Being a Division III (D3) student-athlete has taught me you can be a standout in many different areas. Because the focus at a D3 school is not just on athletics, I have been able to get involved as a student and as an athlete.

As a high school athlete, I always knew I wanted to participate in collegiate athletics. So when I began my college search, I focused on schools with good field hockey programs and small academic classes. After being recruited by the field hockey coach, I chose to continue my athletic career at Sweet Briar. Sweet Briar offered me a competitive field hockey team and conference, as well as an average class size of 12 students.

Here at Sweet Briar, student-athletes are looked at very positively. We are students who on top of a rigorous class schedule and organizational involvement, choose to dedicate time to playing a varsity sport. In my time at Sweet Briar, I have found professors are willing to work with me when game times interfere with classes and my professors have supported my teammates and me by coming to games and asking about our team.

During the season, I spend a lot of time with my teammates. We eat dinner together, meet for breakfast on game days, and spend time building friendships on and off the field. I am dedicated to my sport and devote a great deal of time to athletics, but being a student-athlete at this level is just that: I am also a student. Part of being a student at Sweet Briar is getting involved with different clubs and organizations on campus. I have had the opportunity to forge friendships away from athletics and get involved as a student leader with campus organizations such as the Student Virginia Education Association and tap clubs (Sweet Briar’s version of sororities). Playing at the D3 level has also allowed me to excel as a two-sport athlete (field hockey and lacrosse), something I probably would not have done at a D1 school.

As I look toward graduation, I am very happy I chose to be a D3 student-athlete. Keeping a balance between student and athlete has improved my self-image, taught me time-management skills, and positively impacted my college experience. Participating in athletics motivated me to get involved in many different areas of college life.