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.

First year Dev Sklar (Brooklyn, N.Y.) is a first-year student-athlete in the women's basketball program. Sklar majors in Public Health and is expected to graduate in May 2028.

In My Own Words: Dev Sklar (Women's Basketball)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
DS: Being a student-athlete in college is challenging, especially being a first-year student. I had to balance basketball and academics and figured it out through time management. Whenever I was free, traveling on the bus to an away game or before afternoon practices, I would do my work rather than last minute. I like that we have morning practice because it keeps me disciplined. As an essential rule, Coach Stevens told the team that if practice starts at 6:30 a.m., we must be there 30 minutes early or we are running. From this, I learned that if you are on time, you are late; if you are early, you are on time.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
DS: Being a student-athlete at Gallaudet University is a unique experience because we all communicate in American Sign Language, which makes it easier for everyone to understand. There are no communication barriers. While I was growing up in hearing schools my whole life, especially being the only deaf athlete, it was always a constant struggle with my hearing team, but I managed it by teaching them numbers in ASL for plays. Having teammates like me, deaf or hard of hearing, means everything to me. I'll tell you why: I got bullied for my deafness in middle school and used basketball to prove them wrong and that deaf people can do anything they put their minds to. I felt left out, but it was a game-changer at Gallaudet. My team is like family to me, and we have built a sisterhood. 

What was going through your mind during the final moments of the championship game? 
DS: My heart was racing fast; I always believed in my team and had faith. I knew we would win when Raj put up the rebound in the final seconds. When she did that, I was so hyped and excited that I ran towards my teammates and celebrated. Winning the first conference tournament championship in Gallaudet women's basketball history is an amazing accomplishment as a freshman. Additionally, entering the NCAA tournament and playing against NYU in the first round in my hometown (New York) was an unforgettable experience. Even if we lost the game, all that mattered is that we played hard and got that far.

What advice would you give to future GU basketball players?
DS: Anything is possible as long as you work hard. Nothing is impossible. Hard work will take you everywhere, on and off the court.  

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