STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph's College Athletics is among the many institutions from around the nation promoting NCAA DIII Week, which runs April 4th through April 10th.
Fans are encouraged to interact with the NCAA Division III Twitter (@NCAADIII) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NCAADivisionIII) pages during the week. For each new Facebook "like" or Twitter follower, NCAA Division III will make a donation to Special Olympics.
Division III is the NCAA's largest division, with 450 member institutions making up approximately 38.9% percent of the NCAA's total membership. Over 190,000 student-athletes compete as members of Division III athletic teams. The Division III experience offers participation in a competitive athletic environment that pushes student-athletes to excel on the field and build upon their potential by tackling new challenges across campus.
Overall, 82% (356) of active Division III institutions are private. The NCAA DIII level features 43 conference across the nation. On average, Division III institutions sponsor 18 sports.
Academics are the primary focus for Division III student-athletes. The division minimizes the conflicts between athletics and academics and helps student-athletes progress toward graduation through shorter practice and playing seasons and regional competition that reduces time away from academic studies. Participants are integrated on campus and treated like all other members of the student body, keeping them focused on being a student first. Student-athletes do not receive athletic scholarships at the Division III level. NCAA Division III promotes athletic experience, academic accomplishment and leadership/community involvement as part of its founding principles.
Saint Joseph's College is home to over 300 student-athletes competing in a total of 19 varsity sports.
Each day this week we will be releasing an "SJC Spotlight" video on a different Saint Joseph's athlete with a focus on how they handle the demands of playing a DIII sport while balancing academics and experiencing the social aspects of college.
Also, a composite faculty and staff video, featuring interviews from members of the Saint Joseph's College community, will be unveiled later in the week. Several faculty members will be recognized for their commitment to students and student-athletes alike at Saint Joseph's, including Dr. Croteau, Dr. Auger, Dr. Besch, and Dr. Hancock.
The release schedule for the "SJC Spotlight" videos is as follows:
Monday – Elyse Caiazzo '18 (Field Hockey/Lacrosse)
Tuesday – Desiree Parent '17 (Soccer)
Wednesday – Hannah LeBlanc '16 (Soccer)
Thursday – Mary Leasure '16 (Lacrosse)
Friday – Jake O'Brien '16 (Lacrosse) & Faculty/Staff Special
Tuesday, April 5:
Softball vs. Mount Ida College, 3:30 PM (DH)
Wednesday, April 6:
Baseball vs. Husson University, 3:00 PM
Men's Lacrosse vs. Southern Maine, 7:30 PM (Fitzpatrick Stadium)
Women's Lacrosse vs. Maine Maritime, 8:00 PM (Deering Memorial)
Saturday, April 9:
Men's Lacrosse vs. Albertus Magnus College, 1:00 PM (Westerlea Way Field)
Women's Lacrosse vs. Simmons College, 4:00 PM (Deering Memorial)
Sunday, April 10:
Baseball vs. Rivier University, 12:00 PM (DH)
Softball vs. Norwich University, 12:00 PM (DH)
ABOUT: NCAA Division III Week is a celebration of outstanding student-athletes. Division III Week is an opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution or conference to recognize the powerful impact of athletics and student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community.
ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENT: In Division III, we realize the classroom is the primary setting for preparing student-athletes. However, Division III also understands academics are more than just GPAs, test scores and majors; it is a comprehensive learning experience that develops successful leaders and professionals.
ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE: Passion and sportsmanship are attributes of the "athlete" in the Division III "student-athlete" paradigm. The "athlete" plays for the love of the game, strives for excellence in all facets of life and perseveres through adversity. So, during Division III Week, celebrate the athletic component of our identity – a true homage to the symbiotic relationship of athletics and higher education.
LEADERSHIP/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Citizenship and responsibility are Division III attributes. Student-athletes "giving back" adds to the comprehensive learning component of Division III Week, while providing a venue for passion and service.
#GOMONKS
Follow Saint Joseph's Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram!
Saint Joseph's College is Maine's only Catholic liberal arts college, providing a supportive, personalized and career-focused education for more than 100 years. From its 474-acre campus on the shores of Sebago Lake, the College offers more than 40 undergraduate programs to a population of approximately 1,000 students. Saint Joseph's College Online provides certificates, undergraduate and advanced degrees for working adults through an online learning program. For more, visit www.sjcme.edu.
