Katheryn Dunn is a rising senior at Skidmore College. As a Division DIII athlete, Dunn has been able to major in Psychology and double minor in Business and Spanish, work in the Psychology Department as a lab assistant, be a peer-health educator, and a tour guide, all while being stellar on the soccer field. Dunn was awarded the Liberty League Player of the Year and a Scholar All-American her junior year at Skidmore College. Before she decided on Skidmore, Dunn was being recruited by both DI and DIII schools. The recruiting process can be very different depending on the division, so Dunn gave us some incite into how recruiting is different based on the level, and how to decide which option might be the better one for you!
What attracted you to the DIII liberal arts college Skidmore College?
I think the main thing that attracted me to Skidmore was the HHPS department because it was so hard to find any sort of exercise science major offered in the small liberal arts environment. This was my intended major at the time so when my coach reached out about coming for a visit I was very eager to see if the soccer fit my vibe the way the academics did. Skidmore very obviously has a nice balance between sports and academics and I could tell that I would be able to shape my path however I wanted.
Related: 7 Recruiting Tips for Potential D3 Athletes
How did the recruiting process differ between DI and DIII schools?
The recruiting process between D1 and D3 was different in a lot of ways starting off with the fact that D1 recruiting started a lot earlier for me in my career. I had one school reach out to my coach in 7th grade about me for their college program which was ridiculous to me because at that time I was applying to high school. My first official D1 visit was my sophomore year and it was very well organized and the coaches were very communicative about everything. I got to sit in on a class, eat lunch with the team and figure out what the culture was about. It was clear-cut, and direct and they knew what they were doing. D3 recruiting was much more laid back and I honestly didn't even know I was offered a spot officially by my coach because it was so nonchalant. There were fewer spectacles in the D3 process and it was very much me pushing the process forward rather than the school.
What was the most enticing thing about the DI schools you were looking at compared to the DIII schools?
I think I was mesmerized by the DI facilities that were available for athletes. From the fields, locker rooms, training rooms, and athletic facilities to the only athlete dining hall and dorms, it seemed like I would be a celebrity on this campus. I wanted all of the amazing gear and facilities because I felt like I had worked for it but I also knew that was offered because I would be dedicating my almost entire college life to the sport.
Related: Want to Play College Sports? 3 D1 Recruiting Rules You Can't Afford To Miss
What made you ultimately decide to attend a DIII school?
It really was just being a student before the athlete, I wanted a life outside of athletics and an ability to make my experience at the college not just about soccer.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is choosing between divisions, what would it be?
If you love your sport but don't want it to consume your life, D2 or D3 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want this sport to be the focal point in your life and even contribute to your career, go for it.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected].
Image Credit: Skidmore Athletics
* Originally published on June 22, 2023, by Bella Nevin
