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 Lou Cherena (El Paso, Texas) is a third-year student-athlete in the softball program. Cherena majors in Art and Media Design and is expected to graduate in May 2025.

In My Own Words: Lou Cherena (Softball)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
LC: Being a student-athlete in college is busy but exciting. I have to work hard in school and also practice and play softball.
 
What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
LC: At Gallaudet, it's special because everyone uses sign language and supports each other. I feel proud to represent my school and play the sport I love.
 
What is your motivation when you're at the plate?
LC: When I'm at the plate, I think about helping my team and doing my best. I want to get a hit and make my team proud.
 
What is your favorite thing about your teammates?
LC: My favorite thing about my teammates is how we always cheer for each other. We are like a family and have lots of fun together.

2025 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Saturday: Elian Zfati (Men's Volleyball) | Lou Cherena (Softball)
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) | Alex Wilding (Men's Swimming)
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.