PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Division III Week continues today, Friday, April 10, as NCAA Division III institutions across the country celebrate the unique student‑athlete experience. Throughout the week, we are spotlighting student-athletes on social media, providing them with a platform to share what it means to compete at the Division III level by answering a series of questions.

Today, we will hear from several student-athletes as they share their answers to the questions below.

Jack Castillo, Junior, Baseball

What's your favorite part about being a Division III athlete?

"The process of team building and finding friends."

Blake Hall, Sophomore, Men's Ice Hockey 

What's the toughest part about balancing your sport, academics, and social life, and how do you handle it?

"It is hard to balance all three. The way that I have found is to create a schedule and set goals for the week for all three things."

Grace Estus, Junior, Women's Cross Country/Women's Track & Field 

What values has Division III built into you?

"Discipline, hard work, and grit"

Lucas Arbelaez, Sophomore, Men's Soccer   

What made you choose the Division III path over other options?

"Because of the flexibility of Division III."

Matthew D'Ippolito, Sophomore, Men's Soccer  

How do you take pride in representing SUNY Plattsburgh?

"Being passionate on and off the field."

Grace Reeve, Junior, Women's Soccer    

What is one moment as a student-athlete at Plattsburgh State that you'll never forget?

"Making a 3-2 comeback in the SUNYAC finals after being down 3-0."

Sophia Vandemark, First-Year, Women's Soccer    

In three words, how would you describe your student-athlete experience?

"Social, Structured, Collaborative"