WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University athletics is proud to participate in the annual NCAA Division III Week (April 6-12) in an effort to celebrate the impact athletics and Bison student-athletes have on our campus and the surrounding community. GU is joining 426 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. 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 Alyssa Marino and graphics by Athletic Communications Coordinator Bruce Saperstein and BoxOut Sports.

First Year Jayden Orsi-Pedersen (Frederick, Md.) is a first-year student-athlete in the men's basketball program. Orsi-Pedersen majors in information technology and is expected to graduate in 2029.

In My Own Words: Jayden Orsi-Pedersen (Men's Basketball)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
JOP: A student-athlete in college means having more responsibility and independence than in high school. It has helped me learn how to balance my social life, friendships, and schoolwork.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
JOP: Being a student-athlete at Gallaudet University means having access to strong support from coaches and athletic trainers. They communicate with me and help me improve my performance in games.

What is your favorite memory of your season?
JOP: My favorite memory from this season was when we got our first win against Goucher. I started for the first time in college, and the fans were going crazy after our win.

What do you like most about your coach and how have they been there for you or challenged you this season?
JOP: What I like most about my coach is his consistent energy and positive attitude, even when we have a losing record. He always motivates us before games, pushes me during practice and weightlifting, and checks in to make sure I am doing well in school.

2026 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Own Words
Friday: Marcella Shular (Triathlon) | Jayden Orsi-Pedersen (Men's Basketball)
Thursday: Natalie Greene (STUNT) | Joe Bryan (Men's Soccer)
Wednesday: Evangeline Diaz (Women's Basketball) | Jala Furdge (Women's Track and Field)
Tuesday: Sofia Giansanti (Women's Flag Football) | Austin Baker (Men's Volleyball)
Monday: Olivia Wascher (Softball) | Mary Figueroa (Women's Swimming)

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.