Rachel Hogan, Soccer
"It has helped me make friends and manage my time better! It's not as time committing and it is a great opportunity to play for fun!"

Sam Margolin, Tennis
"I chose D3 athletics so I could continue to play in college while being able to prioritize my academics. Since joining the team I have improved as a player and formed meaningful friendships with my teammates."

Rachel Matz, Rowing
"I like doing crew because it is another way for me to be social, helps add structure to my daily life. I get to learn a new skill, and I also get to work out."

Alex Morang, Softball
"D3 athletics has helped me achieve a well rounded college experience by allowing me to accomplish my goals both on the field and in my career. Being a D3 athlete has taught me how to lead and gain skills that I will use all throughout my life. Teamwork, accountability, resilience, and passion are only a few examples of characteristics I have been able to acquire while being a part of a D3 program. I am blessed to be confident and strong in who I am and D3 athletics has a huge part in that."

Olivia Murray, Rowing
"I chose Simmons before I chose an athletics program, but it definitely did play a part in my final decision. I knew I wanted to continue doing crew in college and as I was looking at the Simmons program and also had the opportunity to talk with coaches before getting to school, I knew it would be the place for me! I knew I did not want to do D1 and D2 as I feel like teams have the tendency to get inwardly competitive sometimes and I really like the idea of having practices seeming more fun and teams being more cohesive while also still being able to participate in competition!! As for benefitting my life, I definitely feel like it's given me a better sense of discipline and also a better comprehension of what it means to be a part of a team - working on yourself but also working FOR other people."

Alice Najimy, Cross Country
"I chose D3 because I knew it would provide the balance I needed as a nursing major, while still allowing me to competitively run. I couldn't imagine going through the past four years, especially during a pandemic, without my teammates by my side doing the sport I love."

Jill Napolitano, Soccer
"I chose D3 so I could have a life outside of soccer. I wanted it to be fun and still be involved in a team dynamic while also being able to focus on academics."

Sydney Neumuth, Soccer
"I enjoy division 3 because it allows me to have balance between athletics and school. It is great to be in an environment where the coaches are understanding that we have commitments outside of our sport. Division III has allowed me to continue playing the sport I love while pursuing a higher education, which I am extremely grateful for."

Maggie O'Byrne, Rowing
"It gave me a sense of community, and an instant friend group. It pushed me to be more productive and efficient with school assignments and studying."

Michaela O'Donnell, Soccer
"The major advantage of participating in division three athletics is being able to continue playing the sport I love while maintaining a balance between school and athletics. Here at Simmons, we value our education first. The coaches her are very understanding of when you need to prioritize academics over athletics. As a result of this, each of us can get a solid education while also belonging to a team."

Jayla Parnell, Volleyball
"I chose D3 not only for the balance of academics and athletics, but also for the passion and committment to the game. Being a student athlete requires a lot of commitment both in the classroom and on the court and playing D3 has enabled me to continue to pursue my passions both academically and athletically.

Zoe Robertson, Lacrosse
"Division 3 athletics has empowered me to become a leader both in athletic and academics. I am able to balance multiple things going on at once and support my friends both on and off the field. I am proud to be a part of Simmons athletics and would not want to be a part of any other team."

Elsy Romero, Soccer
"I was able to continue playing a sport and keeping my body active while in college. It was a good balance between the two and a good way to end my day after a tough class."

Olivia Shaw, Soccer
"Playing D3 has allowed me to focus on school while still being able to stay active which benefits my health."

Kat Simeonidis, Volleyball
"When you choose D3, you choose education. You choose family and community, and you walk away from the sport you love to play with so much more. I never pictured myself playing D3, but every day I spend here at Simmons proves that it was the right choice. It teaches you not only be a better person on the court, but off the court. It keeps you on your toes in a competitive environment on and off the court as well, and when and if you fall, your teammates are right there to catch you. You come to learn that you are only as strong as your weakest link and held to high standards, pushing growth for everything around you."

Claudia Spedding, Rowing
"Division 3 athletics has been a great way for me to connect with peers that I wouldn't have met otherwise, seeing as I'm enrolled in the nursing program and am constantly surrounded by the same people. Being part of a Division 3 sport has been a great way for me to participate in a sport I love while being able to still focus on my athletics. I have also been able to form supportive and strong relationship with my coaches as they not only care about you as an athlete but you as an individual outside of the sport."

Sophie Stevenson, Swimming & Diving
"I have always loved swimming for the social aspect and the ability for me to stay active. D3 allows for me to enjoy swimming without the pressure of improving for anyone but myself."

Irene Swanson, Rowing
"When I joined I didn't imagine I'd get the opportunity to be apart of the varsity crew and experience first hand all the mechanics of the sports. It has been some of the highlights of my first year at college getting to bond with the team and competing against different colleges. Division three has really added a routine back to my life which I haven't had since before the pandemic."

Izabella Warren, Soccer
"It's the best of both worlds. I can focus on both my education and my sport."

Riley Wasiuk, Soccer and Lacrosse
"D3 allowed me to play both soccer and lacrosse while being able to focus on my academics. The teams are amazing and create such a positive aspect in my college experience."