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 Danyeal Davis (Newport News, Va) is a second-year student-athlete with the softball program. Davis majors in mathematics and secondary education and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026.

In My Own Words: Danyeal Davis

Q:What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
DD: As a student-athlete in college it is different from high school or an athlete league because college sports take a lot of time and it can be stressful for academics. However, it gives you soft skills in time management and teamwork. Life as a college athlete can be both demanding and rewarding.
 
Q:What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
DD: As a student-athlete at Gallaudet University it is a great experience and feels like a home. The reason Gallaudet University feels like a home is that I learn a lot at Gallaudet University and develop time management and teamwork from softball and friendships.
 
Q:What are your goals after graduation, what do you hope to do in life?
DD: My goals after graduation are unknown, but I want to teach in a small Deaf school that needs a Deaf model to inspire students to succeed in their future goals. I hope my goal as a teacher is to be able to help my students to succeed and inspire their friends or the Deaf community.
 
Q:What are your favorite memories of your softball's spring break trip to Florida?
DD: My favorite memories of softball's spring break trip to Florida were developing a team bond between players, coaches and athletic trainer. It was a great experience; a full week with softball teammates, coaches and athletic trainer.
 
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.