May June 2024 - 25

The individual also might have aspirations of a golf career
after college.
On the other hand, an athlete on a Division III
non-core sports team, even though an accomplished
competitor, likely plays the sport for enjoyment, with
goals considerably more modest. These studentathletes,
often have to fit the team into their busy
work, or extracurricular activities.
When coaching my Division III team, I operated far
differently than when I was at Division I. Practices
were shorter, and I usually worked around the players'
availability. I remember telling the players that even
though attendance at practices was important, the actual
matches against other schools were the main priority.
I also worked more on a player's fundamentals when
coaching Division III teams, as opposed to the upper levels.
Their skills were not as refined, therefore more teaching
was required.
As unlikely as it seems, there are also numerous
similarities in coaching at the separate divisions. One area
of commonality is that the competitive fire is in all athletes
regardless of level. It is always more pleasurable to coach
an athlete when they are passionate about an activity.
When I was coaching at a Division III school, and looking
to hire an assistant, the athletic director searching would
ask the applicants, " How important is winning to you? "
The only acceptable reply according to him was that
" winning was of the utmost importance. " Coaches
always need to be aware that results matter, regardless
of the level.
Another similarity is there are many aspects of the
daily job that are comparable, except at the higher levels,
everything is intensified. This pertains to practices,
matches, time commitments, travel, and other facets of
the program. Plus, players in the three divisions are all
student-athletes, with academics at the forefront.
Collegiate Division II programs are sometimes thought
of as being in the middle of the other two levels with their
operating guidelines. Coaches often like the balance that
Division II athletics offers compared to the other two
divisions. There is the benefit of having scholarships
to offer, without the added pressure of being at the
top echelon.
At each collegiate division, the coach has to be aware
of NCAA rules about recruiting, practices, and academic
eligibility. These directives vary depending on the
division, as well as the sport. For example, non-core
sports will have parameters specific to them, as opposed
to football programs.
Therefore, while coaching at the three division ranks
might seem miles apart, there are certainly enough
commonalities also. And the bond that ties these coaches
together is the passion they have for their respective
teams, whatever that level might be.
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May June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May June 2024
