MCLA's Natalie Caney and Salem State's Mike Chen have been chosen to attend the 2016 NCAA Convention in San Antonio, Texas next week. The duo received the opportunity as part of the pilot program via the Division III Ethnic Minority Grant.

The Division III Diversity and Inclusion working group – created at the support of the Division III membership coming out of the 2015 NCAA Convention Division III Issues Forum, recommended a pilot program that would fund 43 ethnic minority students from Division III to attend the 2016 Convention.  The Division III Administrative Committee approved the funding for this pilot program. Caney and Chen were among the 43 student athletes selected nationwide to attend.

Caney is a three year athletic standout in both Soccer and Lacrosse.  She has been a three time All MASCAC performer in Soccer and was the conference's rookie of the year in 2013.  Last year, she was an integral part of Lacrosse's transition to a varsity program at MCLA. She led the team with 42 points including 26 goals for the Trailblazers. Caney is a sociology major and is social work and coaching minor. 

"I'm very excited to have this opportunity to network and learn about some different perspectives from coaches and administrators," Caney said about attending.  "Long term, I'd like to either become a coach or administrator so this is a great opportunity to learn first-hand," the junior continued.

An experienced athlete from Maryland, Chen has been playing hockey for 19 years. He said he chose to attend Salem State University because of its reputation. "I heard many good things about the school academically as well as the hockey program. Coach (Bill) O'Neill has over 500 wins and he knows how to succeed."

"I was thrilled and in disbelief for a moment," Chen said. "Only a handful of student athletes are selected for this grant, and to even be nominated was an honor." Chen, who is majoring in sport and movement science with a concentration in sports management, added that among his goals at the conference are to make connections with the administrative staff as well as with the student athletes. "I want to get a better understanding of how the NCAA operates," he said.

The Division III Ethnic Minority Grant is a two year grant program that provides funding for entry level administrative positions at Division III member schools. 

The NCAA Convention begins on Wed. January 16 and concludes on Sat. January 16.

Portions of this release courtesy of MCLA and Salem State Sports Information