A lot of people ask me why I bothered to play a sport in college for a Division III school. They think that it's a waste of time. "You aren't compensated, so why do you play?" "Why would you waste time on sports that you could put into your studies?" Many people just don't understand, and I get it. It's hard to grasp why a person would dedicate so much time and energy into something that doesn't obviously benefit them. So why do I play a D3 sport? It's because I love it.
Division III sports are for the athletes that couldn't bear to part with the game. It's for the ones who have an intense passion; a drive so strong that even thinking about not playing their sport makes them sick to their stomach. No, we don't receive athletic scholarships. We don't get paid to show up and take time out of our busy class schedules to train and watch game film and get better-- but we do it anyways. Our love for the game is so strong that it doesn't matter that there isn't any monetary compensation, just the chance to play at the college level is enough.
We aren't the popular college teams that people across the nation will recognize. The name on the front of our jerseys may not be widely known, but I am just as proud to wear my jersey as any other athlete on this planet. I will wear my jersey with pride until I graduate. I know that for me, it all most likely ends after these four years. There will be no more bus rides with teammates, training sessions so hard that you're shirt is soaked and dripping with sweat. No more strategy meetings or team dinners. After my four years here, there will probably be no more serious competitive play for me. I know this. I dread it. If I could go on playing my sport forever I would, but it just isn't realistic for me. There are a lot of other things that I want to do with my life, but for now, those things can wait. I love my sport so much that I'm willing to take the time out of my life right here, right now, to enjoy it.
I'm not saying that D3 athletes are any better than any other athletes playing in other college divisions. Anyone dedicated enough to play a sport in college has an incredible passion for their game, and I have huge respect for them; just don't gloss over and ignore us athletes playing Division III sports. We work hard and we sacrifice just as much as any other athlete at this level of play. I've met some of the most passionate athletes in this division, and I've watched and played with some incredibly gifted teammates as well. We may not get the recognition that the other divisions might get, but we athletes in Division III schools should not be overlooked.
It's not a waste of time when you love what you're doing.
