There is a significant lack of research on the participation of Deaf student athletes in sports, particularly within Deaf-centric environments where American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language. This study addresses this gap by documenting and recognizing the unique experiences of Deaf student athletes at Gallaudet University, the world's only university designed for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. As a counter-narrative, this study draws comparisons to their prior athletic experiences and sheds light on their holistic experiences and motivations for attending a Deaf-centric university. The study reveals that their decision to enroll at Gallaudet University is motivated by direct communication, inclusive environments, and a sense of belonging. Their Gallaudet experiences align closely with these motivations. Given that 9 out of 10 Deaf people are born to hearing parents who do not sign, facilitating opportunities for Deaf student athletes to engage in Deaf sports is crucial. This study contributes significantly to existing literature on the Deaf experience and aims to provide valuable insights for stakeholders in supporting this distinct population of Deaf student athletes. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]