USMMA Midshipmen-Athletes Answer #WhyD3 on #D3Week

Q: What do you like about competing in Division III Athletics?

A: Since no one is on scholarship, you have to earn your spot on  the team and work to keep it.

Q: Why did you choose to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

I chose the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy because I knew I’d be able to continue my baseball career  and receive a world class education. When I was deciding on where to attend college, I was less worried about having a “college experience” and more concerned with picking a school that would set me up for the future. Upon graduation, there are endless amounts of career opportunities in the maritime industry . Proximity to home and zero tuition were added factors that played into my decision as well.

Q: What are your current plans for after graduation?

A: Working in the offshore oil & energy industry in the Gulf of Mexico, and eventually attending business school in London for ship trading and finance.

Kelly Allison
2016 - W. Lacrosse 

A: I like the aspect of having a team and the bonding experience that goes along with it. Also, it gives you the chance to get off- campus and compete in sports at a college level.

Q: Why did you choose to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

A: I chose to attend the Academy because of the challenges the school offered and the many opportunities offered after graduation.

Q: What are your current plans for after graduation?

A: I am hoping to go active duty, navy flight. 

Q: What do you like about competing in Division III Athletics?

A: The competition level between Division III athletes is extraordinary and I love the fact that the outcome of every game and every match comes down to who wants it more.  Every contest is a battle, and many battles reveal heroes- which every team needs. But, at the end of the day, Division III athletes, all alike, return home knowing that they aren’t trading their talent for scholarship like Division I, but rather, giving their talent because it is their passion.

Q: Why did you choose to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

A: I wanted to attend the Academy because I heard of its prestige among maritime schools.  I finally chose to attend Kings Point because I knew I could continue my soccer career while preparing for my future through Marine Engineering undergrad studies. 

Q: What are your current plans for after graduation?

A: I am planning on working in the Gulf of Mexico with an offshore supply vessel company as a Third Assistant Engineer. 

Q: What do you like about competing in Division III Athletics?

A: I like competing in Division III Athletics because it allows me to keep playing the sport I love, while academically allowing me to pursue my major. 

Q: Why did you choose to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

A: I chose the Merchant Marine Academy because of the free tuition and the military aspect that I wanted. 

Q: What are your current plans for after graduation?

A: Upon graduating I plan on going active duty in some branch of the military. 

Q: What do you like about competing in Division III Athletics?

A: D-III sports are great because every game is a toss-up.  The competition is of high quality and so spread out that you have to bring you’re A game every time you step on the field in order to succeed.  Also the fact that I am playing the sport for the love of the game, not because of some scholarship to get me through college is rewarding.

Q: Why did you choose to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

A: I came to Kings Point because I heard of its great engineering program, which is something I wanted to pursue ever since middle school.  Also the idea of sea year was very enticing, the fact that I could apply my classroom education to hands on work that sailing provided, while traveling the world at a young age was very interesting to me.

Q: What are your current plans for after graduation?

A: I am going to be working at a NavSea shipyard as a Nuclear Test Engineer out in Puget Sound.