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.

Junior Joe Bryan (Liberty, Mo.) is a third-year student-athlete in the men's soccer program and also participates on the men's track and field team. Bryan is expected to graduate in 2027.

In My Own Words: Joe Bryan (Men's Soccer)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
JB: It has been a big challenge. There have been weeks that were hard and easy, but at the end of the day the job is finished. I think that being a student athlete helps me stay active in both school and sports.

What is your favorite GU sport you like to watch and support that is not your sport?
JB: I like watching and supporting basketball and track and field. I grew up watching a lot of basketball with friends and family, and it's nice to see those match up here at the school.

What is your favorite postgame meal and why?
JB: My favorite postgame meal so far would be chicken fried rice and sushi.

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