Blackburn College is joining in the celebration of D3 Week, a nationwide, week-long event that highlights the accomplishments of inidividuals associated with the NCAA's largest division. Blackburn College is home to numerous student-athletes, all of whom have had an impact on campus community in one or more ways. Below are quotes from Blackburn Athletes, saying why they chose to go D3.
Grace Mackay, Sophomore, Softball
Being at Blackburn has not only helped me advance athletically, but academically. As an education major I have been involved in many life changing experiences. One of my favorites was attending a field day with the students at the Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled. We interacted and engaged with those from the community which improved my ability to work with kids of all skill levels. I am looking forward to the experience again this year! I think the emphasis on academics at D3 allows me to have these other types of community service and leadership opportunities that I wouldn’t get at another division of athletics.
Natalie Keith, Junior, Softball
Being a D3 athlete means academics are a huge part of the college experience. There are many situations for leadership in athletics at all divisions, but D3 and Blackburn allow unique opportunities. Blackburn offers me the chance to have one on one lesson plans with kids in our community over several semesters that develops me as an educator. Being a student-athlete means performing your best in the classroom and on the field.
Izzy Erickson, Junior, Women’s Soccer
I chose to play soccer at a Division 3 because of the flexibility within academics and athletics. Being a collegiate athlete, it is important to note the core values of any division of competition such as teamwork, dedication, and commitment. Playing a D3 sport has impacted me not only as an athlete, but as a student and person as well.
Tess Saathoff, Senior, Women’s Golf
I chose D3 because of the relationship I knew I would have with my coach and professors. The coaches and professors care about you as a person before being an athlete or student. I wouldn’t be the person I am without the coaches and professors I have had over the last four years I’ve been at Blackburn!
Luke Atkinson, Junior, Men’s Soccer
I chose to play Division 3 because of the family atmosphere that Blackburn created. With the school being close to home and the team being extremely welcoming, especially Coach Rob and Oz when I was recruited, it made a lot of sense to pick this school. Going to a small high school taught me the importance of having good learning relationships with your professors and Blackburn exemplified that not only with your professors but also your coaches and teammates. Being able to interact with so many alumni on Beautification Day and over homecoming weekend is amazing because they all want to come see the success of the program and most often already know who you are. I received All Conference honors in the 2021 season and received the Gene Baker Award that is given out within our team after the 2020 season. Division 3 has provided so many opportunities that I do not think I would have noticed at other schools!!
Quentin J. Smith Senior, Cross Country
I chose D3 because I wanted to go to a smaller campus. Part of this decision was also cost as I attended Blackburn because it was a more financially viable option for me. I wanted to participate in cross country and although I wasn't amazing in high school I still was able to move forward in my sports career in college. I also chose D3 because it gave me the opportunity to compete with less stress over whether or not I would keep a scholarship.
Zach Kelsey Junior, Men’s Basketball
There is a sense of community. It feels good to have your peers and fellow student-athletes that you know on a first name basis come to your games and support you. And vice versa.
Jordan Watts, Freshman, Volleyball
Going to a D# college has a sense of community that other athletes don’t always experience. I’m able to know my teammates, coaches and professors outside of volleyball. Because of this, we are able to form connections with each other and create lifelong bonds across campus.
Nicholas Vaughn, Junior, Men’s Soccer
I decided to play division three at Blackburn because of the relationships I could create here and the opportunities that I would be presented with. Since being at Blackburn I have been welcomed and greeted with a personable experience, something you do not receive at a bigger school. Everyone is friendly and welcoming and makes the experience even better. Some of the opportunities provided to the campus are events with other students, one on one time with professors, and jobs that provide students with work experience while going to school. These are some of the reasons I have decided to play in division three and stay in division three for the past couple of years!
Dylan Klunk, Senior, Men’s Soccer
I chose Division III to continue playing soccer at a competitive level after high school and to experience the benefits of being on a smaller campus. At Blackburn, a tight-knit community creates the opportunity to develop close friendships, where the support is just different than you might find at a bigger campus. I'm grateful to have formed the connections that I have and built a work ethic that will help me be successful after college.
Read more about D3 Week at the link below: