Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

[October 2017] Athletes weigh collegiate decisions

Julia Lombardo ’20 & Ava Simunovic ’20

For many students at Staples, there is hope to continue their athletic career at the collegiate level. While some high school athletes choose to play a sport at the Division I level, others travel on the path to a Division III school. Playing sports in college is highly competitive and requires a big time commitment, which is why many athletes choose to play Division III. Although there is a discrepancy between the two, both require athletes equipped with talent and determination.

Typically most Division I schools prevent their athletes from partaking in “regular” college student activities, such as traveling abroad or joining Greek life, whereas Division III schools are more flexible for athletes to branch away from the sports program and immerse themselves in the college experience.

Division I schools have a tendency to be more involved in the sports aspect of an athlete’s career, opposed to their academic career. While this may lure some students in, it also drives others away.

“I realized I’m going to college for academics not athletics,” Christine Taylor ’18, Trinity commit for both field hockey and lacrosse, said. “I know my sports career isn’t going to go past college so it didn’t make sense for me to make such a big commitment to a sport.”

Tia Zajec ’17, a Staples soccer alumni who now plays at Bucknell, explained her decision to go DI. “I wasn’t really set on either going DI or DIII,” she said. “I just based my decision off of which schools I liked the best. Obviously DI is more intense, but I was prepared for it. I also like the competitiveness of DI schools.”

Many who attend Division III schools find that they are given the opportunity to excel not only as an athlete but also as a student.

“Athletics are a significant part of my time at school, but I am able to commit myself to academics and focus on my school work as much as I need,” Ben Thaw ’16 said. “I’m extremely lucky that Wesleyan is a first class education as well as football program.”

While DI schools may not stress the same level of importance on school work, it is still important for most DI schools to see their athletes doing well in their classes. Zajec explained the balance of school and soccer at Bucknell. “During my classes I am focused on academics, but during practice you have to just focus on the game and not about what homework or tests you have coming up because it can be a distraction.”

While Division III schools are more invested in academics, they lack money for athletic scholarships. Division I schools, however, have grant money easily accessible for athletes who may need a full ride to attend the school.

“In Division III, you have people who play for the love of the game rather than the scholarship money,” Marce Petroccio, Staples head football coach, said.

With the strong athletics programs offered at Staples, many athletes are looking to commit to either DI or DIII schools. Zajec advises athletes looking to go DI. “Make sure you are ready for the commitment of having practice everyday, and sometimes twice and traveling pretty much every weekend,” Zajec said. “You should take your time in choosing your school and make sure you get a good feel of it before you commit. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision right away.”

Taylor offers advice to students who are more keen on going to DIII schools. “Make sure you can see yourself at the school without the athletics. If you break your leg and cannot play, you want to make sure you still want to be at the school,” Taylor said. “Division III is for anyone who wants to have that balance between social, academics and athletics. The great thing is that [Division III schools] accommodate all three.”

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All Inklings News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *