#WhyD3: Day 3

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 Michael Peluso (Men's Ice Hockey), Sophie Grant (Women's Ice Hockey), Chelsea Lopata (Women's Lacrosse) and Valerosa Gambitta (Women's Basketball). 

"St. John Fisher's hockey program has been amazing to me. Not only has the hockey been extremely competitive and challenging, it has been the most fun hockey of my life. Outside the rink this team has been the closest group of teammates I’ve been apart of. It seriosuly has been such an awesome experience." – Michael Peluso, Freshman, Men's Ice Hockey

"I chose DIII because it challenges me to grow both on and off the field, pushing me to be my best while building lifelong friendships and lasting memories." – Sophie Grant, Freshman, Women's Ice Hockey

"I chose Division III because it allows me to focus on my academics while still playing the sport I love. At Fisher, I’ve found that balance, along with a strong support system of coaches and teammates who feel like family. They push me to grow both on and off the field, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that values the full student-athlete experience.” – Chelsea Lopata, Junior, Women's Lacrosse

"I chose DIII because I can focus on my studies and play my favorite sport!” – Valerosa Gambitta, Sophomore, Women's Basketball