Baseball | 4/5/2024 2:04:01 PM
The Empire 8 joins the the NCAA and other member institutions in celebrating "Division III Week." This year, along with every Division III week, we highlight what makes D3 special. As explained by the NCAA, "Division III athletics provides a well-rounded collegiate experience that involves a balance of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and the opportunity to pursue the multitude of other co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities offered on Division III campuses."
Each Empire 8 institution has shared quotes from their student-athletes about why they chose D3.
Alfred University
Sarah Lutkins '24, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, Ceramic Engineering - "DIII athletics has given me the opportunity to compete despite having no prior experience with the sport(s). While my competitors might have more years of training than me, I have found success by staying passionate, determined and committed. DIII has taught me the power of these traits, which have helped me succeed outside of athletics as well."
Elmira College
JJ Babock '26, Men's Basketball, Business Administration - "I chose D3 basketball because of my strong love for the game and ability to compete at a high level. It was the right fit for me, allowing me to be a student-athlete and maintain a balance between my sport and the classroom. There have been many personal relationships I've made between coaches, professors and other staff that led me to be successfull at this level."
Hartwick College
Alexa Patrakis '27, Women's Lacrosse, Biology - "I chose to play lacrosse at the D3 level so I could focus on two things I love; academics and lacrosse. I wanted to maintain a strong balance between the two because they are both very important factors in my life. Playing at the D3 level, especially at Hartwick College, gives me the opportunity to grow both on the field and in the classroom with my friends and peers. I love that even though Hartwick lacrosse is D3, we are still a very competitive program with a lot of talent and lots to show off! As a women's lacrosse program at Hartwick, we always look to bring our playing to the next level, whether it is individually, or as a whole program."
Houghton University
Caleb Kasper '24, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field, Political Science/Philosophy/Economics - "I appreciate D3 because it has allowed me to have the opportunity to develop as an athlete and compete at a high level, as well as participating in other activities around campus and in classes."
Keuka College
Brianna Broadwell '27, Field Hockey, Criminology/Criminal Justice - "I chose to be a D3 athlete because it provided me with the experience of being able to play the sport I love, while being able to focus on my academics and be a well-rounded student-athlete. This team has provided me with great support and I am so grateful to be a part of Keuka College Field Hockey!"
Nazareth University
Lydia Coombs '24, Field Hockey, Biochemistry - "Division III, as many say, offers a balance to academics and athletics; however, to me it's been much more than that. DIII has offered me a voice and ability to lead in many different roles, such as job roles, as a teammate, as a researcher and as a friend. With that, I have been able to grow a great deal through my three years so far in my college career. The resilience and discipline I have gained within athletics has defined my experience within friendships and connections with others. Without the times I've had succeeding and losing with my teammates I would have missed out on so many founding events in my life."
Russell Sage College
Dylan Fox '27, Men's Volleyball/Track & Field, Physical Education - "You can have good athletics but also be able to focus on your schoolwork and your academics. It's not an overwhelming experience where you can only focus on one thing."
St. John Fisher University
Brady Mason '25, Men's Lacrosse, Finance/Marketing - "I chose D3 for the healthy balance of academics and athletics. I chose D3 athletics for the competitiveness and great team atmosphere, while also having the time and opportunities to engage in other activities like clubs, intramurals and internships."
Utica University
Taylor Kraft '25, Softball, Nursing - "Utica allows me to play the sport that I love at the next level while being able to be a nursing major."
Follow along with the 2024 Division III Week celebration at the #WhyD3 and #D3Week hashtags, along with the social media pages of the Empire 8 and its member institutions.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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