Terrier pride runs deep at Thomas College. And as a Maine NCAA Division III school, we’re able to focus on helping athletes grow and develop into some of our most well-rounded students both on and off the field.
Being part of a college team is an experience like no other, and participating in Division III sports comes with benefits you won’t find in Division I or II. Whether you’re playing college basketball, college baseball, or any other college sport, here are some ways that you can grow as a student and an athlete while playing in an NCAA Division III program at Thomas College.
Terrier pride runs deep at Thomas College. And as a Maine NCAA Division III school, we’re able to focus on helping athletes grow and develop into some of our most well-rounded students both on and off the field.
Being part of a college team is an experience like no other, and participating in Division III sports comes with benefits you won’t find in Division I or II. Whether you’re playing college basketball, college baseball, or any other college sport, here are some ways that you can grow as a student and an athlete while playing in an NCAA Division III program at Thomas College.
1. Become part of a supportive community.
Thomas College has an extensive athletic community, with about 45 percent of students participating in our 19 varsity athletic programs. Whether they’re your teammates, athletes in other sports, or fellow students cheering you on, you have a network that’s dedicated to helping you succeed.
Our coaches and staff are invested in your athletic and academic journey and are there to support you in achieving your goals and overcoming obstacles. As you practice with your team every day, you’ll be able to forge connections and friendships that will last well beyond graduation.
2. Focus on academics.
Division III athletics usually means less pressure and fewer expectations than Division I and Division II programs, which creates an environment that nurtures and supports our athletes. Without the stress of a larger school or athletic program, you have the freedom to explore multiple interests and still prioritize academics.
As you envision your future as a student-athlete, Thomas College is here to encourage you every step of the way. Our Student Success Center (SSC) offers multiple no-cost programs to help students thrive in their studies, with support from faculty, staff, and student leaders. Some of our programs include:
- Peer-Tutoring: Offers student-centered assistance to fellow students, either one-on-one or in a small group setting, for a variety of subjects.
- Early Start: Helps entering students transition to college life and take full advantage of the opportunities provided at Thomas College.
- Peer-Led Team Learning: Provides opportunities for students to lead and learn from their peers in workshops that are integrated into their coursework.
- Academic Coaching: Takes an individualized approach that focuses on a student’s academic strengths and is facilitated through one-on-one meetings with a professional student success staff member.
3. Develop life and leadership skills.
Being part of a team means participating in something bigger than yourself and gaining all the life lessons that come along with it. You learn to work with others on your team towards a common goal, supporting each other and finding ways to bring the best out of yourself and your fellow teammates. Along the way, you also gain essential skills that make you a better student, leader, and person — skills that can also translate to your career.
For example, successful teams know how to communicate effectively during games, practice, and all the interactions in between. As a student-athlete, you’ll also learn how to make quick decisions that benefit your team in any given situation, particularly in a high-stress, fast-paced environment. And because you’ll also be studying as a full-time student, you’ll discover how to balance your academic responsibilities with your athletic commitments, an important skill that promotes confidence and accountability.
4. Learn resilience and perseverance.
Being a student-athlete challenges both the body and mind. In addition to running drills and attending practice, you’re also studying and participating in other hobbies or activities that support your career and interests. That’s a lot to juggle, but it’s well-worth it for the life experience and satisfaction you get from your accomplishments.
You learn how to push through the difficult times and come out on the other side successful and with pride. It’s an opportunity to push yourself and see how far you can go — all with the support of your team, coach, faculty, and fellow students.
Overall, playing Division III sports at Thomas College offers plenty of ways to develop and grow as an athlete and as a person. The practice, commitment, and dedication it takes to be a successful student-athlete is something to be proud of, and we invite interested students to connect with our admissions counselors and coaches to learn more!