Posted: Apr 05, 2018

Why Division III?

When choosing a college, I primarily wanted to go to a school that would challenge me and prepare me for life after school. At the same time, I just couldn’t see myself giving up my identity as a tennis player, so Division III was the obvious option that would allow me to fulfill both of these desires.

Looking back on my (almost) four years of being on the CMS tennis team, I am so grateful for the experiences and opportunities that being a Division III athlete has provided me. I’ve gotten to play tennis and work out in facilities that students at any institution could be proud of. At the same time, I’ve been able to experience a sense of community with my classmates and fellow athletes that those at larger colleges could never hope to share. My team has endured a rigorous schedule every year, and I’ve seen myself and my teammates improve more than I could ever believe. Competing with top teams during season and at nationals has been incredibly testing and rewarding. Being a Division III student-athlete, especially as part of such a consistently successful program with amazing coaches and players, has given my time at Mudd a fulfilling outlet, without it being overwhelming and unmanageable. With Division III, I’ve been able to develop immensely as both as a student and as an athlete, more than I think I would have if I’d only had the opportunity to have one to focus on.

Kyla Scott | Women’s Tennis

Harvey Mudd –2018

A wise coach once told me, “it’s about the journey.” He is the same coach that calls me after a chemistry test, and who reminds me tell my family how much they mean to me. That wise coach also happens to be my current coach: CMS Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Ken Scalmanini. There is only one way to live in life, and that’s striving for greatness. There’s no denying it, a National Championship is the endgame, but along the way it is truly “about the journey,” and the journey is why I chose DIII.

As a Division III student-athlete at Claremont McKenna I have access to the most unique combination of elite academic resources and athletic opportunities. I can pursue a Chemistry-Economics dual degree and play basketball for a nationally ranked program. The college and the athletic department invest in both the person, and the player. I’ve had dinner with former NFL Coach, Jim Mora at a leadership conference, taken a chartered flight for an NCAA Tournament game, and landed an internship at Bank of New York Mellon. Basketball is my passion and business is my future. At CMS I have control of my journey, and what a journey it has been. There’s much more to be done and I still have two more years. Stay tuned!

Max Kirsch | Men’s Basketball

Claremont McKenna – 2020

Playing for a Division III volleyball team has allowed me to find passions on and off the volleyball court. The confidence I’ve gained playing for an elite team has made me more confident in the classroom, and given me the ability to make my voice heard in a positive way. I’ve found a healthy balance between school and sports, and created incredible friendships along the way.

Being a Division III athlete has also connected me to a wider network of interesting and successful alumni – men and women who have given me valuable insights into their professional lives and helped me find exciting opportunities after graduation. Overall, Division III has helped me forge a strong sense of self and a clear path in life. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

Margaux Arntson | Women’s Volleyball

Claremont McKenna – 2018

DIII football has offered me countless opportunities that I would not be able to get at any other level. The ability to compete for a spot on day one is a luxury that many DI and even DII players do not have. The smaller team size also accounts for a very strong bond between players and coaches. This is especially true at CMS where the football team is a very close knit group. The great thing about the people on the CMS football team is that there is a wide range of personalities on the team. There are die-hard football people, people who play multiple sports, big time gamers, musicians, actors, comedians, and tons of other types of people so it is not hard to find somebody with the same interests as yourself. Another great thing about CMS is that it is not used to losing, we are very competitive and many of our teams are SCIAC champions.

Academically, the schools that compose CMS are some of the best universities in the world. The academic rigor can be hard at times but the coaches know this and are understanding. At CMS the coaches generally have academic checkups throughout your first semester to make sure that you have a good balance of school, sports, and fun. In the end it all pays off since the business and economics programs at Claremont McKenna are Ivy level and many graduates, including athletes, go straight into lush jobs at places like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, or Morgan Stanley. Across the street at Harvey Mudd the engineering and computer science programs are the best in the country, Mudd sends more graduates to work at big Silicon Valley companies than any of the Ivys or other STEM schools.

Overall if you want a world class education and an extremely competitive and winning sports experience than there is no better places than CMS!

Maurice Landers III | Football

Harvey Mudd - 2021

My road to Scripps/CMS was much longer and bumpier than I initially expected my college search to be. After touring Scripps and Claremont for the first time, I instantly knew that it was the place I belonged. Keck offers a great science program, I had the chance to try out for the CMS soccer team, I could study abroad while also being on a pre-med track, the campuses are absolutely breathtaking…the list goes on and on. So naturally, I thought it was only necessary to apply to Scripps, CMC, and three other colleges. However, my naive self neglected to factor financial aid into the equation and a very long story short, I could not make it work financially to attend college the year after graduation. I could have gone to a junior college and transferred to a UC after two years, but deep down I knew that I would be happiest in Claremont. Therefore, I took a gap year where I worked 55-60 hours a week and reapplied to Scripps early decision with the hope that I would receive a financial aid package I could afford. (I also applied to 18 other schools this time, just to be safe). Obviously, since I am here writing this article, I was successful.

Fast forward a few months, I stepped onto Parent’s field for the first time to begin preseason/tryouts for the CMS women’s soccer team. I did not go through the recruiting process, so I attempted to walk on and I was very fortunate to have been accepted onto the team. Now, my teammates are not only my best friends, but my sisters. This DIII athletics program has allowed me to play alongside strong, remarkable women whose passions extend beyond soccer to academics, community service, and so much more. It is an honor to learn from their contributions on and off the field, whilst making memories I will cherish forever. DIII has also allowed me to dedicate my time to activities other than just soccer. Within CMS alone, I am a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee; I work basketball, tennis, and lacrosse events; and I work in the equipment room, which consists of our own little family. Even with all the time I spend in Roberts Pavilion, I am still able to study both Biology and French, as well as study abroad in France during the spring semester of next year. The possibilities here are endless, and the support I receive from my teammates, my coach, and the athletics department as a whole is truly unbeatable. Taking a gap year was a difficult decision, but I absolutely love my life in Claremont and I am forever grateful for my experiences.

Hayden Craig | Women’s Soccer

Scripps College – 2020

I chose DIII because I wanted an experience in which I could pursue both my academic and athletic passions. At CMC, I have been able to major in STEM, co-found a club, involve myself in impactful community service, serve as a Resident Assistant, conduct research alongside faculty, discover a newfound love for the outdoors, and excel as a basketball player, all of which would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the true balance of DIII athletics. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. My freshman year I hardly played. I grew discouraged because I had opportunities to play at a higher level that I had turned down. I began to question the passion I had always had for the game and what role it played in my life.

It was the balance of DIII athletics that not only allowed me to explore other interests, but helped me rediscover my love for the game. As I continued to battle with self-doubt, I fostered lifelong relationships with teammates and coaches who provided invaluable support throughout my career. I was encouraged to find the “little kid” in me, the one who dreamed of collegiate and professional basketball success. I look back now on a wonderful Stags basketball career that included three SCIAC regular season and postseason championships, three NCAA tournament wins, incredible friendships, and renewed aspirations to follow a lifelong dream of playing professional basketball. The little kid can only smile with gratitude.