Making Waves: Seaholm's Pruden chosen for Deaflympics Swim Team

BIRMINGHAM — The consistent splash of water against the edge of the pool is a familiar sound to most swimmers. For Ava Pruden, it’s a feeling — a vibration through her body while she glides through the water as split-second starts and finishes can make all the difference, 

As a 16-year-old competitive swimmer with hearing loss, Pruden faced her own set of unique challenges but has never let them negatively affect her competitive spirit. She has pushed herself to new limits in pursuit of her goal. 

Her dedication paid off in ways she never could have imagined with the announcement that would change her life – being named to the USA Deaflympics Swim Team that will compete in Tokyo in November. 

“We are thrilled to announce this incredible team of athletes,” said Elizabeth Escobar, Director of USA Deaf Swimming. “Their hard work and determination have earned them a spot on Team USA, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve in Tokyo. The Deaflympics is about more than competition; it’s about building lifelong connections and experiencing the richness of the host country’s culture.”

The Deaflympics selection represents more than just a competition for the Seaholm High School student, it’s more of a celebration of her journey, her resilience and her ability to inspire others who face similar life challenges. 

Born with hearing loss in both ears, Purden’s journey began long before she ever dipped a single toe in the competitive pool. At just two months old, her family received the diagnosis that would forever shape her life as she would be fitted with hearing aids, along with her twin brother.

At age of five, a new chapter began when Pruden’s mother signed her up for a summer swim team that left her with mixed emotions as she and twin brother were the only swimmers with hearing loss. While others might have seen insurmountable obstacles, Pruden saw it as a golden opportunity for growth.

She started to assert herself when she faced difficulties hearing, demonstrating her commitment to self-advocacy. Overcoming hearing loss in a competitive environment became her objective as she addressed the challenges associated with competitive swimming.

By middle school, her dedication had caught the attention of Atlantis Swim Club, where she began training year-round as the pool suddenly morphed into having more than just a place to swim. It transformed into Pruden’s personal area that strengthened her both physically and mentally.

That inner strength helped to propel her to new heights at Seaholm High School, where she earned a coveted spot on the morning swim crew — an honor strictly reserved for the school’s best student-athletes.

"Ava's journey to the Deaflympics is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief,” Seaholm Principal Mike Wicker said. “She has shown us that limitations are often just illusions, and with dedication, any obstacle can become a steppingstone to greatness. Her story isn't just about athletic achievement; it's about the triumph of the human spirit. She embodies the principle that it's not about the challenges you face, but how you choose to face them. Her selection to Team USA is not just a personal victory, but an inspiration to our entire Seaholm community, proving that with hard work and determination, our students can achieve their dreams on a global stage."

She’s now just months away from representing her country as an Olympian! 

Pruden’s journey transcends simple athletic achievement as it serves as a compelling reminder that challenges can often serve as starting points for greatness. As she approaches her Olympic aspirations, she consistently breaks barriers, challenges prevailing perceptions and inspires her classmates by demonstrating resilience in the face of ongoing obstacles.