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.

Senior Joshua Dugan (San Antonio, Texas) is a third-year student-athlete on the baseball program. Dugan majors in Accounting and is expected to graduate in December 2024 or May 2025.

In My Own Words: Joshua Dugan

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
JD: Being a student-athlete is hard work, but worth it! Only a small percentage of high school athletes are selected to play sports in college, so it is a unique experience. It requires commitment and long hours, especially during the season.

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
JD: It has been great to live in the dorm with other athletes  and study with the team (a requirement). I appreciate the support of my teammates in the good and hard times. We can be there for each other. Being a student-athlete has helped me stay accountable for my commitment to do my best in school and on the field. I love representing Gallaudet! 

Q: What are your plans after graduation, what do you plan to do in life?
JD: After graduation, my plan is to return home to Texas and look for a job in accounting. I have a strong support network of family and friends there. I'd also like to get involved in the deaf community and support organizations such as Deaf Young Life, which I helped to start. 

Q: Looking back on your baseball career at Gallaudet, what are some memories you will continue to cherish?
JD: Coach Pride has been an amazing role model for me since high school. He pushed me to grow as a person, a leader, and a player. Some of my favorite memories include my first college home run and our come-from-behind wins. I also loved traveling to Florida for our spring break tournaments. My parents shared a Bible verse that I will cherish forever: I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. PHI 4:13. This verse is stitched onto my first-baseman's glove.

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

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.