STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph's College Athletics is among the many institutions from around the nation promoting NCAA DIII Week, which runs April 1st through April 7th.
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 449 member institutions making up approximately 40% percent of the NCAA's total membership. Over 194,000 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, 80% (354) of active Division III institutions are private. The NCAA DIII level features 44 voting conferences (plus 24 non-voting conferences) across the nation. On average, Division III institutions sponsor 19 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 350 student-athletes competing in a total of 21 varsity sports.
Tune in to the Monks' social media accounts throughout the week to see special videos featuring SJC athletes. Saint Joseph's hosts just two games - men's and women's lacrosse contests, both on Saturday - this week and festivities are also in the works for these events.
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.
