BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - April 5-11, 2021 is NCAA Division III week. Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. 

Paulina Storck is a junior dual-sport athlete for women's soccer and lacrosse. Storck is local to Philadelphia, Pa where she attended St. Basil Academy and competed in soccer, basketball, and softball. We caught up with Paulina to learn more about her and her experience as a NCAA Division III student-athlete.

Question 1: What do you love the most about being a Division III student-athlete?
I love being able to play multiple sports. Coming here to play soccer, but eventually picking up lacrosse was never a thought in my mind. However, with the flexibility of my schedule and support of my coaches, I was able to play both!

Question 2: Why did you pick a Division III school and why did you pick Bryn Athyn? 
Coming out of high school, I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue playing sports, but with the guidance of my parents and Coach O, I was shown that playing DIII athletics would allow me to continue doing what I love, yet also balance it with my work and social life. Bryn Athyn couldn't have been a better choice for me, as the Education program has played such a positive role in my life. From the education professors to my cohort, I know I made the right decision coming to BAC.

Question 3: What is your favorite non-athletic event done here at Bryn Athyn College?
My favorite non-athletic event done at BAC is the work my education program has done with the Horizon Group. The Horizon Group is a group of adults with special needs who plan year-round events and activities around the Bryn Athyn Area. The education department at BAC has planned events from mini-golf to cookie baking, and even zoom events; Participating in these events with my ed cohort has created some of the best and most fun memories I've had during my time at BAC.

Question 4: What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
My favorite memory as a student-athlete is getting Second Team All-Conference my freshman year for lacrosse. Before playing my freshman year, I had never picked up a lacrosse stick, let alone played an entire game of lacrosse. Getting Second Team validated all the hard work I had put in that season and was a huge surprise!

Question 5: What song is playing on repeat for you right now? 
I've been listening to 'This is Real' by Jax Jones and Ella Henderson nonstop. 

Question 6: What is your favorite food? 
My favorite food is sushi!

Question 7: You are going on a 12-hour road trip with one teammate or coach, who are you choosing and why? 
I'm going on a 12-hour road trip with my teammate, best friend, and cousin, Payton Gormley. We can't do anything without each other.

Question 8: What are the advantages you have seen from being at a Division III school? 
Some advantages I have seem from being at a DIII school are being able to work multiple jobs, play multiple sports, and go to school full time, yet somehow manage a social life. I get bored easily, so being able to fill my days with so many different activities is a huge plus. Also, I love how close I am to my professors, specifically the Education Department. They are so supportive of me and my classmates, rooting for us during games and consistently keeping tabs on our athletic teams we are a part of. 

Question 9: Who is your favorite professor or staff member at Bryn Athyn and why? 
This is a tough question because there are too many to count. I have to go with my coaches, Coach O and Coach Denise. They're more than coaches to me and have guided me through so much over past 3 years. (Shoutout to the Ed Department though, you guys are the best!)

Question 10: What are your plans after your graduate from Bryn Athyn? 

After I graduate, I'd love to get my masters right away and have my own classroom, ideally teaching first grade. I also would love to coach a sports team following my time at BAC.