As we wind down NCAA’s DIII week, perhaps you’d like to know that there is a ranking, based on the cumulative athletic finishes in each sport, of schools in Division III?  It’s called the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup and UMW’s Athletic Director, Ken Tyler, has the Department of Athletics on a “DRIVE FOR 25.”  Our goal is to reach (and maintain) a top 25 ranking (out of 444 schools).  We were a very respectable #60 in 2012-13. 

So why would a student-athlete want to continue his sport at UMW, playing for the love of the game (and no scholarship money)? 

Nate Hartt is a sophomore swimmer from Williamsburg, VA.  Nate has declared International Relations as his major. 

When the time came in high school for me to decide where to spend the next four years of my life, swimming was important to me but I had a hard time seeing myself continuing throughout college. Once my senior high school season was over it became clear to me that I was not ready to give it up and get out of the water. I looked into UMW's swim team, filled out my application last-minute and I am so glad I did.  If I could sit down with a seventeen year-old version of myself and answer the question, why UMW? I would tell him that UMW will provide you with a coach that will further enhance your love for the sport. It will provide you with sensational professors who care about your academic achievement and take the time to help you and know you on a personal level. I will tell him that his teammates will help him, encourage him, and push him to better himself both in and out of the water. Go Eagles!