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.

Junior Carter Johnson (McCall, Idaho) is a third-year student-athlete in the football program. Johnson majors in Biology and minors in Chemistry and is expected to graduate in May 2026.

In My Own Words: Carter Johnson (Football)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
CJ: Being a student-athlete in college can be stressful and overwhelming, but it comes with the reward of having fun in football. It has also made me become a person who is becoming better at time management due to the high workload of school and athletics. Football is what helps give me a chance to release that stress from school or any other pressure. This helps me elevate as a player and a student.
 
What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
CJ: As a student-athlete at Gallaudet, it is unique because many other student-athletes are going through the same thing as you. Gallaudet is where everyone understands each other's schedules and commitments more. I get to know everyone more than other colleges due to the size, which helps build that college chemistry. Gallaudet also has a great Deaf community that is close, and this just further enhances that team chemistry on and off the field.
 
What is the toughest challenge you've overcome as an athlete?
CJ: One of my greatest challenges is effectively prioritizing my academic responsibilities while maintaining my motivation and commitment to football. During particularly stressful periods at school, it can be difficult to manage both. I've learned that staying focused and completing my schoolwork efficiently allows me to fully engage in football practices and games without added pressure.
 
How do you and your teammates support each other throughout the season?
CJ: I'm fortunate to be part of a dedicated group of football players who are motivated to exceed expectations. These are the people I surround myself with, especially during challenging times in the season, because they help keep me focused and uplifted. We often hold study sessions or help each other with homework when we can so we're better prepared to perform on the field. We also lead by example, those who consistently show up and stay committed to both academics and football set the standard for the rest of the team. In many ways, we're like a bison herd: always moving together, supporting one another, and working hard toward our goals.

2025 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Friday: Carter Johnson (Football) | Olivia Armstrong (Women's Indoor Track & Field)
Thursday: KaVargio Smith (Men's Track & Field) | Nicole Hicks (Women's Volleyball)
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.