Head Volleyball Coach Kate Lindholm Serves as Youth Program Coordinator for USA Deaf Volleyball

BALTIMORE, MD – Head Volleyball Coach Kate Lindholm is helping build the next generation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Volleyball athletes across the country, serving as the Youth Program Coordinator for USA Deaf Volleyball. 

Lindholm's journey to USA Deaf Volleyball began in high school. As a senior, she had planned to attend Bloomsburg University to study ASL/English Interpreting.  Shortly after being accepted, she was contacted by Coach Lynn Ray Boren, Head Women's Volleyball Coach at Gallaudet and former Executive Director of USA Deaf Volleyball, about playing for Gallaudet.  

From then until late April, Lindholm taught herself basic, yet confident, conversational-level American Sign Language. To attend Gallaudet, applicants had to pass an ASL proficiency test due to all faculty and staff being Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Despite her preparation and confidence, she did not pass the ASL Proficiency Interview, leading to her attending Bloomsburg.  

"Throughout my college years, I stayed in touch with Coach Lynn Ray," Lindholm said. "I knew someday I wanted to work for or with him, in any capacity." 

The opportunity arrived in 2022 when USA Deaf Volleyball established a board of members to better support the athletes. Lindholm applied for an At-Large Board Member position and joined the organization in November of that year. 

Since being appointed as the Youth Program Coordinator in January, Lindholm has focused on organizing the inaugural Gold Medal Squared x USA Deaf Volleyball Camp. In addition to directing and coaching the camp, she has served as the primary point of contact among all entities, overseeing planning, communication, and execution.  

"The role of the Youth Program Coordinator is to build and recruit the next generation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes," said Lindholm. "There are minimal, if any, opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes to attend camps where they receive full and equal access to language. Our goal is to host camps where athletes can have language access, feel a sense of belonging, and can share their love for sport with other athletes like them." 

While many people assume that volleyball with Deaf or Hard of Hearing athletes differs, the truth is that it is not all that different. Lindholm states that the sport remains fundamentally the same. 

"When I talk to people about USADVB, the first question I always get is, 'Well, how do they know when their teammates call for the ball?' There is still just as much communication happening between athletes on the court; it just looks a little different." Lindholm explained.  "The game is played in the same way; offensive and defensive systems are the same, rules, positions, skills, all the same. Volleyball is volleyball, sport is sport, no matter who is competing!" 

Through youth programming and expanded outreach, USA Deaf Volleyball provides athletes the opportunity to reach their full potential while fostering an environment where they feel welcomed and accepted in their programs. Many athletes involved have felt isolated from their teammates or unable to learn due to the lack of resources. USA Deaf Volleyball provides opportunities for athletes to compete outside the boundaries that others have imposed on them due to their deafness, leading to success at the highest levels of competition.  

"Athletes who compete for USA Deaf Volleyball have the opportunity to compete on an indoor team or beach team, at the Deaflympics, the World Championship, the PanAm Games, and other local, regional, and national volleyball tournaments," said Lindholm. "At camps, [coaches and athletes] get to mentor and be role models for the next generation of USA Deaf Volleyball athletes!"  

Being part of USA Deaf Volleyball has allowed Lindholm to stay connected to a community that is both supportive and passionate. Lindholm states that she has learned so much from the other Board Members and is thankful to be a part of this organization. "This is a special organization with special people, and I am privileged to be part of its growth," said Lindholm. 

Lindholm would also like to thank everyone involved in USA Deaf Volleyball for their support throughout her time with the program. She extends a special appreciation to Ben Campman, Head Men's Volleyball Coach at Gallaudet and one of the Assistant Coaches for the USA Deaf Volleyball Men's Indoor team, as well as Lynn Ray Borenfor their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support during her journey with USA Deaf Volleyball.