@MYOS1634, points of agreement and points of disagreement. There is no doubt that the D3 seasons are shorter than D1. That is not hard to show, and it is based on number of games allowable by NCAA. It also is not subject to dispute that certain leagues (i.e., NESCAC) have afternoon times before which athletic events and practices cannot take place. Certainly the D3 captains practices (attendance technically not required) in the off season make the commitment far more endurable. On those points alone, I agree that D1 programs are going to be more intense than D3s.
But, however, I can’t agree that D3 programs are even close to a college club or high school club program. I took a look at a large successful state U club baseball team that had 21 games spread over the spring and fall. That is half of the 40 game NCAA limit for D3. Practices are three to four days a week. In season, D3 teams are going to be six to seven days a week.
Consider just travel time. In the NESCAC for example, if Hamilton plays Bates, that is going to entail a hefty bus ride (well over five hours one way).
I think my most important point is that D3 athletics is not a continuation of high school and club athletics, and anyone considering it should look into the nature of the commitment at the school in question.