Bryn Mawr Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) came together to celebrate NCAA Division III Week with a series of events that highlighted the core values of the Division III experience: community engagement, student-athlete well-being, and the lifelong impact of athletics. From service initiatives to game-day celebrations and alumni connections, the Owls embraced a week full of meaningful moments both on and off the field.


DIII Week events kicked off on Tuesday, April 7, with a collaboration between SAAC and Morgan's Message. Student-athletes gathered outside the front entrance of Schwartz Fitness and Athletics Center to chalk positive and motivational messages for all who entered and exited the building. The display of uplifting quotes, drawings, and affirmations created a welcoming environment that reinforced the importance of mental health awareness within athletics.

On Friday, April 10, Bryn Mawr SAAC partnered with Haverford SAAC for a bi-co Community Service Day in collaboration with Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Student-athletes and student volunteers assembled care packages, which the group then delivered to a local nursing home, directly serving members of the surrounding community. 

"The service event was really nice! We had a great group of people and it was a mix of athletes from different teams, so it was a nice way to spend time with each other while giving back," said Maggie Barilla. "We went through bins of donations and took inventory of everything. Then we organized them into piles and set them out nicely on the table for the open market they would host the next day. Overall, it was a very friendly and relaxed environment so we had fun!"



Later that day, the Owls continued the celebration with "Snax and Lax" hosted by the Bryn Mawr Athletics Department, during the lacrosse team's matchup against Marymount University. Fans in attendance enjoyed free snacks, including pretzels and lemonade, as they cheered on the Owls in their final game of the season. The event served as a festive way to honor the team while bringing together the campus community in support of Bryn Mawr Athletics.


The momentum carried into Saturday, April 11, as the tennis team hosted Washington College on Senior Day. The Owls delivered a strong performance in doubles play and took time to celebrate seniors Gioanna Zhao, Sophie Fenster, and Kelli Eng for their dedication and contributions to the program. The match was both a competitive showcase and a heartfelt recognition of the senior class.



DIII Week concluded on Sunday, April 12, with an Athlete Alumni Panel hosted by SAAC in the Campus Center. The panel featured five Bryn Mawr alumni representing a wide range of academic and professional paths. Claire Hampton '21, a former lacrosse player, shared her experience working in ESG finance and her upcoming pursuit of a master's degree in sustainability at Columbia University. Emma Ryan '24, a former soccer player, discussed their role within Bryn Mawr Athletics as the Administrative Assistant, their continued connection to the Bryn Mawr soccer program as a volunteer assistant coach, and their experience coaching youth soccer through the Union Club.

Recent graduates from the Class of 2025 also offered insight into life after Bryn Mawr. Eva Yacura, a former field hockey student-athlete, spoke about her work in a research lab at Temple University's Center for Obesity Research and Education. Lilith Weindlick shared her transition from a math major and field hockey player to her current role as a data analyst in Philadelphia. Fiona McHale, a lacrosse alumna, discussed her work in a biological research lab at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center. The panel provided current student-athletes an opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, ask questions, and gain valuable perspective on post-graduate opportunities.

Throughout the week, Bryn Mawr Athletics and SAAC also led a Division III social media campaign, highlighting the voices of current student-athletes and members of the Bryn Mawr Athletics Department, showcasing what makes the Division III experience unique. Through personal stories and reflections, the campaign answered the question "Why D3?" while emphasizing the balance of academics, athletics, and personal growth that defines Bryn Mawr student-athletes.

From chalk messages to community service, competition, and career conversations, DIII Week at Bryn Mawr was a true reflection of what it means to be an Owl—engaged, supportive, and committed to excellence in every aspect of the student-athlete experience.