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. Starting off the week, are women's tennis student-athletes Jessica Legendre (Leesville, La.) and Mary Osucha (Knoxville, Tenn.).
Legendre played a key role in the Lynx's NAC Championship sesaon. She was one of three Lynx to earn All-Conference Singles for the 2024 season. Legendre's regular season was fairly dominant as the junior posted a 10-1 record (5-0 NAC) at the number two spot in singles action. In all her wins this year, her closest score was a 7-5 win in the season opener at UMass Dartmouth. Otherwise, the highest score her opponents would get to was three. In the postseason, Legendre continued her dominant run from the regular season and was victorious in both her matchups against Thomas and Husson. Below is her letter to Division III:
Dear Division III
I chose DIII because it gave me the chance to continue playing the sport I love at a competitive level while also allowing me to pursue an art degree, something that many higher division schools don't offer. It allows me to pursue my passion for 3D Animation/VFX and tennis at the same time, creating a unique college experience. I get to connect with others who share my love for the sport as well as I get to travel with them to new places I've never seen or been previously. I love being apart of such an amazing team that treat each other like a family that I wouldn't get to experience if I hadn't been able to play sports while pursuing my art degree which DIII allowed me to do.
Best,
Osucha also was a crucial factor to Lesley's conference championship as well. Osucha was named the NAC Player of the year which was a first for her career. Along with her player of the year award, Osucha was also named to All-Conference Singles and All-Conference Doubles. On the year, she went 12-1 overall (5-0 NAC) in singles matches during the regular season. Meanwhile, in the postseason, Osucha was a perfect 2-0 against Thomas and Husson. In doubles, she posted an impressive 9-2 (5-0 NAC) record during the regular season. Seven of those victories came in the number one spot, whereas only two were in the number two position. In the NAC Playoffs, the duo won their matchups versus Thomas (8-1) and Husson (8-6), all at number two. Below is her letter to Division III:
Dear Division III,
I chose Division III because it allows me to participate in and manage all of the things I want to be a part of. I am able to play the sport that I love, while pursuing the careers that I have always dreamed of. Before coming to college, I decided I wanted to double major in animation and Illustration. Since both are time consuming majors, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to balance both majors as well as a sport. By playing a DIII sport I have found that I am able to balance both of my majors with tennis. DIII has not only allowed me the ability to pursue the things that I love, but has also helped me build meaningful connections with people I will be friends with for life. I'm very grateful for my team and for the adventures we have had the opportunity to go on. Playing tennis has always been important to me, and thanks to DIII sports I have been able to play tennis and still manage to balance all my school work. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities that Division III sports have given me.
Sincerely,