MORRISVILLE, N.Y. – As part of NCAA Division III Week, student-athletes at SUNY Morrisville are reflecting on what makes competing at the NCAA Division III level unique. From balancing academics and athletics to building lasting relationships with teammates, the Division III experience provides student-athletes with opportunities to grow both on and off the field.

For many student-athletes, choosing the Division III path is more than just continuing their sport. It's about finding balance, opportunity, and personal growth.

For Aidan Tornabene (Liverpool, N.Y.), a member of the men's lacrosse team, the decision came down to both academics and environment.

"I chose to play at the Division III level because the academics are more focused, and I really liked the coach and the program," Tornabene said. "Our athletic programs are more competitive than people think. We get a lot of help with everything we might need, and we have facilities we can use just like other divisions."

That support system has helped Tornabene grow beyond athletics.

"I've learned a lot of new skills on and off the field, and I've also learned how to become more independent," he added. "Being a Division III athlete means taking academics just as seriously as athletics
—it's more than just sports."

Rebecca Kench (West Henrietta, N.Y.) of the women's soccer team shared a similar perspective, emphasizing how Division III gave her the flexibility to figure out her future while continuing to compete.

"When I was looking at colleges, I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in or if I wanted to keep playing soccer," Kench said. "Division III gave me the opportunity to continue the sport I love while figuring out my career path."

Kench also pointed to a common misconception about Division III athletics.

"People don't realize how competitive it is. We play some of the best teams in the state and practice at a very high level," she said.

Like Tornabene, Kench credits her experience with helping her grow personally.

"I've gotten out of my shell and built new friendships. I've learned independence and discipline both on the field and in the classroom," she said. "Being a Division III athlete means working harder when no one is watching and setting an example for younger athletes."

Women's hockey student-athlete Zoe Leas (North Vancouver, B.C.) echoed those sentiments, highlighting the personal growth that comes with competing at the Division III level.

"I chose to play at the Division III level because it gave me the opportunity to keep competing in the sport I love while also growing into who I want to be outside of hockey," Leas said.

Since arriving at Morrisville, Leas has seen that growth firsthand.

"I've developed a lot in my confidence, leadership, and resilience, and I've learned how to handle pressure and push through adversity in ways that go beyond the game," she said. "Being a Division III athlete means competing for something bigger than yourself—it's about passion, discipline, and pride in what you do every day."

Leas also emphasized the long-term value of the Division III experience.

"To a high school athlete who is unsure about going Division III, I would say it's an opportunity to keep doing what you love while also setting yourself up for your future in a meaningful way," she said. "I've learned community, pride, and resilience at Morrisville, which has helped shape the person I am today."

As Division III week highlights the student-athlete experience nationwide, Morrisville's athletes continue to show that competing at the Division III level is about more than wins and losses. It's about growth, opportunity, and preparing for life beyond the game. Throughout their dedication in the classroom, commitment to their teams, and development as individuals, these student-athletes embody what it truly means to be a Mustang.

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. The college is positioning itself to offer expanded graduate offerings, workforce programming and microcredentials. Future development of industry and educational partnerships will increase student success and response to student demand and market.
 
For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit www.morrisville.edu.
 
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