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.

Senior Taran Johnson (Kyle, Texas.) is a senior student-athlete in the football program. Johnson majors in communications with a minor in deaf studies and is expected to graduate May 2026.

In My Own Words: Taran Johnson (Football)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
TJ: It was the best experience I've ever had. The dynamics of brotherhood on the football team were complicated, as I had to work with over 40 to 50 teammates. Through hardships, sacrifices, and dedication, I was able to enjoy my four-year career with every single person on the team. I will remember every memory I made along the way!
 
What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
TJ: Gallaudet University is the only deaf university in the world. That may seem like a simple and plain answer. Although every single teammate I met brought something of their own to the table. From struggles, language barriers, and different perceptions, those are things you have to embrace and respect if we are to be a well-oiled machine on the field. Being on the Gallaudet football team gave me various perspectives that would benefit me in the next chapter of my life.
 
What is your favorite memory of your season?
TJ: My favorite memory of the season was always the bonding we had. Whether in the weight room, on bus rides, or at recruitment dinners. The conversations I had during those times are the ones I will remember the most. In the weight room, we had to push each other to our limits, which we didn't even realize existed. On bus rides, we had a great abs workout by laughing at a lot of funny jokes. Competing against teammates during social time at the game room brought out adrenaline like never before. Overall, the bonding is what truly takes a team to the next level.
 
You are graduating this semester, what are your plans after graduation?
TJ: After graduation, I plan to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. I will go wherever God takes me! I want to make an impact along the way, just like the one I received by being a part of the Brotherhood of Gallaudet University's football team.

2026 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Own Words
Sunday: Ashley Morales-Juan (Women's Cross Country) | Andrew Suarez (Men's Track and Field) | Taran Johnson (Football)
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.