DIII Week Feature: Recent Grads Stay Involved Through Friends of Athletics

Throughout NCAA Division III Week, we have highlighted the experiences of different student-athletes at Wellesley College, but the Division III experience extends well beyond this week and well beyond graduation.

The Friends of Wellesley College Athletics (FOWCA) National Committee is made up of current and former student-athletes who remain dedicated to the continued excellence and growth of Wellesley College's athletic and recreational programs. Below three recent graduates highlight memorable moments in their collegiate athletic careers and why they chose to continue to stay involved with Wellesley Athletics after their four years of competition came to a conclusion. 

For more on Friends of Wellesley Athletics, visit www.wellesleyblue.com/friends

Charlotte Harris '16 - Swimming & Diving

"I chose to attend a DIII school because I knew I wanted to swim, but I also knew that I wanted to be an all around scholar athlete. Participating at a DIII level gave me the opportunity to balance other passions; I was able to excel academically, be involved in student government, and have an active social life... I am involved on the FOWCA National Committee to make positive changes within the department; I do not want my athletic legacy to be just the times I swam while I was at Wellesley, but that I was a part of making our facilities, programming, and opportunities better for our current and future scholar athletes. Swimming introduced me to Wellesley, and I want Wellesley College Athletics to be an even greater pull for future applicants. Go Blue!" 

Kate Spelman '10 - Crew

"I will never forget the moment my teammates and I found out we had earned a bid to the 2010 NCAA Championships. As the KSC classroom exploded into hugs, screams, and tears, I knew that our pride and excitement radiated well beyond the walls of the sports center. From Lake Waban to Lake Natoma, we were supported each step of the way by a community of passionate athletes, coaches, administrators, and alumnae who shared wholeheartedly in this landmark moment for Wellesley Crew… While I'm now a teacher-coach instead of a student-athlete, I still seize every opportunity to immerse myself in the Blue Pride community. I've been particularly honored to give back to Wellesley through FOWCA, working to promote this community's continued growth and to ensure that the next generation of athletes who wear the Blue have the same life-changing experiences I had as a Wellesley student-athlete."

Taysir Mahmoud '11 - Fencing

"My teammates at Wellesley helped shape who I am as a fencer and as a person. The support and encouragement we gave each other, both on and off the strip, inspires me to stay involved in fencing (as a referee) and in FOWCA. That kinship was empowering, it's something I hope every Wellesley College student gets to experience."