North Texas News

TWU CELEBRATES DIVISION II DAY

A tradition that originated last year on 2/22/22, Division II Day, officially becomes an annual day of celebration.

Division II Day, or DII Day, "is an opportunity for all individuals associated with Division II to celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on their campus and community."

TWU joined the NCAA Division II in 1982 and currently sponsors nine sports. Of the nine sports, basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball and gymnastics are NCAA recognized sports, while wrestling and STUNT are emerging NCAA sports. Dance and artistic swimming are competitive sports at TWU.

Division II proudly exemplifies its Distinguishing Dozen, which states the unique characteristics of Division II. The Distinguishing Dozen are:

 

1. High Graduation Rates
2. Academic Emphasis
3. Athletics Scholarships
4. Balanced Bottom Line
5. Favorable Admission Rates
6. Community Engagement
7. Positive Game Environment
8. Unique Geographic Footprint
9. National Championship Opportunities
10. National Championship Festivals
11. Make It Yours
12. Diversity and Inclusion

The focus of Division II is a balanced approach to the student-athlete experience, prioritizing the unique initiative athletes have to "Make It Yours" at Division II institutions.

According to the NCAA, "Division II is a collection of more than 300 colleges and universities whose athletics programs foster a balanced and inclusive approach in which student-athletes learn and develop through their desired academic pursuits, in civic engagement with their communities and in athletics competition. It prioritizes preparation for life beyond graduation. Division II gives student-athletes the unique opportunity to compete in the classroom, on the field, in their career, for their causes, and on their terms."

Student-athletes at TWU celebrate Division II Day by reflecting on the unique opportunities TWU offers them to succeed in their sport and beyond.

Alexys Ginegaw of TWU Softball said she chose TWU because of the positive community and inclusive culture.

"The community and culture of our campus is what makes TWU unique in Division II," Ginegaw said. "I never imagined a college campus to be so supportive in the classroom, on the field, and through extracurriculars. TWU is more than another Division II school; it is the epitome of female empowerment across both athletics and academics."

For Maddie Griffith, a TWU Gymnastics student-athlete, said she enjoys the ability to balance competition with academics 

"I enjoy being in Division II because there is a high level of competition and a great balance between academics and athletics," Griffith said. 

Anaya Kashikar, who swims for TWU Artistic Swimming, said she embraces the life in the balance philosophy by taking the lessons she learns from the pool and applying them to other areas of her life. 

"I embrace the life in the balance philosophy by applying lessons that I have learned in the pool to the classroom and the community," Kashikar said. "Skills like communication, time management, leadership and empathy are essential to all aspects of life which makes serving others and being successful in academics easier."

Jessica Freehill, a TWU volleyball student-athlete, said she enjoys the opportunity to be able to develop a good balance in all areas of life.

 "I enjoy being in Division II because it allows me to play volleyball at a high level while still having a good balance of life, academics and sports," Freehill said.

TWU STUNT athlete Stephanie Porter said she loves competing at TWU, because of the community and support from coaches and professors.

"TWU gave me the opportunity to pursue what I love while getting the degree to help me pursue my dream after I'm done doing STUNT," Porter said. "I also love the community that being a student athlete here at TWU as provided me with. The teachers, advisors, and staff here are very sweet and want to see you succeed. They are always willing to help and are always there for you regardless if it's school or anything else."

Dylann Vollaro, a Pioneer soccer student-athlete, said she continues to enjoy being a Pioneer because of the ability to succeed in the classroom, on the field and through community service.

"As a Division II student-athlete, I embrace life in the balance with time management, because it is super important to balance success on the field, success in the classroom and through community service," Vollaro said. 

The ability to be great in multiple areas within a close-knit community stands as one of many reasons why student-athletes choose to attend a Division II institution. Today, we celebrate the Pioneers who daily choose to make a positive impact here at TWU.

Original source can be found here