DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - Due to a recent change in the NCAA legislation, high school student-athletes who are committed to play at the Division III level can now participate in a signing day ceremony with official documentation from their future institution. The change comes as a result of feedback received by the NCAA from student-athletes, coaches and administrators.

For years, high school students who have been recruited to play at the Division I, II, or NAIA level have participated in a signing day ceremony in front of their friends and family. During the ceremony, those students officially signed their letter of intent to play collegiate athletics on a form provided by their future institution. Up until this year, future Division III student-athletes were not given the same luxury.

As of April 1, those athletes who are heading to Division III institutions, like Loras, can now sign a document emblazoned with the school logo.

"The signing letter provides the inclusion, attention, and publicity possibilities that student-athletes deserve," Women's Basketball Head Coach Justin Heinzen said. " Institutionally, it will continue to offer program exposure in a positive way and that can only benefit Duhawk Athletics as a whole."

Once high school students have been officially accepted to Loras and committed to continuing their academic and athletic future as a Duhawk, they can receive the form from their future head coach.

While this new form will bring increased exposure for the high school student, it also serves as positive exposure for Loras.

"I feel this is a step forward for Division III and Loras Athletics," Director of Athletics Denise Udelhofen said. "This gives prospective student-athletes an opportunity to share with friends and family the excitement of deciding their next step in education. One of the hallmarks of Division III athletics is that the student-athlete has the opportunity to compete in a sport they love as well as explore interests beyond academics and athletics."