NASHVILLE, Tn. – Arcadia University men's basketball junior
Debarrin Norman attended the 2025 NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program held at the NCAA Convention in Nashville from January 14
th-17
th.
RELATED: NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program
Norman was one of only 40 student athletes nationwide who were selected to attend this year's conference. Norman is the fifth Arcadia student-athlete to participate in the program since 2021.
The selected students were exposed to Division III, its members, and the governance process. In addition to the scheduled convention programming, participants attended welcome and debrief meetings, participated in a
DiSC assessment, and were assigned to a mentor. The goal is to build the pipeline of candidates to ultimately diversify the coaching and/or administrative landscape in Division III.
"I had the opportunity to learn from so many other student-athletes and professionals within this work field who want to keep pushing for the success of Division III athletics," shared Norman. "I learned about the governance process and all the different positions and requirements it takes for me to be the athlete I am today and have the opportunities that I do. I heard from countless professionals such as Jason Verdugo, Lamarr Pottinger, Will Baggett, Julie Zike, and many more. It was eye opening to see the behind the scenes work and have the insight of what these individuals do for us student athletes."
"We are very fortunate to have someone like
Debarrin Norman in our program" shared head coach
Adam Van Zelst. "To have him represent Arcadia Athletics and the men's basketball program at the very selective NCAA Immersion program means a lot to our staff and his teammates. It is bigger than just basketball at Arcadia and we are proud of him."
"I want to thank my mentor Samantha Whiting for your guidance and advice you've given me, Malik Henry and Ali Spungen for being such great leaders in this program and motivating us with such contagious energy with the intention to help all of us in this program and our future endeavors," expressed Norman. "Thank you to my fellow peers who I've gained so much knowledge from and grown a great respect for all of them, and lastly to Arcadia University and my athletics director
Brian Granata for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. I'm very grateful and honored."
