Saint Francis Athletics has officially entered its Division III era as of Sept. 1.
This marks a major change for all students, especially those student-athletes who decided to stay at SFU and compete at the Division III level.
For the returning athletes, the move brings significant change that is noticeable in competitions, preparation and their overall athletics experience.
These students have a unique perspective: they have experienced SFU as a Division I athlete and now they get to see what a DIII experience looks like.
They get to see firsthand how practices, schedules, expectations and the atmosphere surrounding their teams and the school have changed.
While the level of competition has changed, SFU student-athletes’ competitive spirit hasn’t. “I know what mindset makes a great team and I love guiding and encouraging my teammates,” said women’s soccer senior defender Caterina Schiavo.
For many players, choosing to stay meant staying committed to more than the division of the NCAA that they compete in.
Relationships with teammates, coaches and the community all played a factor in their decision to remain in Loretto.
“The main reason I decided to stay was because I want to finish where I started and with some of the guys I started this whole thing with,” said senior football player Campbell Melzer.
