General | 2/22/2022 2:18:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Feb. 22, 2022) – Today marks a special and unique day on the calendar—2/22/22.
 
February 22, 2022, when it is written, is a palindrome wherever you are in the world. Since it uniquely fell on Tuesday as well, today has been dubbed Twosday, and for the schools associated with the NCAA Division II, it has been recognized as Division II Day.
 
According to the Division, "DII Day is an opportunity for all individuals associated with Division II to celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on their campus and community."
 
TWU joined the NCAA Division II in 1982 and currently sponsors eight sports, wrestling will join as the ninth sport in Fall 2022. Of the eight sports, basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball and gymnastics are NCAA recognized sports, while dance, STUNT and artistic swimming are competitive sports.
 
The Division II prides itself on academic emphasis, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, as described in their Distinguished Dozen. Division II's positioning statement "Life in the Balance" promotes the unique balance Division II athletics affords to student athletes.
 
"Division II supports the educational mission of college athletics by fostering a balanced and inclusive approach in which student-athletes learn and develop through their desired academic pursuits, in civic engagement with their communities and in athletics competition. Division II gives student-athletes the unique opportunity to compete in the classroom, on the field, in their career, for their causes and on their terms."
 
For Pioneer athletes, they chose to attend TWU and play Division II athletics, because of the balance it afforded them, allowing them to be successful in the classroom and in their sport.
 
"One of the greatest advantages of playing for a Division II school is that I get to study the major that I want," Scout Huffman, a TWU basketball player, said. "I am a biology major, and it is definitely a tough major to pursue, especially during season, but I am grateful that I get to choose what I want to study. It just represents how Division II schools care about your futureyou're your career."
 
For Madeline Gose, a TWU gymnast, being a TWU Pioneer means being a part of something bigger than gymnastics.
 
"I love TWU because I feel as if everyone is here to be a part of something bigger than themselves," Gose said. "I am pushed to be a better athlete, student and person every day, and I think being in that type of environment is very special."
 
One of the Distinguished Dozen of Division II is community engagement. In personification of this characteristic, TWU athletes serve the Denton community and surrounding areas through annual service projects, free kid's clinics and another peronal initiatives.
 
Keely Chapman, a TWU soccer player, said she has enjoyed the ability to balance involvement in multiple clubs and serve her community, while being a student-athlete.
 
"I am involved with multiple clubs on campus, including Kinesiology Club, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and the Athenian Honor Society just to name a few," Chapman said. "These clubs have allowed me to complete over 100 hours of community service since being at TWU. I also work at the math lab on campus tutoring students to help people any way I can."
 
For Sadie Moyer, TWU basketball player, she has taken advantage of opportunities to connect with her community to build relationships through service.
 
"I embrace the "Life in the Balance" by volunteering in my community as much as possible," Moyer said. "I volunteer with my church every Wednesday with the student's ministry and take up as many opportunities to serve or volunteer with the church. I try to give back to my community in Denton by providing meals. This gives me an opportunity to connect with the people at TWU and Denton to help form a community."
 
Life as a student-athlete in Division II athletics at TWU for Mackenzie Balderas has been very rewarding because, ultimately, it drives her to be the best version of herself.
 
"I chose TWU because of the competitive, yet supportive atmosphere campus-wide," Balderas said. "There has always been such a high standard in both athletics as well as academically here at TWU. I knew coming to TWU would drive me to be the best version of myself in both areas."
 
Feelings of home, balance and pursuit of greatness can all be found in the decision to attend a Division II school. Today, TWU celebrates our athletes who made the decision to continue their education and play their sport at our Division II school.