Category: National

Kobe Bryant Surprises This Inspiring Deaf Basketball Coach Who Went Viral

Sekeo White, our own USADB player, was featured on Rachael Ray show!

https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/video/kobe-bryant-surprises-this-inspiring-deaf-basketball-coach-who-went-viral

 

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Earlier this month, a video of Mississippi School for the Deaf head coach Sekoe White coaching his players during a timeout, went viral on social media.

White, the boys head basketball coach, said his initial reaction to the video was comical because that’s their everyday life.But, he said after reading some of the comments on social media, he realized this was a great learning opportunity for people not familiar with ASL and the deaf community.

“The person who videoed me was fascinated with how we use ASL, who we can communicate with deaf children,” said White. “He was fascinated with that and I failed to realized, so what. I saw the video online, that’s every day practice. Then I realized the rest of the community and they expressed themselves how they felt about the video, that’s actually an educational moment and I’m very proud to share that with the world.”

White attended the Kentucky school for the Deaf. He also played basketball and graduated from a public school, where he was the only deaf student.

He said he applies those experiences to coaching his players.

“If you have a disability any kind of disability, you think you can’t,” White said. “No, no, no. I say there is a way be successful. You have to just go the extra mile. You may have to go the extra 2 miles. It might take an extra 4 miles or 10 or 20, but you know what, you got to take the hard work and go the extra miles. Everybody deserves greatness and can do that.”

White said the main goal is to teach his players the value of never giving up.

“For so many, it’s easy to give up with things when you face a challenge, but that kind of mentality or if you have the passion and desire to breakthrough all the barriers, that is the story of the my life. I’ll do what ever it takes to breakthrough the barriers. Maybe people might pick on somebody that’s deaf, they may look down on them. Say, hey you can’t play basketball.”

But, he says it was basketball that instilled those values in him.

“The dorm director, that’s my main job here. That’s what got me here. But really basketball is what I have to thank for getting me here. Because it’s taught me the value of what I can do to be successful and to give me confidence. And to use my passion and enthusiasm to now aspects of my job.”

Source: https://www.wjtv.com/sports/viral-video-of-miss-school-for-the-deaf-becomes-educational-moment/1628548852

 

 

2019 Region Tournaments

First 2019 Region tournament will be held in Southwest region this coming weekend in Austin and will run throughout this month all over the country. Southeast will have their tournament in Puerto Rico! May the best team win!

2019 Region Tournaments

John “Bird” Perry, Coach of Six National Championships Passed Away

Houston, TX – January 20, 2019 —

It is with great sadness to announce we have lost one of the greater contributors of our deaf basketball community. John “Bird” Perry, 47, passed away in Northern Virginia at 3:25 PM, January 15, 2019. Bird contributed as a player, coach, advisor and officer for EAAD regional chapter of USADB.

Following graduating from Annandale High School, Perry enrolled at Gallaudet University where he played four years for the Bison. Perry remained with the program after his playing days were over. He sat on the bench as an assistant coach for 15 years.

During his time away from his college coaching job he played Deaf Club basketball, starting with Frederick Stars. Perry was fundamentally sound player who used his coach’s acumen on the floor. Later he played with Northern Virginia (NoVa) for a short stint before moving on to the Maryland Stars.

In the latter parts of his playing career he took on the moniker player/coach only playing spot minutes when necessary. His gift was best known as a coach. He would assemble some of the most selfless groups of players who he knew wanted to be led.  Perry’s was equally competitive from the bench as he was as a player. Leading, NoVa and District, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) Diplomats to six national championships in a nine-year span, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018. He was voted Coach of the Tournament 3 times in 2010, 2012 and 2016.

If he wasn’t coordinating practices and local league participations he was at home with his family. He was a devout family man and did all he could to assure their happiness. Over the years he would step down from club ball and even briefly from GU citing family obligations. The hiatus didn’t last long. He was right back at it bringing his best players together to form a dynasty.

Perry was a true comrade who cared deeply for the basketball community and improving the competitive and administrational parts of deaf basketball. His pleasant, warm demeanor will be missed. His strategic authority of his squads will be forever remembered. He was a champion in all phases of the game both on the floor and off the floor.

Family, friends, former teammates, colleagues, former players, opposing coaches and the entire deaf basketball community wish John “Bird” Perry Godspeed. The basketball Gods receive another coach well prepared with open arms.  Written by Darnell Woods

If you would like help with meal arrangements for Dierdre and and her kids. Go to Take Them a Meal website. 

A wonderful Tribute article by Brendan Stern: What Bird Taught Me

4 Inducted into 2018 USADB Hall of Fame

     

Four individuals were indcuted into  2018 Hall of Fame at a nice Luncheon Ceremony on Saturday, April 14, 2018.  Hubert Anderson (deceased), Ron Emerson (deceased), Michael Stultz and Darnell Woods were honored.