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.

Sophomore Navar Harris (Charleston, W.Va.) is a second-year student-athlete in the men's indoor track and field program. Harris majors in Physical Education and Recreation and is expected to graduate in May 2027.

In My Own Words: Navar Harris (Men's Indoor Track & Field)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
NH: At first it was hard to be a student-athlete. You need to learn to balance your schoolwork and your practice schedule. If you spend too much time practicing, your grades will suffer, and you won't be able to do athletics.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
NH: Being a student-athlete at Gallaudet University is challenging. I am both excited and nervous. Excited because there is always a chance of breaking a school record. Nervous because you compete in shot put alone and everyone is watching.

How do you prepare for an intense throwing event?
NH: I prepare for a throwing event by practicing every day. I also work out and watch what I eat and drink. I keep a positive attitude.

What did you learn most from this track and field season?
NH: This season, I have learned to be patient and work hard. I listen to the advice from my coach. This helps me be a better thrower.

2025 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Sunday: Navar Harris (Men's Indoor Track & Field)
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.