#WhyD3: Day 2

Happy Division III Week, Cardinals!

Division III Week is a national celebration of Division III and its outstanding student-athletes, coaches, athletics administrators and faculty. The week provides an opportunity for everyone associated with a Division III institution or conference to recognize the powerful impact of athletics and student-athletes on campus, within the conference, and in the surrounding community.

Throughout the week, we will be sharing why our student-athletes chose Division III. Today's responses feature Andrew Violante (Men's Basketball), Tyler Hernandez (Men's Tennis), Ana Gutman (Women's Volleyball) and Alison Taplin (Field Hockey). 

"I chose DIII to be able to compete at a high level while prioritizing my academics. It also allows me to build relationships and fully experience college while preparing for my future."– Andrew Violante, Sophomore, Men's Basketball

"Competing at the DIII level has been a great overall experience and has brought many outstanding memories to my life. Paring DIII tennis with the amazing education at St. John Fisher University, I have grown so much and couldn’t be any happier with my choice." – Tyler Hernandez, Junior, Men's Tennis

"I appreciate being a DIII athlete because there is a nice balance between academics and athletics. It also allows me to focus on bettering myself academically and career-wise in offseason. My coaches are always willing to support me both in my sport and academically." – Ana Gutman, Junior, Women's Volleyball

“I chose DIII because I wanted my education to stay a priority while continuing to play my sport at a high level. It's challenged me to grow not just as an athlete but as a person: academically, socially and mentally.” – Alison Taplin, Sophomore, Field Hockey