The men’s and women’s regular season wrapped up this weekend with a lot of action, a few upsets, and more than enough penalty kick decisions. And now the annual ritual of Pool C predictions is in full swing; the “locks” feel confident, and the bubble teams considering their fate, looking high and low for any justification that the committee needs to select for their chance at fame. It is a stressful time for any of the teams that slipped in the conference tourney, but for anyone who has followed the scene for more than a few years, thanks be to the NCAA for the expansion of the post-season system. Now there are never more than two or three teams that feel the pinch of missing the coveted post-season.

Every season is great when you are a fan of Division III soccer. The legacy programs struggle, stumble, and sometimes fall, while the up-and-comers make their own noise, surprising some while disappointing others with what could be. But best of all is the sight of a real math major (probably with a minor in foreign languages) nailing a shot from 20 yards out for a win in overtime. Or the English major making a key save against a monster opponent. And while that shot or save won’t make the highlight reel at ESPN, it is perhaps a more important indicator of our sports culture than anything we might see on the tube (or panel).

We’ve tried to capture shots and stories of those student-athletes throughout the season, but the best, I’m certain, we’ve missed. But in the coming years, with the help of students, fans, SIDs, and families, we’ll try and do our part to get this information in front of you in order to promote both the game that we all love and the philosophy that is Division III athletics.

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