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DII student-athletes find network opportunities online

By David Pickle
NCAA.org

Beginning Monday, Division II student-athletes will have a powerful new way to tell their story.

A new component to the Division II Network – D2sa.org – will permit Division II student-athletes the opportunity to define themselves and to interact in a way that has never been done in the NCAA.

The site, which will act as a complement to the already-existent Division II game-environment and community-engagement sites, will encourage student-athlete blogging and will also facilitate discussions on important matters such as legislation and fund-raising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The new site is highly visual, relying extensively on photo galleries and a videoplayer. Student-athletes will be encouraged to contribute to the site through stories, blogs, photos and videos. They also will have an opportunity to participate in polls.

“The student-athletes told us that this is what they wanted,” said Division II consultant Jill Willson, “so this is a website that really is by student-athletes and for student-athletes.”

Willson said the prototype was vetted with various student-athlete groups, including the national SAAC. It also received positive reviews from Division II sports information directors and the Division II Management Council.

Willson said that athletics administrators in the membership soon will be receiving a postcard promoting the site. They are encouraged to share the information with student-athletes at preseason meetings this fall.