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 Kayla Debrow (Jacksonville, Fla.) is a first-year student-athlete in the women's volleyball program and also a member of the women's basketball team. Debrow majors in physical education and recreation, and is expected to graduate in 2029.

In My Own Words: Kayla Debrow (Women's Volleyball)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
KD: You need to have a good balance between academics and sports.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
KD: Visual first, American Sign Language (ASL) is everywhere. There is strong Deaf identify and team culture at GU, which offers a unique training environment for deaf and hard of hearing student-athletes. You can't forget about academics though, that definitely matters a lot.

What is the best thing about your teammates?
KD: My teammates are very supportive of each other, like sisters, no matter what situation we're in. We have great team spirit in our huddle during volleyball games and practice. We are all about love and laughter together. 

What is your favorite memory of your season?
KD: We traveled to Wisconsin at the start of the season to play several games. We got to visit the Green Bay Packers' stadium and restaurant together as a team.

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.