DIII Awards (and PSA)

Let’s close out the 2014 DIII Women’s Volleyball season with a recap of all the awards won by these outstanding Volleyball players. Division III is truly the home of the “student-athlete” since DIII does not offer scholarships.  Here are some facts, figures, and other information which offer a unique perspective on DIII athletics in general.

WHAT DIVISION III ATHLETICS OFFERS (http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Facts%20and%20Figures%202014_FINAL.pdf)

• Division III athletics provides a well-rounded collegiate experience that involves a balance of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and the opportunity to pursue the multitude of other co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities offered on Division III campuses.
• Division III playing season and eligibility standards minimize conflicts between athletics and academics, allowing student-athletes to focus on their academic programs and the achievement of a degree.
• Division III offers an intense and competitive athletics environment for student-athletes who play for the love of the game, without the obligation of an athletics scholarship.
• Division III athletics departments place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators. The student-athlete’s experience is of paramount concern.
• Division III athletics departments are dedicated to offering broad-based programs with a high number and wide range of athletics participation opportunities for both men and women.
• Division III places primary emphasis on regional in-season and conference competition, while also offering 36 national championships annually.
• Division III affords student-athletes the opportunity to discover valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, perseverance and leadership, which in turn make student-athletes better students and responsible citizens.
• Division III features student-athletes who are subject to the same admission standards, academic standards, housing and support services as the general student body. The integration of athletics with the larger institution enables student-athletes to experience all aspects of campus life.

DIII MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION (September 2013 NCAA Membership Report)

• 450 Total Members (438 Active with 11 Provisional and 1 Reclassifying).
• Division III is the NCAA’s largest division (approximately 40% of total membership).
• Eighty-one percent (356) of active Division III institutions are private, while 19 percent (82) of institutions are public.
• 43 Division III voting conferences.
• Men Championship Sports (14) – Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling
• Women Championship Sports (14) – Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rowing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis,
• Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Volleyball

Enough of a PSA for DIII. On to the Volleyball awards!

And, let’s grow Volleyball together!

NCAA DIII NATIONAL WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL CHAMPION

Volleyball National Champions – Hope College Flying Dutch.

The Flying Dutch won their first national Volleyball championship with a spectacular 34 – 2 season.  Watch the entire championship match at the address below.

http://www.ncaa.com/video/volleyball-women/2014-11-24/diii-womens-volleyball-championship-hope-emory-recap

NCAA DIII INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Division III National Player of the Year – Maggie Kamp, JR, Calvin College

Capital One Academic All-American of the Year – Maggie Kamp, JR, Calvin College

Division III Freshman of the Year – Jenna Lodewyk, FR, Calvin College

National Tournament MVP – Jen Grasmeyer, SR, Hope College.

“Coach” of the Year – Amber Warners, Calvin College.

“Assistant Coach” of the Year – Morgan Coberly, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College

NCAA DIII ALL-AMERICANS

CAPITAL ONE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS