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 Azarriyah McKinnon (Dillon, S.C.) is a first-year student-athlete with the cheerleading program. McKinnon majors in biology and minors in American Sign Language and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026.

In My Own Words: Azarriyah McKinnon

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
AM: A full-time job equates to being a collegiate athlete. You must plan ahead and be prepared to act when the time is right. Your top focus should be finding the correct school, regardless of whether it is an NCAA DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, or junior college. You must determine which academic and playing level is ideal for you. Many inquire as to how I determine which grade and institution is ideal for me. You as the player initiate the process by going on campus visits, participating in camps, watching practices, or even going to a game. I constantly advise players to compete in both large and small schools. You will gain a better knowledge of how an academic institution operates as a result.
 
Q:What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
AM: I could find it challenging to strike a balance between my training and my academic responsibilities as a student-athlete. Maintaining my fitness is important, of course, but so is doing well in school. A schedule should be created and followed. So that I have plenty of time to relax and sleep, make sure it is not filled. If it is, I will feel a lot of tension. Although it might initially appear impossible, if I enjoy both my sport and my studies and have a good balance between the two, I'll have a lot of fun. 
 
Q:What are your goals after graduation, what do you hope to do in life?
AM: After I graduate, I want to acquire the abilities that will enable me to achieve the success I've always desired. I'll put in my best effort and take whatever steps are necessary to get there. I'm going to tackle everything in life with enthusiasm and a positive outlook. I want to travel the world and launch my own company before I turn 25. These are just a few of my life objectives. 
 
Q: How can cheerleaders best represent their school and fans?
AM: To represent the school, cheerleaders should present their best selves both physically and verbally. They should constantly give everything their all and never have an attitude.
 
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.