#WhyD3: Day 4

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 Abigail Dorunda (Women's Soccer/Track and Field), Maggie Bacon (Women's Cross Country/Track and Field), Madelyn Szczesek (Cheerleading) and Emily Wyman (Women's Golf). 

“Why DIII? Because I didn't have to choose. As a nursing major and dual sport athlete my schedule is packed but here at St. John Fisher, my coaches get it. DIII has provided me the opportunity to continue both sports that I love and pursue my chosen career path..” – Abigail Dorunda, Sophomore, Women's Soccer/Women's Track & Field

“I chose DIII because it is about more than just competing. It is balancing academics, training, and serving the local community, while being surrounded by people who support you. It allows me to get a quality education that is preparing me for my future while still competing at a high level. It also gives me the opportunity to inspire others, especially young women, and show them that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. ” – Maggie Bacon, Junior, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field

“I chose DIII because it provides me the opportunity to successfully balance my responsibilities as a student athlete. As a nursing student, my schedule is heavily consumed by academics. Being a D3 athlete allows time for me to unwind and pursue something I’m passionate about, while also allowing me to focus on my studies. The support I receive from my team, coaches, and professors is unmatched, consistently pushing me to my full potential in all aspects. Not only has Fisher helped me grow as a student, athlete, and leader, but it has allowed me to build friendships and memories for a lifetime, which I am forever grateful for.” – Madelyn Szczesek, Senior, Cheerleading

"I chose Dlll because I wanted to be able to build lifelong relationships with my teammates while playing the sport I love. I value the discipline it takes to keep getting better, and I wanted to be in an environment that pushes me to grow both as an athlete and as a person. Playing DIII golf also gives me the chance to strive for success and explore my passions academically. It allows me to reach my goals as a person, being able to focus on both my sport and academics equally.” – Emily Wyman, Junior, Women's Golf