Penn State volleyball star raises awareness for hearing loss

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Saturday morning, PSU volleyball star Jonni Parker signed autographs for young athletes who hope to become just like her.

It was during the Flood City Volleyball Challenge at the 1st Summit Arena, attracting volleyball players from all over Pennsylvania.

"Volleyball is a game that I've loved ever since I was little. Now it's a passion -- in order to pass on what I know -- in order to grow the game," Parker told 6 News.

Originally from Ohio, Parker played on the Penn State Volleyball team for four years as a right side hitter.

But it wasn't a breeze to get there.

Born with hearing loss, Parker got her first pair of hearing aids at just four years old.

"Others were like, 'What are those? What are those in your ears?' I had to explain it to them. When I wanted to get into sports, sometimes people would say, 'I don't know if you can really do this or not," she said.

Parker went through four pairs of hearing aids over the years, costing her family $25,000 out of pocket.

"We quickly learned that hearing aids aren't covered by insurance. They're oftentimes considered a luxury device for families," she said.

Last summer, she started Chasing Greatness, an organization to fund the purchase of hearing aids for children.

She says the organization will also raise awareness, promote education, and encourage people to become their best selves.

"Chasing greatness is my life motto. I have a tattoo of it on my wrist. I see it every day. Others are helping me chase greatness, so I'm allowing other opportunities to do the same," Parker said.

Parker now devotes her time and talent by appearing as a "guest star" at local volleyball clinics.

She has assisted at clinics at Windber, Dubois, and West Branch school districts.

Parker has also helped out young athletes at Fusion Volleyball Club, Ridgetop Volleyball Club, Happy Volley Academy, and Club 1890.

"I let them ask any questions, whether it's about college, life, volleyball, and things like that. It's really exciting to work with the kids," she told 6 News.

She's a volleyball coach by night, and a teacher by day.

Parker is a student teacher in a first grade classroom at Tyrone Area Elementary School in Blair County.

She's now inspiring athletes everywhere to always chase greatness, no matter what obstacles get in the way.

"That's how I would like to see myself as a role model to others. If you desire to set out and do something, don't let anything stop you."

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