SPOKHAND X DEAFLYMPICS - Interview of Nuke Hayes (USA, Basketball)

Introduction – Meet the Leader

Hello! I’m Nuke Hayes, Operating Director for the USA Deaf Basketball Team.

At the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo, my mission is clear: to guide and support both the men’s and women’s basketball teams as they compete on the global stage.

Preparation – Building Team USA

With the Deaflympics just around the corner, excitement is growing.

• 12 women and 12 men have been selected to proudly wear the Team USA jersey.

• Months of training, discipline, and teamwork have brought us here.

• Every athlete is ready to give their all for their country and their community.

For me, the greatest honor is to stand beside them, ensuring they have everything they need to perform at their best in Tokyo.

Communication – More Than Words

Basketball is about trust, rhythm, and unity.

Our Deaf athletes embody this spirit:

• On the court, they communicate through visual signals, timing, and instinct.

• Off the court, they share experiences, stories, and friendships that strengthen the team bond.

This unique dynamic shows the world that Deaf athletes are not limited by communication, they create their own language of the game.

Message – Beyond the Court

“You are more than an athlete. You are a Deaf individual.

You are here with a purpose: to inspire and to spread passion to the community.

Let’s show the world what the Deaf community can do together. See you in Tokyo!”

Inspiring the Future

By leading Team USA, Nuke proves that the Deaflympics is more than a sporting event – it’s a movement of pride, resilience, and unity.

From every slam dunk to every shared moment, this journey reminds us all: the Deaf community has no limits.

🎥 Watch the full interview on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/share/BAMGaxfzrJ

🤝 Partners: spokhand.org – deaflympics.com