A chance to compete — Schools for Deaf and the Blind are soaring

TAYLORSVILLE — The girls crowded around their coach amazed that they could see so much of themselves in their opponents.

"The tournament (in Oregon for deaf teams) was an eye-opener for them," said Jen Byrnes, head coach of the girls basketball team at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. "The girls were in a national environment. They're so isolated here, that for some of them, it was the first time they'd seen conversations everywhere among the deaf population. They said, 'Hey, they're teenagers just like us; they're talking about boys and school.' They got to be a part of a bigger community."

Both boys and girls teams from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind traveled to the tournament earlier this year, and while they did well on the court, it was the off-the-court experiences that mean the most to both players and coaches. They even learned how to cheer for each other for the first time.

"Some of the kids have identity issues, and being part of the larger community helps them develop more confidence as a deaf individual," said USDB head boys coach Craig Radford.

USDB revived its sports programs two years ago with the help of the Utah High School Activities Association. Because the school was unable to field teams for spring sports last year, it is currently an associate member. But officials, coaches, players and parents hope the athletic opportunities for both blind and deaf students only grow in the future, including offering track and field opportunities to deaf and blind students from all over the state.

Radford and Byrnes said that not only have the teams improved in their skills, but they are now enjoying more community support as those affiliated with the school get used to the idea that sports are back for USDB students.

Unlike traditional schools, the USDB doesn't have a single campus where it can rally its students behind its sports programs. Players drive from as far away as Brigham City to play basketball at the USDB site in Taylorsville. Radford said the school is lobbying the Legislature to build them a new school with better facilities, which he believes will help them strengthen the fledgling programs.

"Last year we won one game," Radford said last Thursday before the team's final game of the season. "This year, we are 12-5. But it's not just the record, it's the experience. It helps them develop a lot of valuable skills. It helps them improve their grades, and for many of our kids, it helps with social skills. Because they have different roles, like team captains, they're also learning about leadership. For most of them, it's a new experience."