CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - This week marks the start of the 15th anniversary of NCAA Division III's "Division III Week." This week runs from April 7 through April 13 and along with the many events going on across campus this week, we asked Lesley University student-athletes to write a letter to Division III and what it means to them being a Division III student-athlete and what the Division III level and sport has given each student-athlete. Throughout the week, make sure to check back to lesleyathletics.com to see new letters by Lynx student-athletes. Continuing our week of Dear DIII Week letters, are softball student-athletes Emma Hodgkins (Raymond, N.H.) and Isabella Moscoso (El Cajon, Calif.).
Hodgkins is having a strong start to the year for Lesley. She is just one of four Lynx to have a batting average over .230 on the year at .231 (min. 25 at-bats) and recorded six hits and drawing six walks as well. On the mound, she is also the squads top starter going 1-3 in 25.0 IP while striking out 27 and posting an ERA of 5.88. Her strongest performance on the mound was an 8-4 win over Elms College (Mar. 11) where she tossed a complete game and llowed just eight hits and struck out a career-high nine batters. Below is her letter to Division III:
Dear Division III,
Thank you for all the opportunities you've given me over the past four years. Because of DIII, I've been able to accomplish far more than I ever imagined during my college career. I've had the privilege of competing in the sport I love, forming lifelong friendships, and most importantly, pursuing my dream career all at the same time. What makes DIII so special is that I wasn't forced to choose just one path. I've not only participated in each of these aspects of college life, but I've thrived in them. That balance is rare, and it's something I'll always be grateful for. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I'd choose Division III every single time.
Thank you,
Emma
Moscoso is also having a solid 2025 season as one of the Lynx's top hitters ranking third on the team in batting average at .286 (min. 25 at-bats) and is also second on the team in hits (10). Her best hitting performance this year came in an 8-4 win versus Elms College (Mar. 11) where she recorded a career-high three hits. Moscoso also made her pitching debut this season as well and has thrown a total of 9.2 IP while striking out five. Below is her letter to Division III:
Dear Division III,
Being a student-athlete at the D3 level has been nothing but perfect for me. Not only do I have the ability to play softball at the collegiate level, but I'm able to do so in a balanced manner, maintaining my athletic and academic lives, while being able to prioritize other aspects of my well-being. Division III has given me a multitude of opportunities. I've been blessed with the chance to live on my own for the first time, moving from California to Massachusetts, allowing me to learn and grow through the beginning of my adult life independently, on top of going to school and playing softball at the highest level. Additionally, I have met some of my lifelong best friends here. Being so far from home, I knew building relationships with people around me would be major. I've grown close with so many people while being at my institution, which would not have been possible if not for my chosen route. Division III has allowed me to grow exponentially as a player and as a person. I've become a stronger person, mentally and physically, and I've had so much benefit to my life by simply choosing D3. I've grown confidence in myself on and off the field, and I'm in my happiest state of mind I've ever been in. If someone were to compare my person now and the person, I was two years ago, about to finish high school, the difference would be night and day, but for the best. I could never fathom enough words to express my gratitude to express how grateful I am to have chosen division III. The only thing I can say to sum up my gratitude would simply be, thank you. Thank you, Division IIII.
Best,
Bella Moscoso