Sport News: Deaf Surfer Continues to Gain Respect |
"Native surfers at the Oceanside Pier always thought C.J. Soto was a snob,"
writes Scott Bair for the June 28, 2003 issue of the North County Times,
Escondido, CA. "They knew Soto was one of the break's best surfers, but didn't
think that gave her the freedom to....shun casual conversation between sets."
Once Soto's friend came to her defense and explained that she was deaf,
Soto's reputation began to change. "Some of them even learned basic sign language
and they try to sign with me in the water," Soto said.
Soto was named the Gold Coast Conference Women's Explorer (All-around)
champion after accumulating the highest point total in all 10 NSSA events this
season.
"Making a living with my surfboard would be a dream come true," Soto said.
"I'm going to school just in case I don't make it, but I'm going to do
everything in my power to succeed on the pro tour." Soto's current success can be
directly attributed to 255 days in 2000. Then a sophomore at Carsbad High
School, Soto worked hard to become the next great female surfer from the Oceanside
break. She joined the Lancers' "A" team in 2001 and helped Carlsbad win a
national championship that same year.
Sherri Soto, CJ's mother, says "Surfing is her passion and C.J. hasn't let
anything stand in her way."
(C) 1997-2003 North County Times
- Thanks to USA-L News and NVRC, Fairfax
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