By Philippe Morin

I play golf at a small, Division III (DIII) school in Vermont; we have a Fall and Spring season. Each season lasts about six weeks and we usually compete in four tournaments on the weekends. During the season, our schedule is packed and intense. We arrive at campus for preseason before most students, and usually, have a tournament within the first week. Once classes start, our general schedule is as follows: classes, yoga and/or gym session during the day, a practice which is from 4:30-6:30 PM, grab team dinner and lastly homework. For tournaments, we usually leave around noon on Friday, and if we can get to the location in time it's a plus because we get to play a practice round. If we cannot get there early, we then prepare ourselves for the 36-hole,s ahead. After the 18-holes on Saturday and Sunday, we depart Sunday and arrive back at school in the evening.

I think DIII athletics is ideal for athletes who are looking to compete at a high level while in college and still be able to confidently manage other tasks such as schoolwork, internships, study abroad and more. Being a student-athlete at a DIII school, there is the perfect balance between academics and athletics. Athletically, everyone is competing to become better athletes, love the team dynamics, want to win for school pride, as well as competing for oneself. All of this carries on into the classroom. DIII athletics grants us the intensity of playing a sport in school as well as having opportunities outside the class. Internships and jobs are a critical for our future, and we take them very seriously. Fortunately, the balance of our schedules allows us to put the time and effort into these opportunities.

Another big opportunity that has gained steam over the last couple of years is studying abroad. For most sports at my school, athletes have the chance to travel abroad for at least a semester. We see this as an opportunity that is unparalleled, and many athletes don't want to pass up this possibility. This experience alone will help with a student's personal growth; you can see the world, learn a new culture, hone your language skills and make lifelong friends. The balance of academics and sports at a DIII school lets athletes capitalize on many opportunities. All in all, the balance of the environment at a DIII school sets up student-athletes for success on the field, in the classroom, after graduation, and in the work force.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.ontheryse.com

* Originally published on December 3, 2016, by LRT Staff