2 deaf athletes need funds for games

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Andrea Anderson and Shari Kelsch-Bailey have a lot in common.

The Utah Valley women are both attractive and blond.

They're both 27 and stand 5 feet 10 1/2 inches tall.

They love the game of basketball, which they have played competitively since childhood.

They both played in high school and in college.

And, because both are profoundly deaf, they are currently playing together as forwards on the USA women's basketball team that will compete in the Deaflympic Summer Games in Melbourne, Australia, in January.

While being profoundly deaf can be a plus when it comes to staying focused in a noisy gym filled with cheering fans, it also has drawbacks — like not being able to hear the referee's whistle.

"You have to be extra alert and watch, or sometimes you can run all the way to the other end before you notice the game has been stopped," Kelsch-Bailey said. "I played college basketball at Utah Valley State College and at Westminster College, and I knew to watch. When everyone stopped, there had been a foul called. It's harder in the Deaflympics because there are no lights or anything. The referees use hand signals, or someone grabs you."

Despite such challenges, the women agree basketball is good for them.

Their love for the game is manifested in the hours they are willing to devote daily to training and practice and their willingness to stump for the funds they need to pay their own way to the Deaflympic Summer Games.

Each needs to raise $4,500 by Dec. 5 to cover the costs of travel and accommodations.

Anderson recently asked her hometown Saratoga Springs City Council for help. She's also selling T-shirts and asking local businesses to assist.

Kelsch-Bailey, of Alpine, is selling shirts and knocking on business doors to raise money.

"I'm so excited to play with all of the team," Anderson said. "It's fun to play with deaf athletes from all over the world."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us," Kelsch-Bailey said.

Anderson said Kelsch-Bailey is the best player on the team, averaging just over 20 points per game.

Team coach Ron Johnson said both women are motivated and play good defense as well.

"I know they will contribute and play hard to get the gold at Australia," Johnson said.