Calista Wotten: Deaf Volleyball Star Aiming for Gold at the Deaflympics

From Miami Beach to Tokyo: A Volleyball Journey

• 🏐 Calista Wotten, a Miami Beach resident, is preparing to compete in the upcoming Deaflympics in Tokyo.
• 💡 Her passion for volleyball began at a young age, with both parents being former collegiate players and her mother also serving as a coach.

Overcoming Hearing Challenges

• 🗣️ Calista was diagnosed as legally deaf, which presented social challenges, particularly in middle school where she found it difficult to keep up with conversations.
• 🤝 Volleyball became a crucial outlet, helping her to fit in and excel in a sport she naturally gravitated towards.

Leading the US Deaf Volleyball Team

• 🇺🇸 Calista will be leading the US deaf volleyball team into the Deaflympics.
• ✨ She describes the feeling as surreal and is incredibly excited for the opportunity to compete on the international stage.

Community Support and Fundraising

• 💰 The US deaf volleyball team is currently raising funds to support their trip to Tokyo.
• 🔗 A link to the fundraising page is available on the Local 10 website for those who wish to contribute.