Football Referees Hand Signals in Volleyball? Not So Fast! Meet Rori Sorenson, a Competitive Swimmer with Hearing Loss

Rori Sorenson is a force to be reckoned with on the swimming scene, and it's not just because she's seeded first in the 200-yard Freestyle at this weekend's 5A Utah High School State Swimming Championships. What sets her apart from other competitive swimmers is her hearing loss, which requires her to find creative solutions to communicate during races.

Growing up, Rori was always driven to compete and win. She would watch her older brother and friends around her play sports, and it sparked a competitive fire within her. In the pool, she quickly discovered that she had a knack for swimming and loved the thrill of competition.

However, as she progressed in high school, Rori realized that her hearing loss presented unique challenges. With hearing aids on, she couldn't hear the starting horn or communicate effectively with coaches and teammates during races. This is where creative problem-solving came into play.

Rori's parents, Ashleigh and 'her father's name', worked with her coaches to find a solution. They set up a tripod with a light on top that flashes when the horn goes off, allowing Rori to get in the pool at the same time as everyone else without delay. This simple yet effective hack has been a game-changer for Rori.

But despite these accommodations, Rori still faces challenges communicating with officials and teammates during games. In volleyball, she can wear her bilateral hearing aids, but in swimming, they have to come out when she's racing. It's a small price to pay for the thrill of competition, however, as Rori has learned to adapt and persevere.

Throughout her swimming career, Rori has competed at bigger and bigger meets, always pushing herself to improve. She recalls her first state meet at age 12 with fondness, saying, 'I just kept getting better and better with each year.' Her passion for sports is evident in every stroke she takes, and her determination to succeed is an inspiration to all who know her.

In conclusion, Rori Sorenson's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and creative problem-solving. As she competes at the highest levels, she's proving that with the right mindset and support, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals – even if it means finding innovative ways to communicate during races!

Football referees hand signals in volleyball