PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Division III Week continues today, Wednesday, April 8, 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 Ellie LeRoy, a sophomore on the women's cross country and track and field teams, as she shares her answers to the questions below.

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

"My teammates, being part of a Division III team, I am able to create connections and friendships with my teammates beyond only on the track."

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

"Time management. I handle this by creating a schedule for myself and allotting certain times for certain things. I also do my homework on the bus sometimes. It helps that part of my social life and friends are also my teammates."

What values has Division III built into you?

"Athletic lifestyle, respect, discipline, and responsibility"

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

"I chose Division III so I would be able to go to a school that fit my circumstances, has a good program for my major, and I am able to focus on my academics while still competing year-round. Division III means I get to love my sport and make that a priority, but still have other resources and be able to have a full day, without my sport consuming me. I love being surrounded by others who love the sport and are as dedicated as I am. I also chose Division III for the team size, being on a team on the smaller side has allowed our coach to focus on us, and for us to bond with each other."

How do you take pride in representing SUNY Plattsburgh?

"I take pride in representing Plattsburgh mostly during meets, cheering for my teammates. The feeling of a whole team cheering for one of our teammates succeeding in their event is like no other. It brings us together as a team and brings out lots of Plattsburgh pride. It makes me thankful to be part of Plattsburgh's team."

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

"One moment that I'll never forget was at the beginning of the fall semester, two of the upperclassmen took us on a run outside of a formal practice and had us all talk about our own running goals and what we're looking forward to on the team and together. Hearing everyone's answers made me happy to be surrounded by these girls, and I feel like this really brought us together as a team. Hearing different perspectives from people on the same team is very eye-opening."

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

"Dedication, Exhilaration, Adaptable"