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 Jordan Antonio (Rochester, N.Y.) is a first-year student-athlete in the men's swimming program. Antonio majors in physical education and recreation and is expected to graduate in 2029.

In My Own Words: Jordan Antonio (Men's Swimming)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
JA: It feels like a dream come true to be a student-athlete in college because it will build a better future. Being a student-athlete makes me feel grateful after a lot of hard work growing up. Part of being a student-athlete will help me build more experience, resilience, and with overcoming challenges I've faced and beaten. I will keep high goals in athletics and academics. After I played sports through high school, I felt like I wanted to play in college. I joined the swim team; it's a new sport for me, and I enjoy it.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
JA: It is a dream come true to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University. I am here at Gallaudet right now, not only to accomplish my major, but to build memories through college life. It is good because I will make connections for the future, like when a job comes, my connections with teammates, coaches, athletic trainers can help and they are inspirational to me. Also, this is a deaf university which is perfect by using sign language with teammates, coaches, and athletic trainers. I am grateful that Gallaudet gave me the opportunity to be part of the athletics program.

Favorite thing about DC?
JA: My favorite thing about DC is visiting the White House, the Washington Monument, etc.

What is a career goal you have during your time as a Bison student-athlete?
JA: My career goals during my time as a Bison student-athlete are to build more memories with my current and future teammates and coaches, and improve my personal times for swimming with a strong mindset, hard work in the offseason, attend classes and give my all in swim practices. I am excited about what the future will give me as a Bison student-athlete. Go Bison!

2026 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Own Words
Saturday: Kayla Debrow (Women's Volleyball) | Jordan Antonio (Men's Swimming)
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.