"And then this: why not celebrate our student-athletes in more ways. Some of these individuals are incredible students, people, and athletes. They don't get the attention they deserve. This can be a way, even on a small media level, that allows them to be celebrated while also celebrating the division. I love this idea and hope it only helps raise more awareness for Division III and the student-athletes that make it great."
By comparison, how much awareness does the NCAA generate about the D3 CWS champion, the D3 All-American team or those who get drafted and graduate in 4 years from the D3 level? I am having trouble with the concept of "celebrating" or "recognizing" those on the way in when there is so little time, effort or media for those who are actually competing on the field and in the classrooms of D3 schools.
This does not even consider the fact that more than a few won't end up playing by their sophomore year and some earlier than that.
I am just not comfortable that this is what D3 is about or should be about, but then again I am not overly fond of the NLI at any level.