In 2006, the NCAA Division II President’s Council began a nationwide study to find the answers to the question, “Why did we choose Division II”?
The study revealed that higher education had lasting importance on an individual’s future success. Therefore, Division II emphasizes the student-athlete experience, which includes a learning and personal development component.
James Jones, NCAA Division II liaison, said, “The NCAA provides a connection where student athletes can compete at an elevated level, while maintaining much of a traditional collegiate experience.”
These characteristics echo Union’s decision to pursue NCAA Division II membership.
“We chose Division II because of the balance and flexibility it provides our student athletes with between classes and their sport,” said Katie Woodruff, associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator.
Kelsey Risner, junior exercise science major and Union women’s basketball guard, said that she appreciates the emphasis that her coaches place on being a student first and then an athlete.
“My coach stresses that we’re student athletes first,” Risner said. “He strives to make sure that we’re on top of our grades and is sure to let us know that tutoring and other help is available if we need it.”
Lauren Avant, assistant women’s basketball coach, said that strongly promoting academic achievement is something very unique to head coach Mark Campbell.
“He challenges the girls to pursue fields of study that correspond with their chosen profession,” said Avant. “He also challenges them to become involved and be active on campus and in their communities.”
Avant also commented that although the athletes have a very demanding schedule, they still find time to be involved in local churches and student organizations on campus.
According to the NCAA, this balance, where students are recognized for their academic success, athletics contributions and campus and community involvement, is at the heart of the Division II student-athlete experience.
“Division II emphasis on community service fit who we are as believers,” said Woodruff. “As followers of Christ we should be found being intentional in serving our community”
The six key attributes of Division II are: Learning – multiple opportunities to broaden knowledge and skills; Service – positive societal attitude through contributions to community; Sportsmanship – respect for fairness, courtesy, and ethical conduct toward others; Passion – an enthusiastic dedication, desire and effort; Resourcefulness – a versatile skill set drawn from a broad range of experiences; and Balance – an emphasis on collective knowledge and the integration of skills.
The Division II approach provides growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning in high-level athletic competition and the development of positive societal attitudes in service to community.
It is the balance and integrating of these different areas of learning opportunity that provide thousands of Division II student-athletes a path to graduation while cultivating a variety of skills and knowledge for life ahead.
“The NCAA is ever evolving,” said Jones.
The NCAA Division II has tapped Blacktop Creative Marketing Firm out of Kansas City, Mo. to develop a new strategic initiative.
The new campaign will be unveiled at the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. in January.
