I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the game of basketball. I took up the sport at a young age and had big dreams to pursue a career in the WNBA after successfully competing at a top tier school. As I grew older I was brought back to earth and my fantasies were replaced by reality and I no longer held the same desires as I did as a young girl. In high school I excelled in academics as well as athletics and eventually got the opportunity to continue both in college. I now play basketball at a NCAA division 3 school, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The NCAA holds the academic experience to a higher standard than athletic play at the division 3 level. Athletic scholarships are not available at the division 3 level to stress the importance of education before athletics. As a D3 athlete, education comes first. I am first and foremost a student and second an athlete. I am expected to stay on top of my school work and maintain a healthy GPA all while spending close to 40 hours a week in the gym and weight room. At the D3 level, I hold a full time job in playing basketball all while balancing close to maximum credits. My teammates are future orthopedic surgeons, environmental biologists, and forensic scientists, how incredible is that?

I am a D3 athlete and I am more than proud to be. I have made lasting friendships with my teammates who push me to do my very best in the classroom and on the court. My coaches care about me as a person outside of athletics and take the time to review my academic goals on a regular basis. Today I am competing on the court, and soon I will be competing for a position in a graduate program. The division 3 level is teaching their participants to become well-rounded individuals who can be proficient in life after college athletics. I am excited for the day that I can relate to my patients when when we talk about competing collegiately. I am a NCAA division 3 athlete and I wouldn’t have it any other way.