WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University athletics is proud to participate in the annual NCAA Division III Week (April 1-7) in an effort to celebrate the impact athletics and Bison student-athletes have on our campus and the surrounding community. GU is joining 434 Division III institutions and 42 voting conferences in this week's celebration.

To help focus on the many student-athletes that represent Gallaudet athletics we will spotlight several 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 Gallaudet Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant Pia Garreffa and graphics by Athletic Communications Coordinator Bruce Saperstein and BoxOut Sports.

Alecia Miller (Litchfield, Ill.) is a first-year student-athlete on the winter cheerleading squad. Miller majors in ASL Interpretation and is expected to graduate in May 2025.

In My Own Words: Alecia Miller

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
AM: To be a student-athlete in college is both very rewarding and difficult. I love to be involved within the student community, and student body, as well as be a friendly face students can feel as though they can come talk to. But balancing school work with my sports can be challenging at times but seeing my hard work pay off in both areas is a very rewarding experience and feeling for me.

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
AM: Being a student-athlete at Gallaudet University is a dream. When I arrived at Gallaudet, I never imagined I would join a sport. I thought I would focus solely on my studies but I decided to add sports back into my schedule and I do not regret it. I love to be busy, but not only that, I love to support my school and my fellow athletes. Being a student-athlete here at Gallaudet has opened new doors for me, given me new friendships and life long memories. I will forever cherish my time as a student-athlete here at Gallaudet University.

Q: What gives you the most energy while cheerleading?
AM: What gives me the most energy while cheering is the crowd and fans! I love when everyone gets involved. Whether they are trying to cheer, chanting or making noise for us or the game. I love to see involvement.

Q: How do you feel when leading an energetic crowd?
AM:  When I am leading an energetic crowd I feel amazing and full of energy myself! I always have a giant smile beaming on my face when the crowd projects the same energy that we are giving them. It's really an amazing feeling being able to cheer on teams with the fans and hype both the teams and the fans up!

Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Monday: Samson Abraham (Men's Soccer) | Lacey Drolsbaugh (Softball) | Alecia Miller (Winter Cheerleading)
 
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.