WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University athletics is proud to participate in the 12th annual NCAA Division III Week (April 10-16) in an effort to celebrate the impact athletics and Bison student-athletes have on our campus and the surrounding community. GU is joining 439 Division III institutions and 44 voting conferences in this week's celebration.

To help focus on the many student-athletes that represent Gallaudet athletics we will spotlight two different student-athletes each day this week. You will learn more about them as they express their feelings on what it is like to be a Division III student-athlete here at Gallaudet. Interviews were conducted by the Gallaudet Sports Information Office.
 
Sophomore Enow Otto Jr. (Waldorf, Md.) is a second-year student-athlete with the men's basketball program. Otto majors in public health and is expected to graduate May 2025.

In My Own Words: Enow Otto Jr.

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
EO: As a student-athlete you have a much different college experience than non-athletes. Once I get to practice, a workout, a game, and classes, there are multiple advantages, but there are also multiple difficulties and duties that come with it. It can be challenging to balance studies, and high-level athletic competition leads to great accountability.

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
EO: As a student-athlete at the only deaf university in the country, this is the best opportunity for me to be able to grow with the deaf community. Gallaudet University teaches me the importance of comprehending what it takes to work as a team to succeed with my partners and teammates. Totally worth it when you will increase your knowledge of valuable life skills from college athletics. For example, learn how to support other people's accomplishments, be willing to make sacrifices for your great team and teammates, show the love that inspires those around you on and off the court, and learn how to be accountable.

Q: What are your goals after graduation, what do you hope to do in life?
EO: After graduation, I aim to get a Bachelor of Science degree and travel around the country. I'm looking forward to my future life being a traveling nurse able to travel and meet new people.

Q: What are your favorite memories of your men's basketball trip to Hawaii?
EO: My favorite memories of the Gallaudet's men's basketball trip to Hawaii were the cultural vibe of the beaches, the tropical environment, the welcoming culture, and the food that I had never seen before in my life.

Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Sunday: Abdullah Alghamdi (Men's Swimming) | Lilan Nelson (Women's Track and Field)
Saturday: Kylar Sicoli (Football) | Olivia Anderson (Women's Cross Country)
Friday: Vershon Carter (Men's Soccer) | Hannah Puent (Women's Basketball) | Azarriyah McKinnon (Cheerleading)
Thursday: Joshua Bourne (Men's Track and Field) | Reza Mosher (Women's Soccer)
Wednesday: Darren Drolsbaugh (Baseball) | Amanda Chemutai (Women's Swimming)
Tuesday: Kyle D'Amore (Men's Cross Country | Danyeal Davis (Softball)
Monday: Enow Otto Jr. (Men's Basketball) | Citrine Lummer (Women's Volleyball)
 
About Division III Week
Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement. For more information log onto https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2013/11/15/division-iii-week.aspx.
 
About Gallaudet
Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world. For more information about Gallaudet University please log onto www.gallaudet.edu and visit the Bison athletics homepage at www.gallaudetbison.com.