NCAA Division III Week - Alumni Spotlight: Shane McCurdy

BRYN ATHYN, Pa. - April 5-11, 2021 is NCAA Division III week. Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. 

Shane McCurdy was one of the best athletes to ever don a Lion uniform. McCurdy played five sports at Bryn Athyn: golf, soccer, cross country, ice hockey, and lacrosse. McCurdy played four years of lacrosse, three years of golf and cross country, and one year of soccer and ice hockey. The multidimensional student-athlete was from Bryn Athyn, Pa. and went to the Academy of the New Church. McCurdy was a multiple time all conference athlete. He also shined in the classroom. McCurdy was biology major and is set to begin graduate school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to obtain a degree in physisican assistant studies. We had a chance to catch up with Shane and ask him about his experience at Bryn Athyn and as a Division III student athlete. 

Question 1: What drew you to the Division III level as a player and to Bryn Athyn? 
As an athlete, I was drawn to the fact that I would have the opportunity to compete at such a high level while also being able to play multiple sports like I love to do. Division III would provide this opportunity, and I knew I would have time to commit to my studies as well. As to why Bryn Athyn specifically--it is close to home, the teacher to student ratio is small, the teachers care about YOU and your success, the biology program/professors are great, it gave me the opportunity to play multiple sports I love, and it provided me the chance to get a religious education. 
 
Question 2: What was your favorite memory as a Division III student athlete? 
There was something special and unique about playing ice hockey alongside my brother, Travis, in the DIII ACHA National Tournament my freshman year in Michigan, but playing in the conference championship game my junior year of lacrosse against Morrisville is up there as well. While we lost by one goal, it was an experience I won't forget.
 
Question 3: What did you love the most about playing sports at the Division III level? 
What I loved most was having the ability to practice, train and compete at such a competitive level for a school that valued me as a student, and individual at the same time. Having that balance made it that much more enjoyable. On top of that, it allowed me to pursue other sports in different seasons.
 
Question 4: What do you see as the advantages of playing at the Division III level for a prospective recruit? 
I think the greatest advantage of playing at the Division III level is the ability to compete at a collegiate level while simultaneously being able to focus on academics and life off the field. It makes you an overall more established individual for life after college. You will be pushed to be the greatest athlete you can be in order to compete at the level, but you will also have time to be the best student you can be. 
 
Question 5: How did Division III help prepare you for your career? 
There is so much value in playing sports at the collegiate level. As a DIII athlete I became a better person in the life lessons I learned from teammates and coaches. I learned what it is like to lead, but also push myself further than what I would otherwise be comfortable doing-- physically and emotionally. The DIII level helped prepare me for my future job--learning the importance of time management and perseverance as I balanced my academics and sports on a daily basis.

Question 6: 12-hour roadtrip with one teammate or coach. Who do you pick and why? 
If I had to choose one it would be between Alex Hyatt and Jacob Elder for the following reasons: I consider them both close friends, I know I can handle their music selection (both would tolerate country), and they both don't mind long car trips. What it would come down to is who would be willing to drive more miles at the wheel solely for the fact that it means I would be driving less (I am not a huge fan of long car rides).
 
Question 7: What song or album is on repeat for you? 
I know I will get booed for this answer by many, but honestly nothing comes to mind. Big radio guy. I can listen to pretty much any genre. 
 
Question 8: Who was the most meaningful coach through your journey as a student-athlete? 
Tucker Durkin: he made me a better athlete, but more importantly a better human. I value him as coach, mentor, athlete, role model and friend. 
 
Question 9: Favorite athlete of all time?
In the world: LeBron James
Philadelphia: Mike Richards or Shane Victorino 
 
Question 10: What and why do you champion about Division III level? 
The Division III level allows you to be fully invested in every aspect of your school and life. DIII provides an excellent opportunity to make a tremendous impact on your team and ultimately grow as an athlete all four years. While sports at times seem like my world, it is important to understand how much life is beyond anything on the ice, court or field. Soak in the time playing at such a competitive level, because unless you go professional, the next 60+ years is spent elsewhere. The DIII level gives you these unforgettable moments as an athlete, but also gives you time to build your life and career.