Agoura High School JV Water Polo Athlete, Alex Brown: Breaking Barriers and Reaching for Goals

Perhaps internalization of early childhood specialist Magda Gerber’s lesson to practice noticing and appreciating what a person can do as opposed to what he can not, or can not yet do, explains an initial failure to notice interpreter, Susan Wheeler, signing coach Peter Schiavelli’s directives to Agoura’s Junior Varsity water polo goalie, Alex Brown. The parent of a freshman, and newcomer to the Agoura High School water polo program, I was not yet familiar with many of the athletes.

I had not noticed Alex is deaf.

Certainly, I had noticed Alex; it is entirely impossible to overlook his fierce protection of the net and constant consideration for the course of play. But, Alex never appears to be “missing” anything during a game; he is absorbedly aware of the action unfolding ahead of him. Brown may not hear the action, but he certainly sees it, feels it and anticipates it with a precision and clarity not always manifest, or as accessible to hearing goalies.

Guarding the cage, it is irrefutably Brown’s abilities that rule.

This point was inadvertently made at a recent game when several players from the opposing side were overheard discussing their upcoming game against Agoura’s JV team. "Guys," one young man cautioned the others, “Be aware! This is a very good goalie.”

I had to smile. For, that young man’s admonition essentially validated my own and many others general appraisal of who Alex Brown is and what he can do.

In the pool, Alex Brown is first and foremost a very good goalie - a very good goalie that also happens to be deaf. And, it is, undoubtedly, subordination of this “limitation” to his considerable talents, abilities and intellect that allows for the elevation of Brown’s confidence, talents and ambitious endeavors. “Honestly, water polo seemed like a hard challenge for me and I wanted to see if I could do it,” Brown tells me. “As a child, I was looked down on. People said, ‘Deaf people can't do that.’ I wanted to prove them wrong,” he says.

So, as a freshman and water polo novice, Alex jumped feet first into the Agoura High School pool and took to the sport like a fish to water. And, Brown excels as a water polo goalie, it seems, for the same reasons he shines outside the pool gates: drive, determination and a clear sense of self-identity. When asked what he wants others to see or know about him, Alex responds, “I am Alex - deaf, sarcastic, unafraid, self-made, silly.” He continues, “There's nothing wrong with my intellect, I just use a different language.”

Brown’s accomplishments as a deaf water polo goalie and student have not been achieved without struggle. But Alex is also cognizant of the rewards his efforts reap. “My biggest challenge is going to a school where almost no one speaks my language. It's challenging to make new friends, to have so much to say, but no one to talk to,” says Brown. “On the same note, my triumph is that I have made friends here, I'm succeeding in challenging classes and I am a part of the best water polo program.” 

Two athletes in particular stepped up to make certain Alex felt at home and part of the Agoura High School aquatics family, according to Brown's interpreter, Susan Wheeler. Varsity goalie, Max Menyuk, studied American Sign Language and worked with Alex at team practices. Christian Meisner, whom also knows some sign language, was very welcoming and encouraging to Alex. 

And, Wheeler understands well how Brown's challenges, personal achievements and friendships impact him. “It is a daunting task for deaf students to find themselves at home and comfortable in a school surrounded by a sea of people who don't use sign language. It really is not easy,” she says. “I am very proud when I see Alex overcoming this barrier and making a name for himself here at Agoura [High School]. He's unaware just how many people he inspires daily to learn sign language, or just to face challenges with a fierce, determined attitude,” says Wheeler.

When asked to share with others in the deaf community his insights about the challenges and rewards of playing water polo, or any sport, while also maintaining high academic standards, Brown, a somewhat reluctant role model replies, “I would tell deaf students to never let anyone tell them they can't play because they are deaf. Self-confidence is as important as hard work,” he adds. “The rewards of having your teammates tell you ‘Good job!’ and feeling like a part of a team is awesome. School work is important, as well, so you get a good education,” Brown says.

Wheeler concurs. “I have found that water polo has given Alex self-discipline and that he works with purpose now. The coaches provide him with more than just instruction of the game, but also serve as positive male role models,” she says.

As far as long-term goals, Brown says he would like to play for the Deaf Olympics or for the Deaf National Water Polo Team. “I've always wanted to go to UCLA, it would be great to one day play for them,” he adds.

When asked about plans to renovate the Agoura High School , Alex's face lights up. “It is obvious we need a bigger pool,” he says. “The pool is literally filled with players and there really isn't room to work on specific drills we need without getting in each other's way.  The 5th period practice has no room for the goalies to work on their specific drills at all. I strongly encourage everyone to please help us out in getting a new pool.”

And, while Brown may not yet know it, he shares a number of personal goals and aspirations with countless numbers of Agoura Hills community members of every background and ability: Acceptance of others for who they are and what they can do; effective communicatiion with one another to build deep bonds of alliance and affinity; strengthening of those alliances and reaching for mutual goals despite our many, individual differences.

"My team is very diverse, with different personalities and attitudes," Brown concludes. "But, to be successful we have to accept each other and be a strong team that no one can beat." 

No doubt.

“Goals achieved with little effort are seldom worthwhile or lasting” ~ John Wooden