By Victoria Williamson | Sports Editor
Last week, the NCAA recognized its annual Division III Week, celebrating student-athletes and their impact on their respective communities. The University of Lynchburg celebrated DIII Week with a series of athletic activities, volunteer work, and mental health awareness fundraising for students on campus.
The Lynchburg Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) spent weeks planning and preparing for this week to ensure it ran smoothly. Junior Caitlyn Moore, president of the committee, spoke about the impact that D3 Week has on campus.
“As a student-athlete I think D3 week really emphasizes the fact that D3 allows for athletes to have the opportunity to do other things on campus,” said Moore, a member of the Lynchburg swim team. “A lot of our athletes got to participate in activities this week that show that there is time to support others and give back to the community even during their season.”
On Thursday, a student-versus-coaches kickball game took place. The losing side, the Lynchburg coaches, were required to be pied in the face in a fundraising effort for Morgan’s Message, a student-athlete mental health awareness organization. As an enticing fundraising effort, sophomore Evan Pask, a men’s soccer team player, looked forward to it the most.
“My favorite part about D3 week is pie day. Being able to raise money for a good cause while having fun gives you a good feeling in your heart,” Pask said.
DIII Week allows student-athletes to appreciate competing on a collegiate level while also involving themselves in community efforts. Parker Lynch, a junior beach volleyball player, spoke highly about her experience as a DIII student-athlete.
“I chose D3 because it gives me the balance between playing a sport but also having that college experience,” Lynch said.
For more information on upcoming events, visit Lynchburg Sports Calendar.
