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 Austin Baker (Frederick, Md.) is a first-year student-athlete in the men's volleyball program and he has been a part of the Bison football team in the past. Baker is expected to graduate in Spring 2027.

In My Own Words: Austin Baker (Men's Volleyball)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
AB: Being a student-athlete is a big commitment. You have to commit to your academics before your sports. It is a lot on you to maintain great grades and perform well in sports. I love playing sports as it gives me motivation to get the school things done, so I can focus on improving my game.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
AB: Gallaudet University is the only place you can play sports in American Sign Language (ASL). I love that I can interact with my coaches and players and communicate through ASL. There are no delays in communication as we can all be on the same page without interpreters.

What do you like most about your coach and how have they been there for you or challenged you this season?
AB: What I like most about my coach is that he has a very deep knowledge of volleyball and has years of experience. It's nice to be coached by an experienced player and get feedback and improvements in ASL. My coach is very patient and always wants the best for the players. He would spend time developing players' skills. I went through some personal struggles, and he was there to give me support and guidance on how to do better.

What is your favorite memory of your season?
AB: There are a lot of great moments during this season. The biggest milestone would be making it into the playoffs, but my best memory would be recording six blocks in a game against Neumann.

2026 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
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.