In celebration of the 50th anniversary of NCAA Division III, we asked some of our University of Rochester coaches about coaching and competing at the Division III level.
 
Jim Scheible is in his 25th season as the Yellowjackets' Head Women's Basketball Coach, having joined UR in 1999 after previously coaching at two other NCAA Division III institutions in Clarkson and Elmira. A 1988 graduate of Clarkson University, Scheible played collegiately for both SUNY Cortland and Clarkson before starting his coaching career with the Golden Knights in 1988-89.
 
Established in 1973, Division III provides an equitable and inclusive environment for student-athletes to take responsibility for their own paths, follow their passions and discover their potential through a comprehensive educational experience. The NCAA Division III's 50th Anniversary celebration began on Aug. 6, 2023, and will continue through the 2023-24 academic year.

1. Why'd you choose DIII, first as an athlete, and now as a coach?

I chose DIII as an athlete because it was the best fit for me.  I wasn't a DI athlete but I really liked the idea of getting to play a sport I had a real passion for, while also getting a great education.  As a coach, I chose DIII for much the same reasons - because I really enjoy working with athletes who want an amazing education but also have a real passion for playing their sport.

2. What are some of your favorite things about coaching at the Division III level?

My favorite thing about coaching at the Division III level is that as a coach, you get to help your players grow and develop into people that can achieve just about anything.  Athletics really offers our students an opportunity to learn about themselves and what each of them is truly capable of.

3. How have you seen Division III change over the years?

I have seen it change in my 30+ years of coaching. The athletes are getting better and better on the court (or other venue) but there are also more pressures on them. For example, social media, in my opinion, has really added a lot of pressures to their lives. However, that makes our coaching mission even that much more important in helping them to grow and develop. If we can help them to grow in even a small way, it makes them more prepared to face the additional pressures that today's students face.

4. Why should prospective athletes consider DIII and the University of Rochester?

I believe in this University very strongly so that is an easy question to answer. From an educational standpoint - I have seen so many of our students really embrace the academic curriculum here in which they get to be themselves while also having an opportunity to explore what is important to them. They understand that their decisions matter and they develop a lot of confidence from that idea. It is a very healthy learning environment. From an athletics standpoint – athletes get to compete against the best at our level and get to realistically aspire to compete for championships. UR offers an athletics experience in which our athletes get to grow as people and competitors, and the skills that they derive from this experience help set them up for life. That is why prospective athletes should strongly consider the University of Rochester.