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.

Graduate student Thea Wrenn (Anchorage, Alaska) is a first-year student-athlete in the swimming program. Wrenn majors in Deaf Studies and is expected to graduate in May 2026.

In My Own Words: Thea Wrenn (Women's Swimming)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
TW: It's an amazing challenge. I came to Gallaudet to be challenged academically, but getting to grow as a student-athlete and improve as a swimmer has been one of my favorite parts of my first year. The requirements of being a good student-athlete, responsibility, accountability, and work ethic, as well as practicing how to push yourself mentally and physically are the same lessons that will keep me active and excelling in other areas of my life and work.
 
What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
TW: Being a student-athlete at Gallaudet has been filled with support, encouragement and camaraderie. When I joined the team, I had no idea how much support we would receive from the athletic training department, coaches, professors, and even alumni! I have made friends and connections that have supported me in my academic pursuits and athletic pursuits outside of Gallaudet. I am beyond grateful to everyone involved, but especially Coach Brian for all of the energy and effort put into making this experience champ!
 
How have you grown from the beginning of the season to now? 
TW: There have absolutely been improvements in my swimming, but I think the growth I'm most proud of is feeling more capable in taking on challenges and adapting to situations. I frequently jump to second-guessing my knowledge and abilities, but the support and experiences with my teammates, coaches, and the season's events has shown me that I'm more capable than I give myself credit for. Being able to see their strengths and learn from their skills has made me learn more about myself and I'm beyond grateful for those lessons.
 
What is your favorite memory from your first year on the swim team?
TW: BisonPride Week! It was an exhausting week of practices and workouts, but it was an amazing experience to have with all my teammates. Through the rest of the season, we're all much more spread out with class, work, and life requirements, but that one week we were all in the pool together, eating together, and relaxing together. Definitely my favorite memory from the last season!

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