'We Can Do Anything': Deaf High School Football Team Goes Undefeated

November 22, 2021

The football team at the California School for the Deaf has defied the odds with an undefeated season.

deaf school football team undefeated
Credit: Adam Perez / The New York Times

The Varsity football team went 11-0 this season and has also won their divisional championship game for the first time in school history.

The players and coaches rely on American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate.

"It's inspiring for the deaf community quite honestly. 11 and 0 we've never experienced this being this far in playoffs," coach Keith Adams told ABC News. "The community is so excited, the morale has been uplifted, the self-esteem of our players -- you can see a major difference."

Wide receiver Jory Valencia said the team's inspiration was the fact that they've never had a successful season.

"We're showing the world we can play. We're not losing anymore," he said.

deaf school football team undefeated

Running back Enos Zornoza said that their success this season is due to their perseverance and hard work during each practice.

"We can do anything. Deaf people can do anything. We're not this stereotype that's out there," he said.

"We're breaking news that we can do it right. And not just our school here but other schools for the deaf can do it as well."


feel good videoStray Dog Becomes the Star of a Wrestling Match

feel good storiesDad Kept a Handmade Paper Tie His Daughter Made at Age 5 for a Very Special Moment

feel good storiesThe Neighbors Who Found the Dog Had Never Met the Owner. They Were on the Same Alert List

feel good videoHigh School Band Student Goes Viral With Incredible 'Thunderstruck' Xylophone Performance

feel good videoHe Found a Baby in a Phone Booth. Years Later, She Found Him and Calls Him Dad

feel good videoHe Was Paralyzed at 15. Then He Found a Love That Changed His Life

feel good videoHe Carried a Gas Tank Across the Graduation Stage to Honor His Father

feel good videoA Stranger's Letter Gave This Baby His Middle Name