Division III Week Spotlight: Allyson Piecewicz Represents the Spirit of Service to Community

WESTON, Mass. -- As part of NCAA Division III Week - a nationwide initiative that celebrates the impact student-athletes have through academics, athletics, and community involvement - Allyson Piecewicz of Regis College women's basketball is being recognized for her commitment to service and leadership beyond the court.

This Division III Week feature highlights the importance of community service, as Piecewicz's experience reflects the core values of the Division III student-athlete experience. She became involved in the Service Immersion Program through campus ministry services, seeking an opportunity to step outside of her routine and give back in a meaningful way.

"I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger, and a service trip was always something on my list," Piecewicz said. "When I heard that Regis offers a Spring break service trip, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and experience a different way of serving others."

"I've always been interested in service, but I feel like I have never had the opportunity to fully understand the challenges people face in different environments. This experience was not only a way to give back, but also learn in a more meaningful, hands-on way."

Piecewicz and her group traveled to Blessed Assurance, part of the Mustard Seed Communities, located just outside of Montego Bay, Jamaica. While there, they immersed themselves in daily life, working alongside staff to support residents through activities such as games, singing, dancing, and assisting with basic care. The group also participated in work projects, including painting and rebuilding efforts related to hurricane damage, and visited additional Mustard Seed Communities throughout Jamaica.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip came during a community birthday celebration.

"One of my favorite memories was the birthday party that the aunties organized for all of the residents' birthdays during the month of March," Piecewicz shared. "We all sang and danced the night away...The sunset was beautiful and I felt a strong sense of community and love during the party. The emotions were heavy by the end of the night because my group and I were leaving the next morning. It is a memory I will remember forever."

Sunset on night of the birthday party

Beyond the experience itself, the trip had a lasting impact on Piecewicz both personally and as a student-athlete.

"This trip taught me leadership, appreciation for my life and the people in it," she said. "It has taught me to work hard whether that be in practice or in the classroom because I have the ability to do so."

She also reflected on how the experience shifted her perspective on challenges.

"Even though I experience hard days, my hard days are truly not that hard."

For Piecewicz, the experience also reinforced the importance of service and community involvement within Division III athletics, where student-athletes are encouraged to grow as individuals while contributing to their communities.

"Service and community involvement are important at the DIII level because it isn't all about athletics, it's about developing the whole person," Piecewicz said. "Division III athletes are not only defined by their performance, but by their character, leadership, and impact on and off the court or field."

"Being involved in their community or a community that is unfamiliar to them helps reinforce those values and reminds athletes that they are a part of something bigger than themselves."

Through her service immersion experience, Piecewicz exemplifies the mission of NCAA Division III - highlighting how student-athletes can make a meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader community while growing as leaders, teammates, and individuals.

For more information on how to get involved in Regis College's Service Immersion Program click here.