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Meredith Avenging Angels

More than 180,000 student-athletes at 450 institutions make up NCAA Division III, which is the largest NCAA division in number of participants and number of schools. About eight percent of Meredith undergraduates participate in athletics.

The eight percent who don the maroon, black, and, white do so with pride and honor. Meredith fields eight Division III athletic programs: basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The Avenging Angels athletic programs play an integral part in the Meredith College experience, and the student-athletes make a powerful impact on campus and in their careers.

PREGAME: Recruitment  

With Division III programs unable to give athletic scholarships, the institutions must rely on other resources to recruit the best and brightest athletes to campus. As a Division III program, a women’s college, and situated in the heart of Tobacco Road, Meredith faces other challenges.

“Our conference is very competitive, so the athletes we recruit are more often than not being recruited by many other schools,” said Kim Scavone, head softball coach. “We have to compete with schools that are in all divisions, and with that comes certain opportunities that Division III schools can’t offer.”

But what Meredith does offer is a well-rounded education.

“When I talk to prospective student-athletes about Meredith, I promote opportunity,” said Lauren Scott, head lacrosse coach. “I highlight Meredith’s connections with potential employers, I discuss our traditions, as well as Meredith’s desirable location and social interactions with N.C. State.”

When it comes to recruiting student-athletes to Meredith, coaches are looking for women who want to play for the love of the game, and are focused on earning a college degree because Meredith supports student-athletes on their academic journey.

Student Athlete running track “What ultimately sold me on Meredith was the emphasis it instills on their women to focus on academics within the gates,” said Diana Owens, ’15, former member of the Meredith basketball team.

Meredith offers its student-athletes the opportunity to be a part of campus life. Being a student-athlete at Meredith means you not only get to play the sport you love, but you get to be a student first.

“The College provides a wonderful balance of academic and athletic opportunities for our student-athletes,” said Scavone. “Our athletes receive an incredible education, participate in our many wonderful traditions, study abroad, complete internships in their chosen field of study, and participate in other activities on campus and in the local community.”

The NCAA has reported that Division III student-athletes tend to have a higher graduation rate, approximately five percent higher than the overall student body, and they have a greater involvement in volunteering.

With limited practice and game schedules, Meredith student-athletes are encouraged to pursue other passions and explore other interests. They are supported by their coaches and pushed by their professors to be strong and successful women.

“I am very serious about my studies and I knew if I played Division III I could be the true definition of a student-athlete, where my studies would come first,” said Julia Allsbrook, ’18, a member of the Meredith softball team. “Coach Scavone assured me that this was going to be a commitment; however, I would have time to be a regular college student.”

Like most Division III programs, Meredith gives its student-athletes the flexibility to get involved on campus and the opportunity to have the ultimate college experience.

“Our athletics facilities and team success help us attract top athletes to all eight of our intercollegiate sports teams,” said Jean Jackson ’75, vice president for college programs. “Each year, nearly 10 percent of incoming freshmen and transfer students are athletes recruited to play competitively here at Meredith.”

Softball player pitching the ball. Named 76 student-athletes to 2017 USA South All-Academic Team. 2015 USA South Women's Presidents Cup Winner

GAME TIME: The Division III Experience

Athletics are an important part of the Meredith culture. Having intercollegiate athletics on campus adds excitement, a sense of pride, and loyalty to the Meredith community.

“I think the Meredith athletic programs bring a competitive edge to the campus
environment, especially when we play against our rival team,” said Demonica Stanley, ’19, a member of the track and field team.

The sense of community and sisterhood can be felt from the moment students enter the campus gates. So it’s no surprise that the Angels support each other, whether it’s in the classroom or on the playing field.

“Athletics bring camaraderie and value to Meredith College,” said Katie MacEachern, ’10, a former Meredith cross country runner.

Having athletics at Meredith is empowering for young women and shows strength and competitiveness. All of the student-athletes are women and their success comes from determination, perseverance, and hard work.

“Our athletic teams provide a lot of visibility for Meredith,” said Scavone. “Our teams have achieved great success since joining the USA South Conference, and they are a source of pride for many. The quality student-athletes who are recruited to participate in athletics at Meredith also become positive contributors in other areas across campus.”

Once a student-athlete steps foot on campus, she is immersed in the College’s traditions and experiences the sisterhood firsthand. With the support of her coaches, she is able to develop athletically, socially, and professionally.

“Division III athletics and Meredith College offer our students a great opportunity, while not being their only opportunity,” said Scott. “Our students have the opportunity to engage in campus activities and explore other interests while eagerly anticipating the start of their respective season.”

According to the NCAA, Division III student-athletes “report active academic engagement and participation in academic ‘extras.’” That holds true at Meredith.

“Here at Meredith, student-athletes are fully engaged in the life of the campus, and they represent Meredith well in conference and non-conference contests,” said Jackson. “In other words, they do not have to choose to be athletes and forego other opportunities. They get to do it all.”

POSTGAME: The Real World

Through athletics, Meredith student-athletes gain valuable skills that lead to success in the workforce.

“On paper, our sport and time spent mastering it doesn’t earn our degree, but it does give us the edge,” said Scott. “Athletics instill invaluable habits, discipline, lessons, and experiences that turn successful athletes into successful leaders with successful careers.”

Along with hard work and commitment, student-athletes develop humility, mental toughness, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Being a part of a team teaches collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and sacrifice – not to mention a drive to succeed and a grittiness to win.

“Being a student-athlete allowed me to develop exceptional time management skills,” said Angie Ramkellawan Kondub, ’14, former Meredith lacrosse player. “I had to efficiently juggle class, practices, and work, all while staying active on campus. I was also able to grow as a leader.”

Kondub now serves as a senior analyst at ScottMadden, Inc., which is a management consulting firm in Raleigh. And she credits Meredith for her success. “Meredith gave me the confidence to take on this role even though I’m in a male-dominated industry. It taught me how to produce high quality work and how to manage my time wisely. I’m good at my job because Meredith prepared me to be.”

Former basketball player Diana Owens just graduated from George Mason University with a master’s degree in forensic science and feels that being a student-athlete at Meredith made her more marketable because of her ability to work on a team and manage goals.

“Intercollegiate athletics provides a wonderful foundation for success later in life,” said Scavone. “It teaches teamwork, dedication, sacrifice, goal setting, perseverance, and leadership. However, it also instills confidence and an inner strength in each athlete that will stay with her as she faces challenges in life.”

Interested in supporting the Avenging Angels Athletics Department?

Contact Assistant Athletic Director for Advancement and External Relations Fiona Barkley at barkleyf@meredith.edu or (919) 760-2374.

Melyssa Allen

News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330

allenme@meredith.edu