Division III Week Profile: Mitchell White

This week marks the fourth annual NCAA Division III Week, and SimpsonAthletics.com is here to highlight three of Simpson's finest student-athletes. These individuals not only excel on the field, but in the classroom, on campus and in the community. Some have multiple majors. Some play multiple sports. Whatever their niche, these student-athletes represent the best of what Division III has to offer.

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Today, we share the story of soccer player, Mitchell White.

A senior from Decorah, Iowa, White has helped transform the men's soccer program at Simpson while cementing his name in the record books. White closed his career as Simpson's all-time leader in goals scored (42) and points (92) while helping the Storm climb into the upper echelon of the Iowa Conference. White brought home Capital One Academic All-District honors as a junior, another example of a great student-athlete at Simpson.

Bio Blast

• Name - Mitchell White
• Major/Minor - Athletic Training major
• Activities - Men's soccer, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
• Awards/Honors - All-IIAC First Team (2013), Capital One Academic All-District Second Team (2013), All-IIAC Second Team (2014)
• Future Plans - Work as an assistant to an orthopedic surgeon doing research for a year before attending graduate school to become a physician's assistant

Why did you choose Division III and Simpson in particular?

I grew up very involved in athletics and I had great parents that made sacrifices for me to participate in as many sports as I wanted.  Being involved in athletics was my social life from 2nd grade all the way through high school.  I was the youngest of 4 siblings and all of my siblings played collegiate sports at the Division III level.  Watching them play helped me realize that Division III was the level at which I wanted to compete.  After visiting a couple of IIAC schools, Simpson seemed to have the athletic, social, and academic values that I wanted to surround myself with.

What opportunities have you had as a Division III student-athlete that have made your experience special?

Competing at the Division III level has provided me with experiences and opportunities that I would not been able to get elsewhere.  Division III and Simpson granted me the autonomy to emerge as a leader on and off the field and pursue multiple things that were important to me.

What is your favorite memory as a Division III student-athlete?

My favorite memory as a student-athlete was getting the opportunity to travel to and compete in Costa Rica with my soccer team.  This trip went beyond just playing soccer, we bonded as a team and created lifelong memories.

In your own mind, what does it mean to be a Division III student-athlete?

Being a Division III student-athlete means competing at a high level but also having the opportunity to emerge as an individual and develop relationships that go beyond the playing field.

How has Simpson helped you succeed in the classroom?

Attending Simpson College has proven to be one of the best decisions of my life.  Simpson allowed me to be involved and have an influence all over campus.  It provided me with a memorable athletic career, a network of lifelong friends, a faith community to lean on, and an education that is going to guide my future.