NEW MEXICO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF VOLLEYBALL HOSTING NATIONAL COMPETITION
For the first time ever, New Mexico School for the Deaf is hosting the Spikeout Volleyball Tournament with Deaf programs from all around the country. The event includes teams from California, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, and Texas. “It’s been our first year participating and so far, it’s been amazing,” said New Mexico School for the Deaf volleyball coach Dominic Harrison, through an interpreter. “It’s an honor for NMSD to be in this tournament and represent New Mexico.”
The Spikeout Tournament is an annual event that’s been around since 1999. “I remember watching Spikeout when I was in high school in Texas,” said Harrison. “Now to be here as a coach and participant is a little overwhelming.”
“Spikeout has always been with the largest Deaf schools, and this is the first time, as a small school, we are joining this level of competition and I think it’s going to really make us step up our game,” said NMSD senior Angelique Quinonez, through an interpreter.
Deaf athletes break barriers and inspire others. The communication between the players and teams is different than other events during the season. “With all deaf teams, they can see what we’re signing, we have to try and keep it from them,” said Harrison. “Hearing teams don’t know what we’re saying to each other. How we communicate can be a tricky thing.”
“With public schools, we see them talking, but I can’t understand what their plan is, and I’m trying to track that, and it’s hard to tell what they’re going to do,” said Quinonez. “Against a Deaf school, we can understand each other, so it’s inspiring because you feel that connection.”
New Mexico School for the Deaf came into the tournament with a perfect 9-0 record. “I’m proud of this team,” said Quinonez. “Some people couldn’t even play when they first joined and we’ve grown our skills and we have massively improved, so fast.”
“We have a formidable team, they have big dreams, they’ve got passion, they’re motivated, and hopefully we’ll get into state,” said Harrison.
The finals of the tournament will be held Saturday at the New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe.
