Differences between Division 1 and Division 3 Tennis Athletes
But, as the years went on, and the decision has been cemented, Newman and others around the program began to understand why the decision was formed. Newman said that at first the “purpose of aligning the whole overall athletic programs was to put it under one philosophical similarity.” Looking back at the decision, Newman added that “it really turned out to be a decision that was futuristic and had a lot of benefits.”
There are many differences in the mindset of a division one tennis players and a division three tennis player in terms of their future endeavors. Coach Newman reasoned that “college division one tennis was what an inspiring player was hoping to use as a springboard to pro tennis” and that “you have a lot of egos when you are recruiting a division one athlete.” On the contrary, Newman believes, “the division three athlete comes in with a whole different mindset. They love tennis but they realize there is a life after tennis. They're at the school to get an education. Their priorities are much more different then the players coming in for division one recruiting.” Newman added that “from a coaching standpoint it made them a lot easier to coach. They were appreciative, less egos to breakdown and get through. It was much more enjoyable. Actually, I wouldn't have stayed coaching at Trinity, I don't think, had we’d stayed division one all those years.” Cameron Krimbill, a current player for Trinity's Men's tennis team talked about life as a division three tennis athlete. Krimbill said that “my first priority as a division three athlete is to make sure I do my best academically. I love my sport and love to play and compete with my team but still do care about my grades and want to learn as much as I possibly can in my time at college.” There was a new era of tennis being cemented here a Trinity. A new philosophy with players with unique aspirations and a changing attitude toward the game.