Rocky Mount, NC - N.C. Wesleyan University is proud to join schools across the country in celebrating NCAA Division III Week, a national initiative recognizing the achievements, community impact, and dedication of DIII student-athletes. Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution to observe and celebrate the impact athletics and student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct an outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment, athletic experience, or leadership/community service/campus involvement. Division III Week is a strategic initiative that achieves its desired impact from a unity of effort, harnessing everyone working toward the same goal at the same time to build a greater awareness and understanding of Division III athletics.

The event is part of Division III's Identity Initiative, introduced in 2010 to sharpen the division's identity and enable schools, conferences, and student-athletes to consistently explain why they prefer to compete in Division III. The initiative is guided by a strategic-positioning platform describing Division III as a place where student-athletes can "follow your passions and develop your potential," through an approach that combines rigorous academics, competitive athletics and an opportunity to pursue other interests.

Organized by the NCWU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a week full of events is planned to highlight the spirit of Division III athletics and engage the campus community. The celebration officially kicks off on Tuesday, as all student-athletes are encouraged to take a selfie and tag @ncwu_saac on Instagram to showcase their pride in being a Division III student-athlete.

Wednesday marks "Mic'd Up Day," where SAAC members will be around campus catching up with fellow athletes. Whether it's game-day superstitions, favorite memories, or what being a DIII athlete means to them—everyone's voice matters during this interactive event.

On Friday at 4:30 p.m., all NCWU student-athletes will gather inside Everett Gymnasium for a special group photo to commemorate DIII Week and celebrate the sense of unity across all teams.

In addition to the week's activities, there's a busy slate of home events on the schedule this weekend:

• Baseball will host USA South rival Methodist in a pivotal three-game series at Bauer Field:

  • Game 1: Friday at 6:00 p.m.

  • Game 2: Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

  • Game 3: Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

• Softball is set to celebrate both Senior Day and Alumni Day on Saturday, welcoming Brevard for a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Edge Field. Also on Saturday, women's tennis will host Salem in a USA South match at the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Center at 12:00 PM.

Division III Week is a special time for the Battling Bishops to reflect on the impact of athletics beyond the scoreboard, while embracing the values of passion, perseverance, and pride that define Division III.

Be sure to follow @ncwu_saac on Instagram throughout the week for updates, highlights, and content from across campus!