(UW ATHLETICS) MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin volleyball program, in partnership with Chasing Greatness, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Silent Set Match on Wednesday, November 20th against Minnesota. The goal of the Silent Set Match is to raise awareness for the funding, resources, and education needed for the hard of hearing and hearing loss community.
Hearing aids are typically not covered under most people’s insurance, leading to significantly high costs that families have to cover for their children or spouses. Chasing Greatness, a non-profit organization with the goal of providing funding and resources to support the hard of hearing community, is a prime example of the growing number of resources aimed to help the funding issues the community faces. Chasing Greatness was founded by former Penn State volleyball player Jonni Parker, who has become a role model showing children that no obstacle should stand in the way of pursuing their dreams.
“The Silent Set offers a platform to raise awareness and educate people regarding hearing loss,” said Parker. “This event highlights that no obstacle, whether large or small, should hinder your aspirations. By collaborating with the University of Wisconsin, we aim to extend our reach and services to individuals nationwide.”
Jonni and the Chasing Greatness team will be on-hand at the Field House on November 20th, where fans can learn more about how to support their mission. A limited-edition Silent Set t-shirt will be available for purchase via Bucky’s Locker Room at all locations prior to the match and at the Bucky’s Locker Room Field House store inside the Field House on November 20th. Five dollars from every t-shirt sold will benefit Chasing Greatness, helping support their mission nationwide. In addition to Chasing Greatness, the UW-Madison Audiology department and HEAR Wisconsin will be tabling with resources in the Field House concourse.
What is the Silent Set portion of the match? Honoring Jonni’s college uniform number, nine, the first eight Wisconsin points will be silent. The Badgers ask fans to use American Sign Language signs rather than cheer during those first eight Wisconsin points. There will be ASL signs displayed throughout the Field House. When Wisconsin scores it’s ninth point, the program encourages fans to cheer as loud as they can and fill the building with noise for the rest of the match.
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