Student-athletes provide insight on competing for the Storm

INDIANOLA, Iowa -- In honor of NCAA Division III Week, several Simpson student-athletes gave their perspective on what it means to compete in this division and why they continue to participate for the Storm.

Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement.

Olivia Allen | Sophomore, Softball
"Being a student-athlete has meant a lot to me. It's given me an amazing support system, and keeps me productive and occupied when I might be going through rough times. I've also found some lifelong friends through softball and I get to continue playing the sport I love"

Olivia Curtis | Junior, Dance
"Being a student-athlete means a lot to me. I've been trained to have a competitive edge with everything I do, and that definitely comes through when it comes to competitions and learning in the classroom. I am constantly pushing myself to be the best student, athlete and person I can be. You gain a lot of incredible support from your teammates, professors and other athletes, because they know what you put yourself through outside of the classroom. The community of student-athletes is always so supportive and fun, and it'll be something I am forever grateful to be a part of."

Enrique Idehen | Junior, Men's Soccer
"Being a student-athlete means learning how to prioritize a competitive sports schedule around college classes. You demand more from yourself on the field and in the classroom. Being able to play the sport I love at Simpson is awesome, because my professors work with me to keep me on track with my schoolwork. They're understanding so I am not stressing about classes, which allows me to focus on my athletics."

Levi Lefebure | Senior, Men's Cross Country and Track and Field
"Being a student-athlete at Simpson College was so much more than the competitions. It truly gave me a family away from home. My teammates and coach Heath Moenck gave me a group I could count on for anything and everything whether or not it was related to athletics. I have created many relationships that I know will last for the rest of my life. Joining athletics at Simpson College was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made."

Matthew Marquez | Sophomore, Baseball
"Being a student-athlete for Simpson College means that every time I put on my uniform, I represent and respect the name on the front more than the name on the back."

Kyli Orr | Sophomore, Women's Cross Country and Track and Field
"Competing at the collegiate level was something that I never thought was possible until I came to Simpson. At Simpson, I have been able to challenge myself both as a student and as an athlete. It is in times like these that I am reminded of how much NCAA Division III competition has impacted my life. Through Simpson and Division III athletics, I have truly found a family and a home."

Reade Reiter | Junior, Men's Tennis
"Being a student-athlete at Simpson has been extremely special and I have always felt support from my coach and my professors. I have gained amazing friendships with my teammates on the court, as well as with my classmates that I will carry for the rest of my life. I can thank Simpson for all of those opportunities."

Aimee Shrock | Senior, Women's Soccer
"I am so thankful that I got to play soccer at Simpson. The school gave me the opportunity to play the sport that I love and meet my best friends in the process. I got to experience playing in Costa Rica that I wouldn't have received anywhere else."

Taylor Sudmann | Senior, Volleyball
"At a NCAA Division III school, class sizes are small to allow me to create personal relationships with almost all of my professors, who are understanding of student-athletes and push me to be my best. At a Division III school, I had the opportunity to play two sports, which forced me to adapt to different team cultures and chemistry."

Kade Tatkenhorst | Junior, Men's Basketball
"Being a student-athlete at Simpson gave me the privilege of continuing to play the sport that I love with teammates that have turned into lifelong friends. But more importantly, it allowed me to learn skills from passionate, meaningful professors that will lead me to a very successful career."