1/29/25
Gallaudet launched an exciting new chapter in its athletics program last week as men’s volleyball made its debut at the D3 level. In a milestone match against St. Norbert, the Bison hit the floor with passion, spirit, and skill. While the Green Knights ultimately claimed victory, Gallaudet captured a thrilling set win, with leads changing six times during the match that brought the packed Field House crowd to its feet. But the electric atmosphere and competitive play were just the beginning of what proved to be a landmark evening for the program.
At the intersection of Washington D.C.’s Florida Avenue and 6th Street stands an institution that has been breaking barriers in deaf education and athletics for over 150 years. Gallaudet University, the world’s first university designed specifically for deaf and hard of hearing students, has cultivated not just academic excellence, but also a rich tradition of athletic achievement that has transformed perceptions and opened doors for deaf athletes worldwide.
The story of Gallaudet athletics begins in 1883 when the institution fielded its first football team. What started as a small group of students playing informal games would eventually lead to one of the most significant contributions to American football: the huddle. In 1894, quarterback Paul Hubbard gathered his teammates in a tight circle to prevent opposing teams from reading their signed plays. This innovation, born from the unique perspective of deaf athletes, would become a fundamental part of football strategy used by teams at all levels.
But Gallaudet’s impact on sports extends far beyond this single innovation. Throughout its history, the university’s athletes have demonstrated that determination and talent know no audiological boundaries. Take Kenny Walker, who in 1991 became the first deaf player to be drafted by the NFL, playing for the Denver Broncos. Walker’s journey from Gallaudet to professional football helped change perceptions about deaf athletes’ capabilities at the highest levels of competition.
The university’s women athletes have been equally groundbreaking. In 1999, Ronda Jo Miller became the first deaf player to be named an NCAA Division III All-American in volleyball. Miller’s dominance on the court – she still holds several NCAA records – proved that communication barriers could be overcome with skill, teamwork, and innovative coaching strategies.
Perhaps one of the most inspiring chapters in Gallaudet’s athletic history came in 2005 when the women’s basketball team achieved an undefeated regular season, capturing national attention and demonstrating the power of visual communication in team sports. The team’s success highlighted how deaf athletes often develop heightened visual awareness and spatial recognition, turning what some might view as a disadvantage into a unique competitive edge.
The swimming program has also produced remarkable achievements. In 2011, Marcus Titus not only qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials but also successfully advocated for changes in starting procedures at USA Swimming events. His activism led to the implementation of strobe lights on starting blocks nationwide, making competitive swimming more accessible for deaf athletes at all levels.
Football continues to be a source of pride and innovation at Gallaudet. In 2013, the Bison football team captured headlines with an impressive 9-1 regular season record, their best since 1904. Head coach Chuck Goldstein implemented a unique system of visual play-calling using sideline signals, demonstrating how deaf athletes and coaches continue to innovate and adapt the game.
Track and field has been another arena where Gallaudet athletes have excelled. John Macready’s multiple conference championships in the high jump during the 1990s showed that precision events requiring timing and body control could be mastered without auditory cues. His success inspired a generation of deaf athletes to pursue track and field events.
The university’s baseball program made history in 2016 when Curtis Pride became the first deaf head coach in NCAA baseball. Pride, who played 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, brought professional experience and unique insight into how deaf athletes can succeed in a hearing-dominated sport. Under his leadership, the program has emphasized visual communication and heightened awareness on the field.
Now it is the men’s volleyball team that takes the floor and represents the pride and achievements of programs launched before them. The roster is a melting pot with players from a wide variety of locations including Hawaii, California, Canada, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Indiana, New York, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas and New Jersey. 6′ 2″ Zach Bippus was a star on the attack for the Bison. He smashed 13 kills, had 6 digs, and provided 4 blocks during the opening match leading all players but many Bison contributed. Ben Beyer had 6 kills and 2 blocks, Ty Wascher had 3 kills and 5 blocks, Troy Holcomb dished out 25 assists, and Elian Zfati lifted 6 digs. 18 players got in the match and made their mark on opening night.
Beyond individual achievements, Gallaudet’s athletic program has been a catalyst for broader social change. The success of its athletes has helped challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about deaf individuals’ capabilities. The university’s teams regularly compete against hearing schools, fostering understanding and demonstrating that competitive sports can be a powerful vehicle for inclusion and education.
We also give credit to Head Coach Ben Campman. It’s a special set of skills that are needed to be a Head Coach for Men’s collegiate volleyball but Ben is asked to take it to the next level. He shared this through the Gallaudet website:”I am thrilled to be named the interim head coach for the men’s volleyball program here at Gallaudet,” said Campman. “Having been with the club team last year I’ve already seen how excited and passionate our players here are. The team has shown so much potential, and with programs starting to pop up at Deaf high schools all over the country, there is a great foundation for this program to grow and excel in the coming years. I cannot wait to be a part of it and hope to see all the incredible student-athletes going through this school achieve great things through this program.”
The impact of Gallaudet athletics extends into everyday life as well. Many of its former athletes have become coaches, teachers, and advocates, spreading their knowledge and experience throughout the deaf community and beyond. Their success stories have inspired countless young deaf athletes to pursue their athletic dreams, knowing that deafness need not be a barrier to athletic achievement.
Today, Gallaudet continues to innovate in athletics. The university has implemented sophisticated visual systems for play-calling and communication, using technology and visual aids to enhance performance. These innovations often find their way into mainstream sports, benefiting all athletes and demonstrating how diversity in athletics can lead to positive changes for everyone.
As we look to the future, Gallaudet’s athletic legacy reminds us that sports have the power to transform lives and challenge preconceptions. Each victory on the floor, each record broken, and each barrier overcome adds to a rich history that continues to inspire. The university’s athletes prove that with determination, innovation, and support, any obstacle can be turned into an opportunity for excellence.
This legacy of achievement, innovation, and perseverance continues to grow with each new generation of Gallaudet athletes. Their stories remind us that the true measure of athletic ability lies not in what some might see as limitations, but in the heart, determination, and creativity that athletes bring to their sport. Through their achievements, Gallaudet’s athletes have not just participated in sports history – they have helped reshape it, making athletics more inclusive and accessible for all.
