Division I is upon us. After a long summer of waiting, the Fall 2022 athletics has started. For the sports fans, we’ve gained the first USI Division I schedules. A lot of important things come from athletic schedules like: Who do we play? How many home games will there be? Do we even have a chance at the DI level?

The Board of Trustees decided to transition university athletics from NCAA Division II to Division I on Feb. 7. USI officially became Division I on July 1 joining the Ohio Valley Conference. This year will be something special, and the excitement is higher now because we know our competition.

The transition to DI also means more exposure for USI. Being a member of DI, we are now able to stream on ESPN+. We might not be able to make every game, but now we can watch them all. Below I’ve listed a few games you don’t want to miss as well as highlights from the schedule releases. 

Women’s Soccer:

As of Sunday, women’s soccer was sitting at 2-1-1 after tying with Northern Illinois University. In an exhibition match against Murray State University, the girls managed to tie. This team has a lot to be excited about after bringing back Eric Schoenstein, women’s soccer head coach. 

Schoenstein has led USI to the last three Great Lakes Valley Conference finals, winning one of them 2019. 

The recent success, plus addition of Peyton Murphy, freshman midfielder, gives me enough cause to think the team will have an outstanding season. Murphy was highly recruited in Division I.

“She’s had a massive impact and established herself really early,” Schoenstein said. “She’s done a tremendous job of acclimating to DI, our culture and has just been lights out.”

Most of their schedule seems exciting, but I want to highlight their match on Oct. 9 against Lindenwood University. USI and Lindenwood have a history after they both transitioned to the OVC. I’d like to see more of a rivalry come out of the matchup.

Swimming and Diving:

It’s no secret there’s a buzz on campus about the swimming and diving team. The culture being created in the program before the preseason even starts is contagious.

Cameron Kainer, swimming and diving head coach, has been very active through social media, getting fans excited. Despite the expected Division II recruitment, Kainer hasn’t let that affect them in the recruiting process once DI was announced.

“The GLVC is very comparable to the kind of conferences we were rumored to be a part of for Division I,” Kainer said. 

The swimming and diving team will look to put on a show at each meet to make their mark in the OVC. The first home meet is against Valparaiso University on Oct. 1. I think the stands will be packed, and the energy will be high.

“Valpo is really comparable to us even right now,” Kainer said. “I think we’re going to pack out the Aquatic Center with an opportunity to win.”

Other announcements:

Women’s basketball has a few notable matchups with high praise.

In December alone, they play Murray State University, Butler University and Cincinnati University. After dominating their last year of the GLVC, the Screagles will get a chance to show just how good they are in DI against notable teams. I believe Rick Stein, women’s basketball head coach, Randa Gatling, women’s basketball assistant coach, and Emma Dehart, assistant coach and alum, have what it takes to push this team far once again.

Cross country has a short season this year with only four combined meets, not including the OVC Championships, through September and October. “Live at the Lou Classic,” the third meet of the year, will be the meet to watch out for. The runners’ training will start to be pushed with the OVC championships approaching. It’ll be the time they have to give what they’ve got to qualify.

This year will be one to remember. Not only do we get to see the first stepping stones of USI athletics in DI but the reasons why the transition happened.