The Team Won its Second Deaf World Cup Championship in 2016
SEATTLE – In addition to celebrating Pride on June 23 against Phoenix, Seattle will give a warm welcome the U.S. Deaf Women’s National Soccer Team, as it joins the Storm in supporting equality, inclusion and diversity when it hosts the Mercury at 7 p.m. PDT.
The U.S. deaf women’s soccer national team is coming off its second Deaf World Cup Championship, which it achieved in 2016 by defeating Russia, 3-0. Amanda Newcomb, the team’s interpreter, will take part in the national anthem prior to tipoff signing in ASL.
“In a month that focuses on pride and inclusion, this team of deaf and hard of hearing athletes is thrilled to be recognized by the Seattle Storm,” said U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team head coach Amy Griffin. “We are looking forward to celebrating equality and inclusion, and world-class athletics, on June 23 with the Storm.
Griffin, who is also the associate head coach of the University of Washington women’s soccer team, was a member of the U.S. women’s national soccer team that won a gold medal in the historic 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China.
In a night that is centered around equality and inclusion in sports, the attendance of the women’s soccer team will allow the opportunity for others to learn more about the team, the deaf community and gather support for the program to dissipate stereotypes.
“What the U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team has done on the field is inspiring,” said Storm President & GM Alisha Valavanis. “It is especially poignant that they are joining us tonight, as we celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in athletics.”
The deaf soccer world championship forbids all hearing aids and hearing implants before players board the bus to get on the pitch. The U.S. team has been successful of late, claiming World Cup titles in both 2012 and 2016, as well as a gold medals at the 2005, 2009 & 2013 Deaflympics. The team is solely self-funded & pays to play. Players rage in age from 12 to 38 years of age. The team is in Seattle for a four-day training camp with a focus on improving communication and speed of play, both essential to keeping the team’s international unbeaten streak alive.
Secure the best seats in the house with Storm 360 Memberships, available now, starting at $180, available online or by calling (206) 217-WNBA (9622). Packages and group discounts are available at 206-217-WNBA (9622).