Dual-Sport Athlete Paige Decker Talks about her Division III Experience

By Paige Decker
A first-year player on the St. Mary's College of Maryland field hockey and women's lacrosse teams, Paige Decker was selected as the 2011 Capital Athletic Conference Field Hockey Co-Rookie of the Year.

My daily routine is fairly similar to that of my peers.  I do my work in the library, I go to class, and eat meals in the Great Room with my friends.  But every day at 3:30, I get to be a part of something unique.  I am a student-athlete.  In the fall, I get to play field hockey, and in the spring, I play lacrosse.  But at the end of the day, it's about the academics.  To be able to play two sports that I love, while getting an education at an honors college is truly the opportunity of a lifetime.  This opportunity has come with many benefits.

The most memorable and important part of my experience is that I have been able to be a part of two teams that have become my family.  They have made me feel at home in a new place and have helped me grow each day.  In practice, in games, and on and off the field, I know that I have an amazing support system behind me.  I feel truly blessed to have met and played with each teammate.  They have made my experience as a dual-sport freshman one that I will never forget, and it is an experience that I would highly recommend to anyone.