Macalester Athletics Facebook page
When  Macalester College student-athletes are asked why they choose to attend Mac, the responses are usually pretty varied but seem to echo similar sentiments. Many would point out the opportunity to pursue rigorous academics and competitive athletics while still having a chance to be involved in the campus community. Others might note their ability to get involved in the local and global community or to have a study abroad experience that is unmatched anywhere else. No matter what the reason, it probably is similar to the reasons why all NCAA Division III student-athletes choose to compete collegiately at a level that emphasizes a diverse, holistic college experience.
 
At the 2010 NCAA National Convention,  Division III launched a new identity initiative that emphasized the characteristics of the Division III student-athlete experience and the commonalities between the nearly 450 unique institutions that make up the largest Division in the NCAA. This year, the entire membership is celebrating the student-athlete experience with the first ever Division III Week, which takes place April 9-15, 2012.

As part of the celebration, the Macalester athletics department will highlight student-athletes with profiles throughout the week on its website. These profiles will focus on individuals who represent Macalester's values and the six attributes of the Division III identity: proportion, comprehensive learning, passion, responsibility, sportsmanship and citizenship. The Macalester College Athletics Facebook page will also have Division III Week information and promotions throughout the week.

To cap off a week of competition, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and Macalester M Club alumni group will recognize National Student-Athlete Day with a cookout and activities on Shaw Field on Saturday, April 14. The annual cookout event begins at 12:30 p.m., just prior to the baseball doubleheader vs. Hamline at 1:00 p.m. Then, SAAC will celebrate the student-athlete experience at the annual Scot Ball that evening. (Click here for a complete listing of Macalester games, competitions and events during Division III Week).

Even though Division III Week is about highlighting the student-athlete experience, the Macalester Athletics staff has also gotten involved and shared their thoughts about Division III and why they love being at a great Division III institution. Read what they have to say below:
 
Macalester Coaches and Staff Comments:
What do you see as the greatest value of a Division III experience for student-athletes?
“The opportunity to fully pursue academic, athletic and campus community interests which creates an enriched, balanced lifestyle.” – Matt Haugen, Head Men's Cross Country/Assistant Track & Field Coach
 
“Life balance: Division III offers students an opportunity to focus on their academics while still making a commitment to a sport they are passionate about.” – Jody Gabriel, Head Softball Coach
 
“The experience itself is a balance between academics and athletics. The student-athlete can excel in the classroom, on the court or field or track, and learn life lessons in a team setting that prepares them for the real world regardless of what career path they take.” – Tim Whittle, Head Men's Basketball Coach
 
How does Macalester allow its student-athletes to have a fulfilling Division III student-athlete experience?
“At Macalester, we do a very good job of having balance in our lives and allowing student-athletes to find that balance.” – Marshall Mullenbach, Assistant Football Coach
 
“One of the greatest values of being a student-athlete are the lifelong friends you make. For me, my past teammates are the people I have stayed close with and value greatly. Also, the opportunity to participate in other co-curricular activities is huge. I love how we have so many of our athletes involved in a variety of other activities on and off campus. Lastly, it is amazing that they can study-abroad and still participate in a sport. The experiences and memories they gain from this is priceless.” – Annie Doman, Head Volleyball Coach
 
What do you enjoy most about coaching or working  at a Division III institution?
“The diversity of student-athletes – not just nationally, but internationally. All have great stories and I am constantly involved in a continuing education program at Macalester.” – Martin Peper, Head Track & Field Coach
 
“Balance: Coaches and athletes have the opportunity to be involved in a sport they love and pursue other opportunities or experiences at the same time. Coaches and athletes at the Division III level have a unique passion for their sport that can sometimes be overlooked or lost at the DI and DII levels.” – Evie Peterson, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach

“As a coach, I enjoy the life balance that the Division III experience allows, both for the student-athletes and the coaches. Our student-athletes are able to focus on their academic studies while still competing in their chosen sport. They are able to take part in all aspects of life, rather than devote most of their hours outside the classroom to their sport. I tell our recruits it's the perfect world – they will compete at a high level in their sport, yet still enjoy all aspects of campus life. Coaches are also able to have life balance. We can devote ourselves to our tea, yet also have a family life outside of athletics.” – Ellen Thompson, Head Women's Basketball Coach
 
“Coaching at an elite liberal arts school like Macalester presents many unique challenges and offers many rewards. One of the obvious challenges is to recognize and help student-athletes balance the rigors of academic life with the time and energy commitments of athletic participation. Helping student-athletes navigate these challenges while witnessing and often mentoring their physical, emotional and psychological growth is one of the biggest rewards of coaching.” – Stephanie Schleuder, Coordinator of Intramurals & Outreach, former Head Volleyball Coach
 
Division III Week Student-Athlete Profiles (to be updated throughout the week)
Mon., April 9: Proportion         
Tues., April 10: Comprehensive learning             
Wed., April 11: Passion
Thurs., April 12: Responsibility   
Fri., April 13: Sportsmanship 
Sat., April 14: Citizenship
 
Division III Week Games, Competitions and Events
Tues., April 10:                     Baseball vs. Bethel, 2:30 p.m. (DH)
Wed., April 11:                     Softball @ Gustavus, 3:30 p.m. (DH)
Fri., April 13:                         Men's Track & Field @ St. Thomas Tomcat Meet, 5:30 p.m.
Sat., April 14:                       Water Polo Alumni Game, 10:00 a.m.
                                                Women's Track & Field @ Gustavus Invite, 10:30 a.m.
                                                Men's Golf @ Wartburg
                                                Women's Golf @ St. Thomas Invite
                                                Women's Tennis @ Bethel, 10:00 a.m.
                                                MClub/SAAC cookout, 12:30 p.m.
                                                Men's Tennis @ Bethel, 1:00 p.m.
                                                Softball @ Hamline, 1:00 p.m (DH)
                                                Baseball vs. Hamline, 1:00 p.m. (DH)
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