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 Cristian Martinez-White (Vancouver, Wash.) is a second-year student-athlete on the men's track and field program. Martinez-White majors in Physical Education and Recreation with a minor in Athletic Coaching and is expected to graduate in May 2024.

In My Own Words: Cristian Martinez-White

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
CMW: It is a wonderful experience being a student-athlete. It is like a full-time job and you have to balance the life of being a student and an athlete. It can be overwhelming sometimes but worth it.

Q: What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
CMW: Being a student-athlete at Gallaudet is amazing, everyone can communicate with each other without missing out on any specific details. I can communicate with my coach comfortably because he knows ASL. All my teammates use ASL and we create the best memories and friendships that can last a lifetime. I am proud to say I'm a student-athlete on the track and field team at Gallaudet University. 

Q: What is it like being a student worker in the athletics department plus completing an internship with the University of Maryland athletics department? How do you balance everything while also being a member of the track and field program?
CMW: This can be a tricky part sometimes (ha-ha) but the key to making everything work is communication. I always inform my supervisors ahead of time if I will be working or go to my track and field meets. If I will work at Gallaudet Athletic events, I will inform both of my supervisors at Gallaudet University and University of Maryland and my coach. Sometimes it can be exhausting but finding that balance is essential. I have been managing it very well this semester. 

Q: What mentality is required to run on a relay team that sets university records?
CMW: The mentality of running through a brick wall, we know we're strong and can continue to break records all season. We practice hard every day and review films of our runs when we can and continuously give each other feedback so we improve our splits. 

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) | Cristian Martinez-White (Men's Track & Field) 

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.