Misericordia University joins the NCAA in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Division III. Misericordia University has been a member of the NCAA Division III since 1992.
The largest of the NCAA's three divisions, Division III promotes a well-rounded approach to intercollegiate athletics participation.
While Division III is best known by some for what it doesn't offer – athletics scholarships – it has plenty to offer. Knowing that Division III student-athletes play for the love of the game, the D-III experience is structured to help participants develop fully as students, athletes and citizens.
Division III comprises nearly 40% of the total NCAA membership with 440 member schools. Misericordia's 550 student-athletes are part of 195,000 Division III student-athletes nationwide.
Athletics participation at many of the 440 institutions that comprise Division III allows for student-athletes to succeed in the classroom and athletics.
That certainly is the case at Misericordia as student-athletes are often active in student government, residence life and other extra-curricular activities.
In addition, Division III playing seasons and class schedules are designed to promote academic success. This is evidenced by MU's overall 3.30 GPA among student-athletes and 429 MAC Academic Honor Roll members in 2022-23.
Division III follows a Three-D's philosophy of Discover, Develop, Dedicate. Division III student-athletes are encouraged to pursue their interests and passions beyond the classroom and field of play. Division III institutions provide an environment that encourages student-athletes to develop into well-rounded adults. Division III institutions expect student-athletes to dedicate themselves to achieving their potential.
While Division III athletics programs promote a wide range of participation, they don't sacrifice when it comes to competition. In fact, the NCAA sponsors 28 national championships annually at the Division III level.
Misericordia has enjoyed its share of success since joining the Division III ranks in 1992. The Cougars program has grown from eight sports and 120 student-athletes to 31 varsity teams and nearly 600 student-athletes in the 2024-25 season.
MU has captured 79 conference championships and sent 45 teams to the NCAA Championships. The 2000 men's soccer team was the first Misericordia team to qualify for the NCAA Tournament and the women's soccer team advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 2012 and achieved a #1 national ranking in 2021 and 2022. The baseball team reached the D-III World Series in 2018 and 2023.
In addition, several individuals have helped put Misericordia on the national map:
Ashlee Ward, Track & Field: NCAA Indoor & Outdoor champion in the high jump.
Juwan Petties-Jackson, Track & Field: NCAA Indoor champion at 200m.
Eric Sweeney, swimming: NCAA champion in the 200 butterfly.
Amy Viti, Track & Field: NCAA runner-up, three-time All-American, NCAA Woman of the Year, Top-9 Finalist
Reilly Wagner, Track & Field: NCAA runner-up, three-time All-American.
Alexandra Snyder, Track & Field: NCAA runner-up.
Will Chandler, basketball: Second leading scorer in NCAA Division III history.
Heather Dougherty, swimming: School's first NCAA All-American.
Sam Helmstetter, women's soccer: First-team All-American.
Emma Sweitzer, women's soccer: United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year
Michelle Myers, volleyball: Led NCAA in blocks per game.
Amy Bower, cross country: School's first cross country All-American.
Frank Redmond, track & field: MU's first track & field All-American.
Kim Daniel, field hockey: Ranks among all-time in NCAA Division III in career assists.
Mike Murphy, baseball: Set Division III single-game record with eight hits.
Kenny Jarema, baseball: Ranks second all-time in career bases on balls.
Tim Arnold, baseball: Shares Division III single-game record with six walks.
