Many high school athletes automatically rule out playing college athletics at the Division III level. Before you do, get the facts!

Myth: D-3 isn’t that competitive.

Reality: Many top D-3 teams are stronger than their lower D-1 and D-2 counterparts. In fact, the NESCAC and Centennial conferences field extremely strong teams, particularly in men’s and women’s soccer, lacrosse, cross country, tennis, and volleyball, as well as baseball and softball.

Myth: Division III coaches don’t recruit.

Reality: There is some truth here. Many D-3 coaches rely on student-athletes to reach out and make the first contact. However, for a student on the bubble, having the support of a coach can be the difference between an admit and a deny.

Myth: It’s too much of a time commitment. I need to focus on academics!

Reality: It is a time commitment! College athletes practice each day, when in season, as well as have to balance time in the weight room, chalk-talk sessions, and runs. That being said, at the D-3 level, you are a student first, and coaches make sure that you’ve allocated time for academics.

In fact, many of our high school athletes find that they are more academically successful when they are busy! Too much unstructured time in college may not be a good thing!

Myth: I won't get any money!

Reality: Yes, D-3 colleges do not award athletic scholarships, but many are very generous with merit money, which they award holistically. They may just reward your leadership, commitment and drive with a generous merit scholarship.