The University recently celebrated Division III week, showing appreciation for athletic programs.

Throughout the week Misericordia social media posted interviews from coaches, players and even Athletic Director, Chuck Edkins, and then topped the week with ice cream for all. 

Edkins said DIII Week lets students celebrate all the great things about DIII, the most important of which is participating in sport while simultaneously focusing on the future.  

Delaney Campanella, a junior on the women’s lacrosse team, said DIII means loving her sport while prioritizing her schoolwork.

“This is just something I love that I’ve been able to do for these last couple years while I’m getting ready to go into the real world,” said Campanella.  

Student athletes say one of the best ways to get work done and stay on top of everything is to just pick a spot on campus and hunker down.  

“I always just get a cup of coffee and go to the library. It saves lots of time and I’m very productive there. I just sit there for a few hours and get all my work done,” said athlete Ella Cipriani. 

When athletes are in season, balancing everything can get hard but Zachary Griffin, a freshman on the men’s volleyball team, said he makes sure all his schoolwork is done before practice every day so he can relax and take care of his body after practice.  

Cipriani said the most impactful things she’s learned while playing DIII is being able to challenge herself and grow confidence, causing her to grow not only as a player but a person too.  

Bella Prado, a sophomore on the women’s basketball team, said she’s learned time management. She always makes a schedule for her day, so she knows what she must get done along with practice or a game.  

Division III athletics usually have smaller teams, and athletes say team bonding brings them very close. For example, last semester the women’s basketball team got together and had a team dinner with pumpkin painting, while women’s lacrosse went canoeing this year along with a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach.  

Griffin said he knew since his overnight visit to the university that he was going to fit in well. He recommends that anyone looking to play sports in college to visit campus multiple times and do an overnight visit with the team.  

 “This year I’ve really learned to trust my teammates. I know they’ll be there for me if I make a mistake and help me get back up,” said Griffin.  

Athletes say not to underestimate DIII because players put in hard work on and off the field daily to be the best they can be.  

“It’s definitely a cool experience just getting to represent Misericordia. It doesn’t matter the division still getting to play college soccer,” said Cipriani.