WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University athletics is proud to participate in the annual NCAA Division III Week (April 7-13) to celebrate the impact athletics and Bison student-athletes have on our campus and the surrounding community. GU is joining 429 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 that are on a GU 2024-25 Division III sport teams. 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.

Senior KaVargio Smith (Union, S.C.) is a fourth-year student-athlete in the men's track and field program. Smith majors in Communication Studies and minors in Athletics Coaching and is expected to graduate in May 2025.

In My Own Words: KaVargio Smith (Men's Track & Field)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
KS: I'm blessed to be a student-athlete. It's definitely a unique and special experience balancing both academics and sports at such a high level. Ever since high school, I've wanted to compete at the NCAA level and now that I'm here it's amazing. But it's not just about sports it's also about balancing school and athletics. Time management is important because you must keep up with both your classes and training. It takes a lot of discipline and commitment to stay on top of everything. I've learned a lot about nutrition, new techniques and how to push myself to be more competitive. It's a lot of hard work, but it's also a lot of fun and really rewarding.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
KS: Being a student-athlete at Gallaudet is a big deal for me. I'm proud to be a role model and represent Gallaudet University. It's an honor to show the world that deaf people can achieve greatness. I even won second place in the conference championship in 2023 which is something I'll never forget. I'm proud to represent Gallaudet because without this university I wouldn't have the chance to compete in sports.

What was your first collegiate track meet like and how did it differ from competitions at the high school level?
KS: My first college track meet was a big step up from high school. The competition was tougher and everything felt more serious. I couldn't compete in the high jump yet because I wasn't qualified in my first year but by the middle of the season I finally qualified. I worked hard and kept pushing myself to improve. In my sophomore year, all that effort paid off when I got second place at the conference championship.

What is the best advice you've received from your teammates/coaches so far?
KS: The best advice I've gotten is: "No excuses, no stories." This means you must work harder than everyone else and stay focused. If you do that, you'll get the results you want.

2025 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Thursday: KaVargio Smith (Men's Track & Field)
Wednesday: Stokely Karp (Men's Soccer) | Thea Wrenn (Women's Swimming)
Tuesday: Jay Yang (Men's Cross Country)
Monday: Kyle Florio (Men's Basketball) | Joy Watkins (Women'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.