At the American School for the Deaf, sports are more than competition; they are a vehicle for personal growth and community pride. Senior soccer player Jadiel Torres describes his team’s outlook as “very confident” as they head to a tournament in Ohio this weekend.
Student voices on the field
Freshman volleyball player Suhjaria Dejsus celebrates a recent championship win, saying, “I love volleyball; we just won our championship this past weekend, so it’s something to be proud of.” Freshman basketball enthusiast K’Marie Owens adds, “I really love basketball, and just a physical part of sports,” underscoring how athletics provide a sense of belonging.
Coaches adapt for Deaf athletes
Head soccer coach José Wheeler notes the unique challenges Deaf athletes face, especially when sunlight makes visual cues harder. “Sometimes, with sun in their faces, it can be hard to see,” Wheeler explained. “So even signing can be a challenge.” To overcome this, players rely on hand signals and gestures. Dejsus explains that pointing toward a teammate signals a desire to pass the ball, allowing seamless communication without spoken words.
Athletic director Brittainy Payne emphasizes the broader life lessons sports impart. “We’re Deaf. We are Deaf and we’re showing them, you know what? We’re a Deaf school and we’re proud of it,” she said, highlighting how athletic participation reinforces identity and confidence.
Building confidence and teamwork
Through daily practice and competition, these student‑athletes learn perseverance, cooperation and self‑esteem. Their experiences illustrate how adaptive sports programs can empower students with hearing loss, fostering both physical fitness and emotional resilience.
The school’s emphasis on inclusive athletics aligns with its mission to nurture well‑rounded individuals who can thrive in any arena, on and off the field.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
