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Become a Student-Athlete at the NCAA Division III Level

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Are you a college-bound student who is passionate about choosing a faith-based school that supports your values? Are you an aspiring student-athlete who feels strongly about attending a university with faith driven athletics programs? 

If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place — because there are several faith-supportive universities with thriving athletics programs for you to choose from. 

We want to help you navigate the critical decisions surrounding choosing a university that aligns your faith with your passion for student athletics. Let’s get started.

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The Benefits

of Playing College Athletics

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There are several data-backed benefits of playing college sports. These benefits extend beyond the traditional college experience and include the following:

Investment in education

Investing in your education is paramount to future success, and the reality is that many students might not prioritize college if not for their interest in athletics. Data shows that those who obtain a college degree make thousands of dollars more per year and have access to more career opportunities compared to those without a four-year degree. For many students, competing in college athletics can be the gateway for meaningful college experiences and future gainful employment. 

Academic success

Data has suggested that student-athletes graduate at rates higher than college students in general. Schools who prioritize student athletics increase the likelihood of academic success for their college athletes and lead to well-rounded graduates with a bachelor’s degree on their resume.

Fitness and healthy lifestyle

Schools that offer athletics are dedicated to enhancing the physical and mental health of student athletes. So, if you’re a student-athlete, you will have access to increased fitness and health-related opportunities, leading to lifelong habits that can positively impact your overall well-being far beyond graduation.

Elite training opportunities

As a student-athlete, you will experience expert coaching/training as well as top-tier facilities and equipment you may not have access to otherwise. You’ll also train with and learn from other like minded college athletes who all have common goals about competing athletically in college. 

Travel experiences

College athletes often have the unique opportunity to travel in various sports-related capacities. These travel experiences can lead to helpful exposure when it comes to networking and can also provide a more informed worldview.

The Benefits
of Division III Athletics

  • SVU Knights Football

    The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a member-led organization committed to the lifelong success of college athletes. There are three NCAA Divisions (Division I, Division II, and Division III), and each is unique in its approach to nurturing college athletes as they navigate academics and student athletics.  

    NCAA Division III level universities offer “participation in a competitive athletics environment that pushes college athletes to excel on the field and build upon their potential by tackling new challenges across campus.” While Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships to their student-athletes, there are a variety of benefits to choosing a university with Division III athletics. 

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    Holistic development — Division III programs encourage the development of a student-athlete in areas beyond just sports. For example, college athletes are often able to engage in student leadership opportunities, community service, and campus life without the overwhelming demands of a Division I schedule.
     

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    Well-rounded education — With more time available for academic and personal growth, college athletics at Division III schools graduate with a more well-rounded education that includes a variety of experiences and interests outside their specific sport.
     

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    Long-term health and fitness — Division III programs promote a balanced approach to athletics that encourages student-athletes to adopt healthy habits for life. The emphasis on holistic well-being, including physical and mental health, helps student-athletes develop routines that support long-term health.

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    Personal development — Many Division III athletes cite how their experience prepared them for life beyond college by teaching additional skills such as time management, leadership, and teamwork.

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    Graduate and professional school opportunities — With a strong academic focus, many Division III athletes are well-positioned to pursue graduate or professional school after earning their four-year degree, often with a network of mentors and peers they’ve developed through college athletics.

Five Questions to Ask
College Coaches

As you research college athletics programs, you’ll want to speak with potential coaches to ensure that their individual approach—including thoughts on academics and faith— align with your own persona goals and values.

Here are a few questions to ask college coaches before committing to a university:

Choosing the College Where
You'll Be a Student Athlete

As a college-bound student with faith-based values and a passion for athletics, choosing a college can feel complicated or even overwhelming. You’ll want to be intentional about choosing a school and athletics program that aligns with your faith and individual goals.

Here are a few things to consider while you research colleges as a faith-driven college athlete:

  • Ways that the university will uphold your personal values both on and off the field
  • How the integration of faith and academics is prioritized through various spiritual, emotional, and academic support services
  • What top-tier athletic opportunities (including facilities/equipment) exist for you

  • How your role as a college athlete will go on to impact your professional and personal development

As you research faith-based universities that offer student athletics programs, you should consider an institution that embraces Latter-day Saint values: an institution like Southern Virginia University (SVU). Southern Virginia University is rooted in Latter-day Saints standards, but welcomes other faith-focused students who share similar values.

Latter-day Saint
Values — On and
Off the Field

As the only East Coast college for Latter-day Saints, Southern Virginia University is aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. More than nine out of ten of our students are Latter-day Saints, but we are proud to be home to many students of other faiths as well.

We are also a proud NCAA Division III level university, and more than half of our students are involved in Southern Virginia University athletics.

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At Southern Virginia University, faith is integrated into all aspects of campus life— from our community-focused athletics to our rigorous academics. Here are some of the ways we combine faith with education:

  • We employ faith-supportive faculty who help you get the most out of your education through small class sizes and one-on-one mentorship.
  • SVU students can attend free classes centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the Institute of Religion adjacent to campus.
  • We regularly gather together as a campus community for forums and devotionals to enjoy uplifting and inspiring messages from faithful thought leaders.
  • The local Young Single Adult (YSA) Stake and student wards offer opportunities to gather, learn, serve, and worship God and Jesus Christ.
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Student Athletics at

Southern Virginia

University

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Southern Virginia University is the only university that offers NCAA Division III athletics for Latter-day Saints. Through Southern Virginia University athletics, you can take your game to the next level and compete for championships on one of our 28 varsity teams.

A small D3 college in Virginia with big opportunities, SVU boasts a unique athletics culture. We proudly offer collaborative athletics programs where students receive personalized attention from coaches and strong peer support from fellow student-athletes.

Southern Virginia University athletics is also committed to developing the whole person — spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually. As we read in the New Testament:  “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52) We believe that participating in college athletics can be key to your holistic development:

Spiritually (favor with God):

Our coaches and team cultivate a Christ-centered environment aligned with Latter-day Saint standards and values.

Socially (favor
with man):

Competing in college athletics challenges student-athletes to develop social skills required for positive cooperation and teamwork—experiences that prepare student-athletes for future collaborative work environments and leadership roles.

Physically
(stature):

College athletics, including strength performance coaches, push you to maximize your physical capacity and develop healthy lifelong habits.

Intellectually (wisdom):

In addition to challenging your physical limits, college athletics sharpen your mind by building mental strength and resilience while you learn to interpret and respond to visual data in realtime.

SVU Student-Athlete
Achievements and Success Stories

Hear from a few of our student-athletes who experienced an unparalleled education at Southern Virginia University:

  • Jacob Taloa Headshot

    #KnightVision: Meet Jacob

    JACOB TALOA, FOOTBALL, ‘23

    “I’m excited to finally see my full potential. Having those spiritual and academic mentors at Southern Virginia University really helped me to see something beyond myself that I didn’t even know about.”

    Jacob's Story

  • Crystal Cleveland Headshot

    #KnightVision: Meet Crystal

    CRYSTAL CLEVELAND, BASKETBALL, ‘17

    “My professors were truly invested in my success. They cheered me on in the classroom and on the court, and still remember me whenever I see them. They provided a rigorous education and cared about the foundation that I was building for myself.”

    Crystal's Story

  • Jonathan Dye Headshot

    #KnightVision: Meet Jonathan

    JONATHAN DYE, SWIM TEAM, ‘22

    “I’ve decided that I want service to be a central component of my life, and being at SVU has enabled me to serve my peers and community in meaningful and transformative ways. Those are all things I’ll take with me wherever I go.”

    Jonathan's Story

17

Conference Championships

5

Coaches of
The Year

15

All-American Awards

51

All-Conference Awards

Beyond the Bench — The Community that Surrounds and Supports SVU Student-Athletics

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Southern Virginia University is committed to fostering a tight-knit community that values collaboration, compassion, and academic excellence. This is evident within our athletics programs and beyond. We encourage our student-athletes to form close bonds with teammates and the broader student body, creating a strong sense of belonging among our students. 

We treasure campus and community involvement, and our athletics programs bring people together. Players, students, faculty, and the broader Buena Vista community are encouraged to attend games, competitions, and championships where they can form new friendships and support one another through our shared values.

Southern Virginia University athletics also fosters a sense of pride and school spirit. Our homecoming games and team traditions foster feelings of unity and togetherness across our student body and the larger community. 

As a D3 college in Virginia, we encourage athletes to get involved in myriad campus activities, including leadership roles in student government, clubs, and social activities. This approach contributes to a more well-rounded college experience for all.

Take the Next Step Toward
Becoming a College Athlete

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You belong at a university that fosters a commitment to student athletics and academic excellence, and you have the valuable opportunity to enroll at a D3 college in Virginia dedicated to nurturing your faith in Jesus Christ through shared Latter-day Saint values. 

If you are ready to transform your future career with a premier education from an NCAA Division III institution, Southern Virginia University is ready to welcome you. We invite you to take the next step in your incredible academic career at SVU. 

Please take this opportunity to get started on your online application today!

Apply Now

Here are a few more resources to help as you navigate the college decision process and consider choosing Southern Virginia University.

Request More Information
Visit Campus
Contact a Coach
Download Financial Aid Guide