Deallaney Hudson, recreational therapy

Published May 02, 2025 by

Ronnie Woodward

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Deallaney Hudson has faced uncertainty since her birth and ensuing diagnosis of neonatal progeroid syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by accelerated aging.

As she prepares to participate in East Carolina University commencement later this week, however, there is full conviction in Hudson’s passion for being a spring class of 2025 graduate.

“I am proud of myself,” she said. “I will admit that to anybody and everybody. I’m not one to let anything stop me from what I want to accomplish. I go all-in and try to defeat all odds.”

Hudson is graduating in recreational therapy in the College of Health and Human Performance.

Deallaney Hudson stands with the D.H. Conley High

Deallaney Hudson, front row, far right, assists the D.H. Conley High School volleyball team by tracking their in-game substitutions.

The Greenville native and 20-year-old has been wheelchair-bound since back surgery July 1, 2024, but that hasn’t stopped her drive or ability to be an active member of the recreational therapy program, ECU student body and in the community.

She is on the executive board of the ECU recreational therapy student society. When she was a student at D.H. Conley High School she was a standout and national first-place competition winner in DECA, a high school and college student organization promoting marketing, leadership and career development, and helped track substitution patterns for the school’s volleyball team. Hudson still assists with those activities at Conley.

Deallaney Hudson listed the Belk Building as her favorite place on campus.

She also volunteers at the Cypress Glen Retirement Community.

“I love the people there and we do all kinds of activities,” Hudson said. “I like to always be doing something. There have been a lot of opportunities to grow and excel as a student in the recreational therapy program. It’s really exciting.”

Hudson will soon begin a 13-week internship at ECU Health in pediatric inpatient rehabilitation.

“After that is done, I will sit for my certification and license exam to become a recreational therapist and then hopefully will find a job somewhere,” said Hudson, who transferred to ECU from Pitt Community College.

STATISTICS

Name: Deallaney Hudson

College: Health and Human Performance

Major: Recreational Therapy

Age: 20

Hometown: Greenville

Hobbies/interests: Spending time with family and friends, volunteering at Cypress Glen Retirement Community, reading my Bible and working toward the goal of walking independently again

Clubs and organizations: RTSS (Recreational Therapy Student Society)

FAVORITES

Favorite place on campus: Carol G. Belk Building

Favorite place to eat:
Chick-Fil-A

Favorite class: Recreational Therapy Senior Practicum with Dr. David Loy

Professor who influenced you the most: Wendy Whisner

Favorite band/musician/podcast: Maverick City Music

Favorite movie: “Wonder”

Whether at the Belk Building, which is home to the Department of Recreation Sciences and Hudson’s favorite place on campus, or on main campus, Hudson is often accompanied by a friend to share conversations and smiles.

She said her experience at ECU has been boosted by friendships gained and memories made with friends. She is grateful for them and faculty and staff who have supported her in her Pirate journey to accomplishing various goals.

“It’s been an awesome experience, and I really appreciate the people in my classes for looking out for me and just being there for me to help me out these days,” Hudson said. “I told myself that I always wanted to be a Pirate one day, and here I am graduating. It’s amazing all the different opportunities and the wide variety you have available here at ECU. It’s exciting and I’m accomplishing some of my hopes and dreams. It’s an exciting time.”