HILBERT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PARTNERS WITH ST. MARY'S SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

No coach would argue against the important role that communication has on successful teams.

No coach except for those who coach at St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo, N.Y.

Hearing impaired basketball players do not have the same ability to call out ball screens on defense or get their teammate's attention when they are open on offense - but yet they still find ways to play the game they love.

The Hilbert College women's basketball team coordinated a clinic for 33 students at St. Mary's School for the Deaf November 4th. Paul Crowley, who has spent the last 31 years overseeing programs at SMSD prior to his arrival on Melissa Graham's coaching staff this fall, created the connection for the Hawks to help out at the Main Street school with participants who ranged in age from elementary school to high school.

Coach Graham led the clinic with the SMSD coaches interpreting her words so the athletes in attendance could understand her instructions.

Two Hawks, seniors Wyann Jackson and Paige Chatt who are currently enrolled in a sign language class at Hilbert College, were able learn new signs from the SMSD students as they put their sign language skills to work.

By the end of the clinic, the Hawks were able to fully appreciate the privilege of communication and its benefits on the basketball court.  Not only were the Hilbert players teaching the athletes about basketball skills, the SMSD students helped the Hawks realize they can't take small things for granted.