On October 7 Wheaton began participating, along with the CCIW's other eight full-time members, in the conference's #WhyD3Wednesday project across three of Wheaton Athletics' three social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter). The CCIW asked each institution to have a student-athlete from each varsity sport tell: 1.) Why I chose my institution; 2.) Thoughts on the campus community; 3.) The positives of playing on my team. Wheaton's participation in the project concluded on Wednesday, December 15 and we wanted to share all of the stories our student-athletes shared during the course of the campaign. Below is the full submission from each participating student-athlete in order of the conference's publication schedule (Click on the link for each submission date to see the original post on Instagram (@wheaton_thunder)  
SUBMISSIONS FOR OCTOBER 7 (Women's Soccer & Men's Soccer)
Carney Blake (Women's Soccer) "I chose to attend and compete at Wheaton because of the strong Christian community, the great academics and competitive soccer. Wheaton's community is like no other. The students and faculty genuinely care and want to engage in each other's lives. I love the variety of backgrounds Wheaton students come from. Everyone has an interesting story that culminates in a life-giving community of believers. I love that on Wheaton's team we play for a bigger purpose. On the field, we fight for each other and give each game our all but at the end of the day, we play to glorify God. The team's tight community builds each other up and makes playing for Wheaton a lot of fun." 
 
Hasten Biddlecome (Men's Soccer) "What brought me to Wheaton were the opportunities that are offered during and after my college career. However, once I got here I found an exceptional community within the team, the professors, and fellow students. Being able to be a part of a culture where we learn and compete all for the glory of God has been a privilege and has reaffirmed my decision to play here."
 
SUBMISSIONS FOR OCTOBER 14 (Women's Cross Country & Men's Cross Country)
Anna Joy Setran (Women's Cross Country) "As a senior, I am so grateful to look back on my three years at Wheaton and praise God for my time here. Specifically through cross country, I am constantly encouraged and challenged by my coaches and my teammates. Every practice we get to come together and learn how to engage in running as worship. This team really is about Jesus and learning how to live into our identity as his children.  I have grown so much these past few years not only as a runner, but more importantly as a follower of Christ!"
 
Jonah Jones (Men's Cross Country) "Having both parents and an older brother speak so fondly of this school, I was hooked on attending Wheaton. Wheaton provides many opportunities for its students to value many aspects of life, beyond the academic and athletic programs. I'm glad I chose to join this cross country program at this school; as it has enhanced my experience at Wheaton and I'm a faster runner because of this program!" 

SUBMISSION FOR OCTOBER 21 (Volleyball)
Deb Smith (Volleyball) "My dad, who attended Wheaton, really encouraged me to study and play volleyball here. I am thankful he did!  I love the balance between athletics and academics here at Wheaton. I am encouraged daily by my classmates, teammates and coach to become a better student, athlete, and Christian. My volleyball team has been a built in support system that I can lean on to fill me up and challenge me every day." 
 
SUBMISSIONS FOR OCTOBER 28 (Football & Wrestling)
Ryan Schwartz (Football) "Wheaton College is a place unlike any other. The instant you step on campus, you realize that there is something special about the campus, students, and faculty. Choosing to play football has been one of the best decisions I've made for more than just the game itself. The coaching staff and my teammates have been influential in my spiritual growth. It is a community of iron sharpening iron and I am blessed to be a part of a culture that is committed to furthering Christ's Kingdom."
 
Natan Jara (Wrestling) "The reason I chose to attend Wheaton was because they were a solid Christian college, I knew that Wheaton would give a great education, and because Coach Gruenwald recruited me to wrestle. The reason I decided to wrestle was completely because of Coach Gruenwald. I had gone to wrestling camps with him in the past and saw that he deeply cares about his wrestlers, he is an extremely talented coach, and he is a man who always points to Christ and challenges his athletes to be the best versions of themselves. The campus community is solid, it is refreshing to be around a community that builds each other up, and where you can find many genuinely good spirited people. The best things about wrestling at Wheaton are being a part of the team community and having the coaching staff build into you as a wrestler and as a person."
 
SUBMISSIONS FOR NOVEMBER 4 (Women's & Men's Basketball)
Hannah Williams (Women's Basketball) "I chose Wheaton because I knew it would challenge me to pursue excellence in every area of my life and provide me with the resources and relationships I needed to both encourage and push me to go even further. Competing on the Wheaton Women's basketball team has taught me what it means to be a reliable teammate, a hard worker, and a selfless leader. The team has been my backbone and built-in support system for the past four years, never letting me fail or succeed on my own, while deeply caring for every aspect of my life, not just basketball. At Wheaton, my relationships with my coaches and teammates goes beyond the locker room."
 
Tyson Cruickshank (Men's Basketball) "I personally chose to play basketball at Wheaton for many different reasons but the main differences I saw in the Wheaton program compared to other schools was the major faith aspect and the love that was evident that everyone had for each other on the team. Another major reason I ended up at Wheaton was the opportunity to compete for a national championship every year as many programs in Division III do not have that opportunity. I knew coming in that the CCIW was the best competition at the Division IIIlevel for men's basketball which was also a large determinant for me, being able to play some of the best competition night in and night out.

"The campus culture at Wheaton guides students into a loving community that is so distinct from many other college campuses. Wheaton has gone far beyond my expectations for a connected and entertaining community, especially before Covid there was always something happening on campus that anyone was able to get involved in. After my freshman year at Wheaton, I had made so many more meaningful relationships outside of the Basketball team that I could have never guessed. The quality people and relationships that I have made here I will forever be grateful for."

"There are so many positives to playing basketball at Wheaton. First, the deep connection and life-long relationships that are made on this team is something special that not many people get the opportunity to have in their college experience. Second, the coaching staff and training staff not only top-tier quality but they also care deeply for all the athletes and always want what is best for us. It is very rare to find coaches like Coach Schauer and Coach Panner who are always looking out for your best interest and not their own. Lastly, the team trip after four years in the program is something that not many programs in the country get the opportunity to go on, our trip to Zimbabwe was one of the best basketball and life experiences I have ever had."
 
SUBMISSIONS FOR NOVEMBER 11 (Women's Swimming & Men's Swimming)
Abby Rutledge (Women's Swimming) "I originally chose to attend and swim at Wheaton because Wheaton provides both a rigorous academic and athletic environment. But what made the difference was the immediate connection I made with people on my recruiting trip. When I came to campus, I immediately felt welcomed in by the team members. I noticed that the student athletes loved to be here and the coaching staff was extremely hospitable and easy to connect with. I visited two classes and I saw professors who were not only encouraging but invested in the student's well being outside of the classroom. I could tell when I stepped on campus that Wheaton offered something different than the other schools I had seen: excellence in faith based academics and athletics."

"My freshman year I was impacted by the kindness of strangers around campus. When I walked to class, people I did not know personally would make eye contact and smile at me. This made a huge impact on my view of the campus community. The students at Wheaton are motivated to pursue excellence not only in academics but also in the way they treat others. I believe that Wheaton's campus community is an environment hard to come by today on college campuses. Wheaton students care about each other, and want to pursue Christ and His kingdom."

"One of the best things about being a Wheaton swimmer is feeling that you are part of a legacy. There is a rich history of traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation of the Wheaton swim family. Being a part of this is so special. Additionally, I love training with a team that is genuinely excited to be in the water and wants to challenge each other both in and out of the pool. The Wheaton swim team is competitive when it comes to racing. But also, the team is so encouraging and fun to do life with day in and day out."

Ethan Kile (Men's Swimming) "I chose to attend and swim at Wheaton largely because of the team chemistry and character I saw on my recruiting visits. For athletes, these visits show you the culture of the group that will be composed of your best friends for the next four years and hopefully a lifetime, but at Wheaton, this is expanded to show you the group in which you are challenged and encouraged by spiritually. Teams are not just made of friends here; they are ministerial and are comprised of your brothers and sisters in Christ. When I first encountered the Wheaton Swimming family, I saw people who I wanted to become more like as they were becoming more like Christ, and I knew I wanted in."

"The campus community at Wheaton is unlike any other campus I have encountered. Because of our common core values, relationships here are deeper than friendship, and because of that, they often last long after graduation. Wheaton totes "intentional community" frequently to the point that some use it jokingly, but I think everyone here understands its truth to some degree. On the swim team, we ask, "Who is on your 'life relay'?" to mean, who is going to be there 15 years from now when you are in crisis, because none of us can go through life alone. Those are the types of relationships that Wheaton's community creates."

"Swimming at Wheaton has been the most positive experience about attending Wheaton for me. This team truly has become my family. It has offered me incredible friendships, role models and mentors, spiritual growth, people who have helped me with the burdens of life. While this team is linked by our joy for competition, we are more importantly connected by our love of Christ; we are Christ-followers who swim, not swimmers who follow Christ. This team definitely knows how to have a good time, like any team does, but most importantly, it has taught me to live in the Freedom of Christ. Free to Swim."

SUBMISSIONS FOR NOVEMBER 18 (Women's Track and Field & Men's Track & Field)
Tess Sutton (Women's Track & Field) "From my first conversation with Coach Bradley I knew that I wanted to be part of the Wheaton Track and Field team because of how he talked about appreciating the whole person. Freshman year I felt so welcomed and inspired by the upperclassmen. Sophomore year I was supported and included through my injury. Junior year I saw how I was going to have friendships to last a lifetime. The Wheaton track community appreciates people beyond their performance and consistently demonstrates God's love."
 
Andrew Lauber (Men's Track & Field) "I chose to attend Wheaton because it provided me the opportunity to pursue rich academic learning, competitive athletics, and ultimately be a part of a community with a deep emphasis on spiritual growth. Participating on the track and field team has allowed me to be surrounded by teammates from different walks of life with a shared communal identity in Christ. I am truly grateful for all of the experiences I have had at Wheaton, both on and off of the track."

SUBMISSIONS FOR NOVEMBER 25 (Women's Golf & Women's Golf)
Maddie English (Women's Golf) "I chose Wheaton because of the opportunity they gave me to compete in the sport I love, while pursuing my dream job through a degree in Elementary Education. As a student athlete, I am constantly being challenged by my coaches and teammates to grow as a golfer, student, and Christ-follower. Wheaton Golf has given me lasting friendships and relationships that have impacted my college experience in a big way, and I am so thankful for that."

Cooper Williamson (Men's Golf) "I chose Wheaton because I knew that I would be blessed with the opportunity to be challenged in academics, athletics, and faith while also having the unconditional support of teammates, coaches and professors. I am incredibly grateful to compete alongside my closest friends in an athletic conference that never fails to produce exciting golf tournaments. It is truly a gift to participate in the community at Wheaton College, and the memories and knowledge that come with this gift will last a lifetime."

SUBMISSIONS FOR NOVEMBER 25 (Women's Golf & Women's Golf)
Maddie English (Women's Golf) "I chose Wheaton because of the opportunity they gave me to compete in the sport I love, while pursuing my dream job through a degree in Elementary Education. As a student athlete, I am constantly being challenged by my coaches and teammates to grow as a golfer, student, and Christ-follower. Wheaton Golf has given me lasting friendships and relationships that have impacted my college experience in a big way, and I am so thankful for that."

Cooper Williamson (Men's Golf) "I chose Wheaton because I knew that I would be blessed with the opportunity to be challenged in academics, athletics, and faith while also having the unconditional support of teammates, coaches and professors. I am incredibly grateful to compete alongside my closest friends in an athletic conference that never fails to produce exciting golf tournaments. It is truly a gift to participate in the community at Wheaton College, and the memories and knowledge that come with this gift will last a lifetime."

SUBMISSIONS FOR DECEMBER 2 (Women's Tennis & Men's Tennis)
Claire Dibble (Women's Tennis) "Wheaton tennis has given me the chance to play the sport I love, alongside teammates who love the Lord. Competing with a Kingdom mindset has shaped our team into an encouraging group who cares for each other, on and off the court. I know that when I step on the court I'm representing the Lord and my teammates, which reframes the game of tennis in the best way."

Anderson Park (Men's Tennis) "What I love about playing on the Wheaton tennis team is the unique and uplifting community it creates. I'd say we are all pretty different people on and off the court both in playing style and personality so it's cool to see how tennis brings us all together. Everyone adds something unique to the team. Furthermore the kind of care I have experienced in the Wheaton tennis program is not one that is solely based on my ability to hit a ball over a net but is one that has looked after my wellbeing and growth as a person, a student, and a Christian."

SUBMISSIONS FOR DECEMBER 15 (Softball & Baseball)
Janette Oh (Softball) "Choosing to play softball at Wheaton has proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions I have made in college. I'm surrounded by teammates and coaches who not only push me to thrive in softball, but also challenge me to pursue God daily. One of my favorite parts of playing for Wheaton is when we get to pray with the other team after our games. I love that we always give thanks to God for providing the opportunity to play, and it is a great reminder of why we compete.

Cale Lewis (Baseball) "As a student-athlete at Wheaton, I have been challenged to grow both as an individual and a follower of Christ. The pursuit of both academic and athletic excellence at Wheaton is a special combination. I'm blessed to be a part of this community and very grateful for my teammates, both past and present. While playing baseball at Wheaton, I have formed relationships that reach far beyond the bounds of any game or practice, relationships that will last a lifetime."