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.

Freshman Jay Yang (Darien, Ill.) is a first-year student-athlete in the men's cross country program. Yang's major is undecided and he is expected to graduate in May 2028.

In My Own Words: Jay Yang (Men's Cross Country)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
JY: I have to finish all my assignments before training with my teammates. 
 
What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
JY:  I have to finish all my assignments before practice.  
 
What is your pre-race routine?
JY: Eating fruits and vegetables and drink water and give my teammates a fist bump before practice is my pre-race routine
 
How does the cross country team support each other on race day?
JY: I like that we jog together during practice. After practice, we gave each other a fist bump. 

2025 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
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.