ECU's Ella Thornton-Elliot selected for the Australian Women's Deaf Basketball Team.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) staff member Ella Thornton-Elliot has been selected for the Australian Women’s Deaf Basketball Team, The Geckos.
The Geckos, who have recently reformed after a 15-year hiatus, will compete in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Deaf Basketball Championships this September in Melbourne, in an aim to qualify for the 2025 Deaflympics which will mark the 100 Anniversary of these Games and be hosted in Tokyo, Japan.
Born with bi-lateral hearing loss, Ella has been playing basketball since she was 10 years old and is the only West Australian selected to don The Geckos' green and gold basketball uniform, which she will wear with pride at the September championships.
Ella works at ECU in the Student Administration team as a Student Transaction Officer and plays for the Joondalup Wolves in the NBL1West competition.
"Representing WA and wearing the Green and Gold is more than a dream come true—it's a chance to inspire and empower the deaf and hard of hearing community," Ella said.
“Being a role model for the future female players within the deaf and hard of hearing community, is definitely a personal and career achievement.
"Growing up I never would have thought that I would be able to help draw the pathway for the future, but now that I have that opportunity, it is an absolute honour and dream come true."
Ella's Mum, Fleur Thornton, who is the International Partner Performance Lead at ECU, is incredibly proud of her daughter's achievements. Both Fleur and Ella embrace the unique challenge of bilateral hearing loss, which has only fuelled their determination and success. Fleur is Ella's biggest fan and an extraordinarily proud Mum!
Ella's achievement has a been a result of hard work, talent, and support from those around her. While her pathway in achieving her goals has had challenges along the way, she has always taken adversity in stride to continue forward.
"Being a female athlete brings its own challenges in the sporting industry however adding a disability no matter how big or small, definitely adds onto that," Ella said.
"The challenges that I have faced due to my hearing loss have always been personal, as you have that feeling of 'being different' due to your different requirements when on the court. I have been so fortunate to have coaches and teammates that are so accepting, and always adjust to help me excel within the team.
"As I have gotten older, I have learnt that everyone has a different pathway to achieving their goals in their career. All the adversity I have faced due to my hearing loss has been worth it, as it has shaped the type of person I am today and taught me to always be open minded and accepting towards other people in life."
ECU's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sport), Professor Sophia Nimphius and Dr Fiona Navin, ECU Director, Access and Equity both said that as Disability Pride Month concluded, it was an important reminder of the power of inclusion in supporting everyone to succeed and the importance of representation in every arena.
"Ella is first and foremost a phenomenal athlete whose dedication and skill have earned her a place on the national team. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is an advocate for those living with disabilities, constantly reminding us that sport is and should be for everyone."
Follow Ella and support her journey on Facebook.
Find out more about The Geckos and the 2024 Asia-Pacific Deaf Basketball Championships.
