Written for The Argo by Giana Sulpizio

On Monday, April 10, through Saturday, April 15, Stockton University participated in the celebration of NCAA’s Division III week, being part of the 446 Division III schools across the country to do so. Since 2010, the NCAA has designated a specific week in April of each year to recognize Division III student-athletes who demonstrate the importance of attending a Division III school through their athletic and academic accomplishments as well as their community and campus involvement.

The Stockton University Athletic Department and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) worked together to provide a unique experience for student-athletes throughout the week, engaging them in events that showed their character, spirit, and sportsmanship toward themselves and others. 

A lip sync battle between each sports team kicked off the week on Monday night, where the Women’s Rowing Team claimed victory over the first-ever SAAC Lip Sync Battle Trophy for their rendition of “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Tuesday followed with acts of kindness and positive messages being chalked along the sidewalks of sports fields for fellow students and athletes to see. The remaining events of the week were all centered around athletic staff vs. student-athletes with a cornhole competition on Wednesday and a trivia day on Friday where various athletes were put to the test about their Stockton knowledge.

The athletic department, SAAC, and sports teams also blasted social media throughout the week, making posts about why student-athletes chose to go DIII, what opportunities and athletic staff members they are most grateful for and much more.

The week concluded on Saturday with Stockton students and athletes continuing to show support for their fellow peers by attending games throughout the day and cheering them on for the last day of a successful Division III week.

For more information about what Division III week is and what Stockton University has done in celebration, visit Division III Week 2023 – NCAA.org or check out SAAC’s Instagram page.