NCAA Division III Week 2025

Lizzie Beiswanger, Women’s Track & Field

As DIII Week kicks off, it’s the perfect time to celebrate Logger athletes who excel not only in sports but also in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. 

Lizzie Bieswanger, a sophomore sprinter on the University of Puget Sound track and field team, is a prime example. Hailing from Santa Rosa, California, Lizzie embodies the heart of a Logger. In the 2024 season, she placed second in the 400-meter dash at the Northwest Conference Championships with a time of 57.40 seconds. She also holds the school’s indoor records for the 400-meter, 600-meter, and for the distance medley relay (DMR) team. In the 2025 outdoor season, she ran the second-fastest 400-meter in school history, clocking in at 56.15 seconds. With two more seasons to go, Lizzie is determined to break even more records.

When deciding between the University of Puget Sound and a much larger Division I school, Lizzie couldn’t resist pursuing higher education at Puget Sound. She "wanted the opportunity to not just have to focus on track and be able to engage in more than just athletics." She believed success in sprints would follow her wherever she went, but Puget Sound offered her the perfect balance between athletics and academics. Now majoring in studio art, she also serves as the social media manager for Cross Currents, the University’s student-run literary and arts journal. In her free time, she channels her creativity into designing promotional materials and producing artwork for both class and personal projects. She was also drawn to the prospective personal connections in a close-knit, communal academic setting. Lizzie didn’t want to "just be seen as another student," and Puget Sound offered her the chance to build meaningful relationships with her professors and classmates. She found a strong sense of belonging in the campus arts community, crediting her academic growth to the individualized attention and supportive classroom environment that motivates her to succeed.

For Lizzie, the challenges she embraces beyond the Baker Stadium track also contribute to her growth. She reflected on stepping out of her comfort zone as it pertains to athletics: "it makes me better to push myself in a different way. “Lizzie serves as a track and field representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she works with fellow athletes to coordinate volunteer efforts and contribute to the development of the athletic program. Through a University-sponsored initiative, she worked with the Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge, which provides volunteer opportunities for students across the country, where she helped build homes for families in need. Lizzie noted that the physical demands for the project differ from sprinting, and the experience was deeply rewarding for revealing new skills and strengths.

Now shining in her second year, Lizzie continues to make the most of every opportunity at Puget Sound—on the track, in the studio, and throughout the community. Her commitment to creative pursuits, volunteering, and athletic excellence reflects the well-rounded DIII experience she envisioned when choosing Puget Sound.

 

Jason Rowe, Men’s Tennis

Puget Sound’s own 2024 Northwest Conference (NWC) Men’s Tennis Rookie of the Year, Jason Rowe, always knew he had what it took to succeed at the collegiate level. While tennis takes precedence in his life, he actively seeks meaningful experiences in both academics and personal pursuits.

Jason’s lifelong passion for tennis, combined with a desire for a quality education, ultimately led him to the University of Puget Sound. "I mean, obviously a place where I could play tennis—that was probably my number one priority," he explained. "But I also wanted a school that balanced that with solid academics. I didn’t want to be somewhere where it was all sports, no school."

He focused his college search exclusively on Division III institutions to find the right balance. After touring Puget Sound during his junior year of high school, he knew he had found the perfect fit. During the visit, he met the team and got a feel for the campus environment, both on and off the court. "The team was really welcoming, and I liked the coaches," Jason recalled. "Plus, I was looking to major in business, and we’ve got a great program here… it just felt like a good fit."

Jason’s description of the tennis team captures what it means to be a student-athlete at Puget Sound: "Logger Tennis is loud." The energy his teammates bring to every practice and match makes him proud to be a Logger. That spirited culture carries beyond the court—into shared meals in the Student Union Building and into their everyday lives. While tennis is often seen as an individual sport – apart from doubles matches – Jason has found a true sense of community within the team. Even during solo matches, he feels the support of his teammates and competes not only for himself but also for the team and the University.

Despite the demanding schedule of a student-athlete, Jason finds the structure manageable. With daily practices and weekly competitions, he still makes time for academics and life outside of tennis. "There’s time for school—and time to just live," he said.

Outside of class and practice, Jason is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), one of Puget Sound’s Greek Life organizations. He originally joined because he knew several members but stayed for the camaraderie—and, as he puts it, "the chaos." Living with close friends, including fellow tennis players, has made the experience especially meaningful. He also values SAE’s philanthropic work and makes time for chapter meetings and weekly events. Recently, he and his fraternity brothers won a campus soccer tournament hosted by another Greek chapter.

Now in the second half of his college career, Jason is continuing to pursue a degree in business. When he’s not on the court or in the classroom, he enjoys playing soccer and video games with his friends. Looking ahead, he’s excited to continue making noise—on the court, around campus, and as a proud representative of Logger excellence.

 

Maddie Johnson, Women’s Crew

Madeline "Maddie" Johnson, a senior on the Northwest Conference champion women’s crew team, finds meaning in grit throughout all aspects of her life. Raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she chose the University of Puget Sound (UPS) to pursue a liberal arts education and is nearing the completion of degrees in Politics and Government, as well as Spanish.

Maddie made a pivotal decision to join the crew team during her sophomore year at UPS. Although she played volleyball in high school, she initially stepped away from athletics upon entering college to fully embrace "the liberal arts experience of being able to do a lot of different things in my time." During her early years at UPS, she held various roles—from working in dining and event services to serving as a chaplaincy assistant—before realizing that she wanted to incorporate athletics into her experience. After a brief stint on the women’s rugby team, she ultimately found her home with crew.

The physical and mental demands of rowing in sync with seven teammates are significant. Yet for Maddie, the crew team offered more than just athletic rigor—it offered connection and belonging. "The biggest thing for me," she reflected, "is finding those people that you can get through hard times with." Whether enduring 5:00 a.m. practices on a chilly 30-degree lake or pushing through the final minutes of an intense race, Maddie has leaned on her teammates to persevere. This sense of camaraderie has fostered some of her closest friendships, with each member committed to enduring for the success of the team.

The resilience she has developed through rowing has translated into other areas of her life. As Maddie explained, "If you can wake up at 5 a.m. and row a boat for two hours, you can do anything for that day." The physical endurance and mental toughness cultivated through crew has allowed her to navigate academic pressures and multiple campus jobs with confidence, knowing she has already conquered one of the day’s most demanding challenges.

Beyond athletics, Maddie has found another meaningful community through her work with the University Chaplaincy. She emphasized that, despite its religious name, "The biggest goal of the chaplaincy is to support the campus community of any, all, or no faiths… most of the work we do is to try to help students on campus find meaning in their lives—whatever that may be." Through this work, Maddie and her colleagues strive to foster inclusive, supportive environments for students from all backgrounds. The chaplaincy promotes awareness of religious traditions and holidays while also emphasizing mental health and well-being through arts and music programming. This role provides her with a supportive and creative space that complements her life on the crew team.

Whether on the lake, in the classroom, or helping others find themselves within the campus community, Maddie exemplifies how to make the most of the DIII experience.

 

Kenny Castro, Men’s Golf

Kenny Castro, a sophomore on the men’s golf team from Sacramento, California, embraces every opportunity to immerse himself in the Tacoma community and pursue the hobbies he enjoys outside of golf.

Initially, Kenny did not plan to continue his golf career after high school. He applied to several colleges, ranging from Division I to Division III, including the University of Puget Sound (UPS), with the intention of pursuing a business degree and exploring his interests in a new environment. However, after submitting his application to UPS, he was contacted by Head Golf Coach Conner Robbins, who encouraged him to consider continuing his athletic journey. Reflecting on that conversation, Kenny shared, "I could see myself being a Logger athlete." Inspired by the sense of community among student-athletes and the active use of campus athletic facilities, Kenny saw an opportunity to grow both on the golf team and within the broader athletics community. This potential for meaningful connection ultimately drew him to join the golf program.

Kenny’s interests extend far beyond the golf course. From photographing for the Asian Studies program to volunteering at the Washington State History Museum, he has found diverse outlets for his passions. Studying at UPS, he explained, has allowed him to "bring my passions along with me from high school" while still competing in athletics at a high level. He emphasizes that maintaining his hobbies provides a sense of balance and that the flexibility of being a Division III athlete plays a vital role in his overall success and satisfaction at Puget Sound.

In addition to pursuing a business degree, Kenny is minoring in Asian Studies. Drawing on the photography skills he developed in high school, he contributes to the program by producing visual media. Capturing high-resolution images for Asian Studies has enabled him to deepen his engagement with the subject matter and merge personal interests with academic work. He finds particular meaning in integrating his identity and creative talents into his educational experience.

Kenny also participates in the campus’s Young Life chapter, known as Home Puget Sound. His involvement includes preparing and cooking meals for events and connecting with fellow members on a deeper, introspective level. Regardless of the community, he consistently makes a meaningful impact and finds fulfillment in activities outside of athletics.

One of Kenny’s most unique hobbies is model railroading—a passion he describes as "rare." He was pleasantly surprised to discover a community of fellow train enthusiasts at the Washington State History Museum, where he volunteers every Tuesday and on the first Saturday of each month. There, he helps maintain a large model exhibit of Tacoma and leads tours. Kenny takes pride in belonging to this niche group and sharing the joy of model trains with others.

Both on and off the golf course, Kenny is thankful for the vibrant communities available both on and off-campus - and takes advantage of the flexibility of being a DIII scholar-athlete.

 

Taj Phillips, Men’s Basketball

The next athlete in the spotlight for NCAA Division III (DIII) Week is senior basketball standout Taj Phillips. A two-time Northwest Conference First Team honoree and the all-time assists leader at the University of Puget Sound, Taj maintained a commanding presence on the court throughout his four years as a Logger. Beyond athletics, he is pursuing degrees in Business Administration and African American Studies, along with a minor in Spanish. Between classes and practices, his competitive spirit remains evident as he plays Spikeball and spends time with friends on Todd Field. For Taj, the tight-knit campus community and the relationships he has built are fundamental to his experience as a DIII athlete.

When considering colleges to continue his athletic career, Taj recalled that Head Coach Aubrey Shelton was the first to make contact. Reflecting on this early connection, he shared that Shelton "cared about my family and my life, things outside of basketball." This emphasis on holistic development—both as an athlete and as a person—was central to Taj’s vision for his collegiate experience. His time at UPS ultimately reflected that priority. For Taj, "playing for the Loggers has always been bigger than basketball." He emphasized the strength of the bonds formed through every weight room session, practice, and annual team retreat to Seabrook, Washington, noting that these shared experiences helped the squad grow not just as a team, but as individuals too. Taj remarked that his teammates are the people he envisions at his future wedding and expressed deep appreciation for the lifelong friendships he has forged at UPS.

Outside the basketball community, Taj became involved with the Association of Student-Athletes of Color (ASAC), joining as an executive member during his junior year. He stated that the goal of the club is to "curate safe spaces for student athletes of color on campus, through facilitating events such as affinity spaces, clothing drives, and guest speakers." For Taj, creating space for voices of color and connecting with fellow student-athletes of color has been a vital aspect of his college experience.

Although Taj’s collegiate basketball career concluded in February, he is actively exploring opportunities to continue playing professionally. He acknowledged the strong support of his coaches in reaching out to professional teams and expressed hope that the next chapter of his basketball journey will take him to Spain.