It's D3 Week as Pacific Lutheran University joins the other 421 colleges and universities around the country that make up NCAA Division III in celebrating what makes the Division so great and unique to the holistic development of student-athletes. But don't take our word for it, hear from PLU student-athletes about the impact that competing at the Division III level has had on their development as young men and women.
"Being a D3 athlete means competing for the love of the game while prioritizing personal growth, academics, and community. It represents balance, passion, and commitment—where success is defined not just by performance, but by the relationships built, lessons learned, and the ability to grow into a well-rounded individual.
I have been actively involved in SAAC, Wild Hope Fellows, meal serving, and game management. These experiences have allowed me to give back to my community, connect with others outside of athletics, and develop a broader perspective on leadership and service."
Biology major Paola Garcia (softball)
"D3 is a whole other level of commitment. You can really tell everyone is bought in and truly loves their sport. It has given me the skills to balance my tasks and prioritize my school work while also developing in my training.
I get to be involved in other activities on campus too. I'm a student employee, working as a tour guide and for campus safety as a student safety officer."
English major Jacob Brown (Football)
"Division 3 means participating in my sport for the love, not the spotlight. It’s passion, discipline, and showing up every day because you want to, not because you have to.
My favorite aspect of being D3 athlete is that I get to be both a student and an athlete. I can chase my goals in the classroom and in the pool, without having to choose between the two."
Criminal Justice major Scout Hawkins (swimming)
"DIII allows me to continue the sport I love while perusing my academics! I’ve learned leadership and the strength of a positive team culture. I’m able to build my leadership skills on the field and then apply it to real life situations.
It also allows be to be involved on campus with the Mast student newspaper."
Communications major Kassie Diller (Lacrosse)
"D3 to me means to be able to continue with a healthy lifestyle and be able to organize my time to be able to do my sport and academics.
Since becoming a captain it has shown me how much time and effort needs to go into my sport while still being a good role model off the track and in the classroom."
History major Bridger Hanis (Track & Field)
"To me, D3 is about the pure love of the game. It means I get to compete at a high level without my life being 100% defined by my sport. It’s the chance to be a serious athlete while still having the time to kill it in the classroom, take an internship, or even study abroad. It’s about balance.
When I'm not golfing, I’m an admissions ambassador, a future RA, an underclassman rep for the social work organization, and in the LUX club."
Social Work & Communication major Emily Alicea (Golf)
"Division III means that I get the opportunity to play a sport I love with my best friends, while also getting the opportunity to live a balanced life outside of my sport.
My athletic experience at PLU has given me so many leadership opportunities and helped me to grow my confidence in myself."
Environmental Studies & Psychology major Katrina Moran (lacrosse)
"D3 to me means the ability to focus on my studies while being an athlete & feel supported and able to do both comfortably!
It's definitely taught me to gain initiative, while maintaining healthy relationships with my peers even while being in a leadership role. Leadership doesn’t mean authority, it means having the ability to influence & encourage others through your own actions!"
Nursing major Sandra Valmonte (Track & Field)
"D3 means I have the opportunity to be a student and athlete. I have enough balance in order to strive for success in everything I do.
D3 athletics has allowed me to develop my leadership skills allowing me to instill confidence in my team in order for us to put our best work on the water! I also get to be involved on campus with student media, international honors, LASR student radio, and as a tour guide."
Communications major Sarah Hoskins (Rowing)
"Division lll means being passionate about the student and athlete side of being a collegiate athlete. I’m here playing softball because I love it and Division III gives me the opportunity to pursue a degree I’m passionate about in STEM.
It has taught me communication skills and how to find my voice. It has also taught me how to hold myself and others accountable. Leadership looks different for everyone so I’ve learned how to make it my own!"
Kinesiology major Emelia Maza (softball)
"To me, D3 means to be able to pursue my academic and career goals, while still being able to pursue and play the sport I love. D3 balances the student and the athlete of student-athlete, and allows us to all compete, while developing ourselves. We are not only developing our skills and as athlete, but we continue to develop ourselves beyond our sports."
Biochemistry major Lia Zaboski (lacrosse)