The 3Ds of D-III Sports

By Erin Dwyer

Nebraska Wesleyan University is proud to be Nebraska’s only NCAA Division III institution. Being a D-III school means we seek the right balance of academics, athletics and campus engagement for the students we serve. 

To us, it’s about the three Ds. We help our student-athletes DISCOVER who they are and what they love to do. We give them structure and support to DEVELOP their strengths and sense of purpose. Then we help them DEDICATE their actions toward achieving their top goals. 

Nebraska Wesleyan’s Student-athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) plays a big role in this effort. SAAC helps student-athletes to become stronger leaders on their teams and in their communities. SAAC connects P-Wolves to the American Rivers Conference Leadership Symposium, local community service opportunities, volunteerism and youth sports clinics in Lincoln. 

This support helps NWU student-athletes achieve at a high level. NWU ranks 12th among all NCAA institutions with 190 Academic All-Americans. NWU has produced at least one Academic All-American for 39 consecutive years. Over the last spring, fall and winter seasons, NWU produced 179 A-R-C All-Academic Team members. 

To honor our student-athletes’ success in athletics, academics and service, SAAC hosts NWU’s annual WESPY Awards. The WESPYs are voted on by coaches and peers. Awards include: Performance of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Comeback Athlete, Prairie Wolf Spirit, Unsung Hero, and the Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year. The WESPYs provide an opportunity for students to gather and recognize each other for the hard work and dedication they put into each season at Nebraska Wesleyan. 

Erin Dwyer is assistant athletic director.