Choosing DIII: The Path That Shaped My Volleyball Journey

Choosing to be a Division III athlete is a decision I think about often—but one I will never regret. It’s a choice that shaped me into the player I am today. Division III allowed me to train at my own pace, without the pressure to put in work that didn’t align with my own goals. My freshman year, however, revealed something crucial; I loved putting in the extra work. I quickly discovered how much I thrived when I was pushing myself to the maximum.

One of the most impactful pieces of advice I received came from my former coach, LJ Marx: “If someone is starting over you and you aren’t putting in more work than they are, then how do you think you will ever pass them?”. This simple line ignited a fire within me. It's a mindset that every aspiring collegiate athlete should keep in mind. Division III may be a label, but how much work you put into your sport isn’t defined by whether you play DI, DII or DIII. What matters is the commitment you bring to your craft.

When I entered Carthage College, I wasn’t even aware that professional volleyball existed as a possibility. My focus was simple: become the best player I could be so I could help my team succeed in the tournament and, above all, keep playing the game I loved. That mindset stayed with me throughout my entire college career. I’ll never forget a conversation I had with my setter, Gene McNulty, before our semifinal match during my senior year. I told him, “I’m not nervous. I don’t care if we win or lose. I just care about being able to play more volleyball”. That statement perfectly encapsulates my love for the game. I never played for accolades or recognition—I simply wanted to play.

While DI and DII programs may have resources that even the top DIII players will never see, I never felt bothered by it. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the most significant factor in my development wasn’t the luxury of facilities, it was the people around me. When I started my professional career in Estonia, I noticed a shift; while I got along with my teammates, something felt different. The dynamic wasn’t the same. Reflecting on it now, I can confidently say it was the guys who played for the love of the game, not for fame or accolades, who made my DIII experience so special.

One of those teammates was Drew “Chewy” Janson. As a freshman, he had a huge impact on my career—more than he probably knows. Although he never quite broke into the starting lineup, Drew was a leader in his own way. Through all the challenges of being on the bench, he remained positive, consistent, and mentally strong. More than that, he was able to separate volleyball from the rest of his life (at least in my eyes), which I found invaluable. Our conversations after practice were often the highlight of my day. Volleyball can be all-consuming, but Drew helped me understand the importance of switching off when practice ended. Whether it was talking about video games, school, or anything unrelated to volleyball, those moments helped me see that while volleyball was a major part of my life, it didn’t have to be my entire life.

I think Drew represents everything volleyball should be about. Whether you play for fun, like I did in college, or you make it your career; DIII volleyball teaches you that it’s not just about the game itself—it’s about the people you meet along the way, the relationships you build, and the growth you experience, both on and off the court.

So, to any athlete debating between DIII and the higher divisions: don’t dismiss Division III simply because of the label. DIII athletes are just as driven, just as passionate, and just as capable of achieving greatness. Many incredible athletes have come from DIII, and many more will continue to emerge. Remember: It’s not about the title you wear, but the heart you bring to the game.