GORHAM, Maine –  Since 1985, the University of Southern Maine Huskies have enjoyed tremendous success academically and in the competition arena as a member of the NCAA's largest division – Division III.  With 10 national championships, 130-plus All-Americans, countless all-conference and all-region citations, national community service honors, and a lengthy list of individual and team academic awards, USM Athletics, its staff and student-athletes have firmly established a tradition of well-rounded achievement and success.
 
"Since before our official entry into the NCAA, Husky athletics and our student-athletes whole-heartedly embraced the concept of the student-athlete and the philosophy of NCAA Division III.  As a staff, and a community, we view athletics as an integral part of the overall student experience and, as a result, USM Athletics is considered one of the strongest learning communities at the University," commented USM Director of Athletics Al Bean.  "Our student-athletes achieve at the highest levels academically, athletically, professionally, personally and in the community and should be celebrated. Division III Week is a great opportunity to celebrate our student-athletes, each of whom represent the University with the highest character."
 
Throughout the week, USM Athletics social media channels will be sharing videos and graphics highlighting the personality, achievements and driving forces shared among members of our student-athlete population.  Additionally, student-athletes will be provided with 2022 Huskies' D3Week t-shirts sponsored and provided by USM's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  Student-athletes can pick up their free t-shirts with their respective coach.
 
Although not officially a part of Division III week, Huskies' Athletics will finally have the opportunity to honor and recognize its 215 William B. Wise Scholar Athletes at its awards ceremony on Sunday, April 3.  With more than 200 student-athletes honored for the eighth consecutive year, Husky student-athletes have combined grade point average of 3.24 and represent more than 40 majors at the University of Southern Maine.
 
USM's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in partnership with USM's Career and Employment Hub will also be hosting a "Husky Field Day" from 12-1 pm on Paula D. Hodgdon Field (weather permitting – in the event of inclement weather the activity will be moved to the Costello Field House.)
 
On Tuesday, Huskies' baseball and softball each have home contests. Baseball is set to host non-conference opponent Husson University (3:00 pm), while Huskies' softball will take on Rhode Island College in a Little East Conference doubleheader beginning at 3:30 pm.  Huskies' SAAC is sponsoring a 90s theme for fans and will have 90s-themed music and snacks available for fans – bonus points for fans arriving in 90s attire.
 
As part of the NCAA Division III week, and National Student-Athlete Day (Wednesday, April 6), several student-athletes will be partaking in a day of service at Gorham Middle School.  Husky student-athletes will be visiting with students in seventh and eighth grade, and presenting about their academic majors and sharing their experiences as student-athletes and how they have successfully managed both their academic and athletic responsibilities. Participating student-athletes include Sophia Slovenski (women's track & field, volleyball), Antoine Grace (wrestling, track & field), Jordan Colbert (women's ice hockey), Nick Ritmo and Tanner McClure (men's ice hockey), Cody Hawes (men's basketball) and Victoria Harris (women's basketball). 
 
Men's tennis is slated to have a home contest on Saturday (1:00 pm) against non-conference opponent Colby-Sawyer. Again, weather contingent, USM student-athletes are inviting their friends from Maine Special Olympics to join them at the match to provide home-team support for the Huskies in a VIP fan experience.
 
The week rounds out on Sunday, April 10 with one of USM SAAC's latest initiatives: Mental Strength Sundays.  The second in the series, Husky men's basketball player Xavier Harvey will lead the chat "Mentality Means More" beginning at 6:30 pm in Lower Brooks Student Center. Harvey's social chat will focus on student-athlete mental health, how to be okay experiencing emotions, and to learn what it looks like to reach out for help when needed.
 
"NCAA Division III week is a great opportunity for everyone associated with USM to applaud the impact that athletics and our student-athletes have on campus and in the Gorham community," said Southern Maine women's basketball head coach Samantha Norris, who has helped coordinate NCAA Division III week activities in her role as Student-Athlete Advisory Committee advisor. "As we look to build a greater awareness and understanding of DIII, we will have a couple events that highlight and encourage academic, athletic, and community service activities that celebrate the comprehensive Division III student-athlete experience."
 

2022 NCAA Division III Week Activities
Monday, April 4	Husky Field Day with Career Hub	Paula D. Hodgdon Field 12:00 pm
Tuesday, April 5	USM Softball vs. Rhode Island College	USM Softball Stadium, 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm
	90s Themed Game
Tuesday, April 5	USM Baseball vs. Husson	Ed Flaherty Field, 3:30 pm
	90s Themed Game
Wednesday, April 6	National Student Athlete Day	All Day!
	USM Student-Athletes at Gorham Middle School
Saturday, April 9	USM Men's Tennis vs. Colby Sawyer	Gorham Courts, 1:00 pm
	Special Olympics VIP Experience
Sunday, April 10	SAAC Mental Strength Sunday	Lower Brooks, 6:30 pm
	Xavier Harvey, Men's Basketball
	Mentality Means More