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NCAA Division III Week Spotlight: Jody Salvatore

NCAADIIIWeek


Widener University is proud to be a part of the NCAA's second annual Division III Week.  The purpose of Division III Week is to call attention to each school's campus and highlight student-athletes achievements ranging from athletics, academics and community service.  The event is part of Division III's Identity Initiative, which seeks to provide an assortment of tools and programs for use in sharpening the division's identity in explaining why they prefer to compete in Division III.
 
Today we are highlighting senior Jody Salvatore from the softball team. Salvatore has been a key player both offensively and defensively in her time with the Pride.  She will be a three-time member of the Middle Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll and in 2010 was tabbed a member of the NFCA All-Academic List
 

How do you balance your time as a student-athlete between your studies and time spent with your team?
 
The balance between studies and time spent with the team all depends on time management.  Academics and softball are both priories, and I try to make sure I'm ahead of the game on both sides of the spectrum at all times.  When you're ahead of the game it's easier to manage something that blindsides you.  
 

What is your favorite athletic moment here at Widener?
 
My favorite moment at Widener was during my sophomore year (2011).  The game was against Lebanon Valley and was scoreless through nine innings, and I scored the game winning run in walk-off fashion after back-to-back doubles.  

 
Would you recommend to your friends, other students, or prospective students that they play a sport during their time at school?
 
Yes, I would recommend friends, other students, and prospective students to participate in a sport during their time at school.  Teams are an instant networking tool, that are not only for friendships, but also long-term professional relationships.  However, participating in college level athletics also is dependent on the abilities of the student and whether they have the time management abilities to be a successful student-athlete. 
 

How do you think your DIII experience would have differed if you did not choose to be a student-athlete?
 
It's difficult to imagine my DIII experience and not being a student-athlete.  DIII athletics has given me the opportunity to excel in leadership roles, develop long-term friendships, and develop lifelong time management skills.  If I were not an athlete, I do not think that I would have been as involved at Widener, as I am today.  I also, do not think I would know what to do with all the extra free time.

 
How did being a student-athlete help you make a positive impact on the community?
 
Being a student-athlete allowed me to get involved with Widener's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Middle Atlantic Conference Student Athletic Advisory Committee.  SAAC has allowed me to make a positive impact on the community in multiple ways. For instance, I have been involved in the Stetser Toy Drive every year since being a member, where Widener SAAC student-athletes purchase toys for a local school during the holiday season, one student-athlete even dresses as Santa for the occasion.  Also, SAAC has raised money the last two years for both the Make-a-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics. 

 
From your own personal experiences, why would you recommend prospective student-athletes come to Widener?
 
From my own personal experience, I would recommend prospective student-athletes to come to Widener because of Widener's faculty.  Both the professors and the coaches at Widener care about their students outside the classroom and off the field.  It is this feeling that makes Widener student-athletes feel at home at the university.
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