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.

Freshman Amanda Chemutai (Snellville, Ga.) is a first-year student-athlete with the women's swimming program. Chemutai is an independent studies major.

In My Own Words: Amanda Chemutai

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
AC: Challenging yet fulfilling. Adding responsibilities like working a job and paying bills makes a significant difference when balancing academics and athletics. Work/life balance can be tough to create and maintain. I enjoy challenging myself both physically and mentally though sometimes I feel overwhelmed. At times I love and hate being a student-athlete in college.

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
AC: Being at a bilingual and inclusive school is unique. I love having accessibility and demonstration based coaching. However, I'd also like to see Gallaudet University offer student-athletes more support with recovery by providing things like yoga, mindfulness sessions, etc. There's much emphasis on athletic training and doing well academically but minimal attention on stretching, mental strengthening, and decompressing which is just as important-if not more important.

Q: What are your goals after graduation, what do you hope to do in life?
AC: So much! For me God comes first, and I believe that I was created for a purpose, so whatever I do in my life I hope it satisfies my creator and fulfills my purpose. Second, I'm an artist with primary focus in the film industry. My mission is to educate through entertainment and globally bridge gaps in society. I also aim to serve in the military, establish a couple businesses, and have a non-profit organization.
 
Q: What's your favorite thing about your teammates and coaches?
AC: The sincerity. On the swim team both coaches and athletes are all abundantly supportive. Coach Brian has an enthusiastic personality which can brighten even the darkest day, there are several student-athletes within the team who have leadership qualities, and overall it's truly a wholesome environment. I'm grateful for them.
 
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.