WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University athletics is proud to participate in the annual NCAA Division III Week (April 7-13) to celebrate the impact athletics and Bison student-athletes have on our campus and the surrounding community. GU is joining 429 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 that are on a GU 2024-25 Division III sport teams. 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 Pia Garreffa.

Joy Watkins (Hockley, Texas) is a first-year student-athlete in the women's outdoor track and field and women's swimming program. Watkins majors in Mathematics and minors in Education and is expected to graduate in December 2026.

In My Own Words: Joy Watkins (Women's Track & Field)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
JW: Being a student-athlete is both challenging and rewarding. It proves that Deaf and Hard of Hearing students can achieve success in sports just like anyone else. When I first joined, I didn't realize how many opportunities being a student-athlete would give me. It has helped me grow mentally and physically, teaching me discipline, teamwork and perseverance.

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
JW: Gallaudet University provides unlimited opportunities for students to participate in sports more than other universities. The environment is supportive and encouraging, helping Deaf athletes push their limits and prove they can succeed. Being a student-athlete here has helped me build confidence, ignore negative thoughts, and overcome any doubts others might have about me. I have learned that I am capable of more than I thought.

What are your personal goals this season and for the rest of your collegiate athletic career? 
JW: My personal goal is to achieve my best time at each meet and push myself to improve with every race. I also want to encourage my teammates to believe in themselves and strive for their best performances. Training is tough but staying consistent and focused will help me reach my goals. If I become a coach one day, I want to motivate my athletes to stay dedicated, work hard, and never give up, no matter the challenges they face.

What is the best part about being on the track and field team?
JW: The best part is seeing my hard work pay off when my race times improve beyond what I expected. It gives me a strong sense of accomplishment and motivates me to keep pushing myself. I also love the team atmosphere, where we support and challenge each other to be better every day. 

2025 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Monday: Kyle Florio (Men's Basketball) | Joy Watkins (Women's Track & Field)

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.