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 Olivia Armstrong (Rotterdam, N.Y.) is a first-year student-athlete in the women's indoor track and field program. Armstrong majors in Physical Education Recreation and is expected to graduate in May 2026.

In My Own Words: Olivia Armstrong (Women's Indoor Track & Field)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
OA: Being a student-athlete in college is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Successfully balancing academics and athletics requires excellent time management, discipline, and resilience.
 
What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
OA: At Gallaudet University, student-athletes embrace Deaf culture and sports, fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork. They rely heavily on visual communication, such as sign language and hand signals, to coordinate and compete effectively.
 
What was the most difficult part of this season and how did you overcome it?
OA: The most difficult part of this season was staying motivated through setbacks, whether injuries or tough competitions. Overcoming these challenges required mental toughness, support from teammates, and maintaining a positive mindset.
 
What life skills have you learned from your time on the track team?
OA: Through my time on the track team, I have learned valuable life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and time management. These skills will help me in my future career and personal life.

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.