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 Jala Furdge (Brandon, Miss.) is a first-year student-athlete in the women's track and field program and also participated on the women's cross country team last fall. Furdge majors in communication studies and is expected to graduate in May 2027.

In My Own Words: Jala Furdge (Women's Track and Field)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
JF: Being a student-athlete is a first-time experience for me, but it means showing up for my academics as well as I do in my sport. Showing up on time and being consistent with my work has helped me become the best student-athlete I can be, as I learn to balance and manage the workload of both.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
JF: I enjoy being a student-athlete at Gallaudet University because I have the opportunity to represent the school and show my dedication to it. Also, as a student-athlete here, I have a lot of support, including my coach and athletic trainers, who have helped me navigate my journey as a runner.

Favorite thing about DC?
JF: My favorite thing about DC is the metro. Using the metro, I don't have to rely on or worry about taking a car. Also, I've gotten used to the red line, and it is so easy to navigate. It is much more convenient for me as a student.

What is your favorite memory of your season?
JF: My favorite memory of my season is surpassing my own goals in every competition. Before any competition, I set a realistic goal I can reach, and accomplishing each one is something I want to remember and reflect on how far I have come.

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