Why Division III? A Personal and Professional Passion

My passion for Division III athletics began in childhood. My father was the vice president of a small liberal arts Division III college, and our family lived on campus. Growing up in that environment—immersed in the energy of college students, using campus facilities as my personal playground, and attending countless athletic events—shaped my perception of what the college experience should be. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the unique culture of Division III institutions, where academics and athletics coexist in a way that fosters both personal and professional growth.

When it came time for me to choose a college, I was naturally drawn to schools that reflected the essence of my upbringing. I ultimately attended Hendrix College, where I played soccer and embraced the life of a Division III student-athlete. My experience was every bit as rigorous and fulfilling as those of my Division I counterparts. We trained hard, traveled extensively, competed with intensity, and committed ourselves to both preseason and spring seasons—just as athletes in higher divisions do. At no point did I feel that my experience was lesser; rather, I thrived in an environment where passion, commitment, and balance were at the forefront.

Following my playing career, I transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant soccer coach at Hendrix. This role propelled my career in athletics and provided me with firsthand experience in the tight-knit, collaborative community that defines Division III coaching. The coaches I worked with were among the most dedicated and driven professionals I have encountered. At this level, coaching often requires wearing multiple hats, and collaboration is essential. The spirit of support and shared purpose among my colleagues made my experience deeply rewarding.

My transition to Division I athletics was eye-opening. While the level of dedication among athletes remained the same, the most striking difference was the financial resources available. Power Five schools had substantial budgets to support their athletes and coaches, with specialized staff members handling every aspect of the athletic experience. In contrast, Division III programs required staff to take on multiple roles, balancing numerous responsibilities beyond their primary coaching duties.

This realization became the driving force behind the creation of Epic Teams. I wanted to develop a platform that would empower Division III coaches and administrators by streamlining the operational aspects of running an athletic program. By maximizing efficiency and reducing the time spent on administrative tasks, Epic Teams allows coaches and staff to focus on what truly matters—building championship-caliber teams and fostering a meaningful student-athlete experience.

My journey—from growing up on a Division III campus to playing, coaching, and ultimately working in college athletics—has solidified my belief in the value of this level of competition. Division III is not defined by a lack of commitment or effort; rather, it is characterized by an unwavering dedication to the student-athlete experience, where success is measured not only in wins and losses but in the holistic development of individuals.

Through Epic Teams, my goal is to support and enhance this experience, ensuring that Division III programs have the tools they need to thrive. The passion, resilience, and sense of community that define Division III athletics deserve to be celebrated and strengthened, and I am committed to playing a role in that mission.