Beginning on Friday, Feb. 13, seven of the eight usually-scheduled teams from schools for the deaf or hard of hearing came together for the annual competition during the Eastern Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association tournament.<\/p>\n
Over three days, the tournament was held in Connecticut, and during the girls’ basketball game on Friday, a moment of compassion and character stood out.<\/p>\n
The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf was playing West Hartford’s American School for the Deaf. Late in the fourth quarter, 14-year-old Bella was on the court.<\/p>\n
“I think we had 10 points to their fifty-something,” said Bella through an interpreter. “Our coach called the timeout, and we were like, ‘What’s up, coach? And he said, ‘Well, there’s a new player on the court, and I want you to give the ball to her.'”<\/p>\n
What the coach meant was passing the ball back to the competition, specifically to the player in jersey No. 33, who was a senior playing her last year of girls’ basketball games for this school.<\/p>\n
“Then, she shot, and she made it, and she was so happy,” said Bella. “She gave me a hug, and I’m just going to always remember that moment.”<\/p>\n
WPSD players passed to the other team’s player so much that the American School for the Deaf got four more points.<\/p>\n
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf Athletic Director Kallie Mendenhall said this tournament is only for schools on the East Coast with players who are deaf or hard of hearing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“There was something bigger than basketball in that moment,” said Mendenhall.<\/p>\n
It’s a moment that’s resonating with those beyond that community. During an interview with KDKA-TV, Mendenhall was asked whether the team gained something despite the loss.<\/p>\n
“Growth and mindset, character building,” Mendenhall said. “There are moments when we can demonstrate mutual respect and take a step back to see what really matters.”<\/p>\n
Bella agreed.<\/p>\n
“Kindness can do so much more to get you ahead than winning,” she said.<\/p>\n
WPSD’s team was later recognized with a sportsmanship award at the tournament.<\/p>\n