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.

First year Alex Wilding (Santa Fe, N.M.) is a first-year student-athlete in the men's swimming program. Wilding majors in Elementary Education and is expected to graduate in May 2028.

In My Own Words: Alex Wilding (Men's Swimming)

What is it like to be a student-athlete in college?
AW: Being a student-athlete is fun! Being an athlete makes college more enjoyable.
 
What is it like to be a student-athlete at Gallaudet University?
AW: Being a student-athlete at Gallaudet is even better! Having access to ASL in school and sports allows me to do what I enjoy. CHAMP!
 
What is the toughest challenge you've overcome as an athlete?
AW: Being on the swim team pushes me to do my best in all my classes in addition to keeping myself active and healthy.
 
How do you and your teammates support each other throughout the season?
AW: My upperclassman teammates have taught me that it's okay to make mistakes and you might not always be the best at your sport, but as long as you are improving, that is your personal win!

2025 Division III Week Student-Athlete Spotlight: In My Words
Tuesday: Jay Yang (Men's Cross Country) | Alex Wilding (Men's Swimming)
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.