Division III Week Student Spotlight – Mary Stanley
This week is NCAA Division III Week and member institutions across the country are celebrating the ninth-year event.
Division III Week, which runs from Monday through Sunday, is intended to recognize the academic and athletic accomplishments as well as the campus leadership and community service efforts of Division III student-athletes.
As part of Huntingdon College's participation in Division III Week, 18 student-athletes will be featured this week. Sidney Ison, Charvez' Hobson and Mary Stanley are today's featured student-athletes.
By Adam Mann
Sports Information Assistant
Name: Mary Stanley
Year: Junior
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
Major: Psychology
Sport: Cross Country
Athletic Accomplishments: Stanley is a two-year member of the cross country program. Her first season with the Hawks coincided with the return of the program in 2017 after a four-year hiatus. Stanley has played a role in the continued development of the program. As a junior, she led the Hawks in four of their five competitions.
Academic Achievements and Campus Activities: Stanley has been named to the Dean's List of High Honors and the USA South Academic All-Conference team. She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and has served as an Ambassador, an intern for the Huntingdon Leadership Academy and a SGA Senator.
What made you feel like Huntingdon was the right place for you? "I knew Huntingdon was right for me when I first toured the school. I fell in love with Huntingdon's inviting atmosphere and its beautiful and historic architecture."
As a student-athlete, what is your impression of Division III now compared to your first season? "I have grown to appreciate Division III more with each passing season. Participating in a Division III sport has challenged me to test my limits physically and grow to be the best athlete I can be, while still allowing me the time and freedom to grow my social life and invest in other collegiate organizations."
With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the world we live in, what have you learned about the compassion and resiliency of your friends, family and classmates? "I have a newfound gratitude for my Huntingdon friends and classmates. I realize I've taken their consistency in my life for granted. I am inspired by their resilience during this time, as they are finding creative ways to not only stay connected with others, but to encourage them as well. As for my family, I am so thankful for the compassion they've shown me during this time as I adjust to living with them again."
If you could offer one piece of encouragement at this time to your friends, family and classmates, what would it be? "Be kind and compassionate to yourself during this time. You don't need to come out of quarantine 'new and improved'. We are facing an immense amount of change all at once right now and simply taking it day by day is enough."
What advice would you give our current underclassmen and incoming recruits to better prepare them for the next few years? "I would encourage them to embrace their time at Huntingdon wholeheartedly, because their time here is invaluable. The Huntingdon experience is what you make of it, so milk it of it's worth. Take full advantage of the amazing faculty that we have. They are extremely personable and they are devoted to helping us become the best versions of ourselves while we are here."
How has your experience at Huntingdon prepared you for life after Huntingdon? "Huntingdon has molded me into a more confident person who now knows that fears are meant for facing. I move into the future boldly, and with bravery, knowing that thanks to the values Huntingdon has instilled in me, I am prepared to take on whatever comes my way."