My name is Joey McInerney and I'm honored to have recently been selected to the USA Deaf Men's National Volleyball team. I am a 2018 Palmyra HS grad and a 2022 graduate of Penn State with degrees in both Nuclear and Mechanical Engineering.

I was diagnosed with moderate to severe bilateral hearing loss when I was 4 years old and I've been playing volleyball since elementary school - and I would never have guessed that these experiences would offer me such amazing opportunities! My volleyball journey began with a local volleyball club (PREVAIL), where I was a part of their first ever boys team. I was also involved with getting the Palmyra High School boys volleyball team started in my freshman year, and played varsity for all 4 years, making it to the state semifinals in my senior year. In college, I was a member of the Men's PSU Club Volleyball team, winning the Division III National Club Championships my freshman year and making it back to the finals of the same championship my senior year! I currently enjoy playing lots of grass doubles throughout the summer with my family and many friends I've met in the volleyball community. I have also tried coaching and was hired as the JV Boys Volleyball coach in my old high school.

This past summer, I was invited to try out for the USA Deaf Men's National Volleyball team in North Carolina, and I am beyond excited to now be part of a team that will represent the USA! I was almost certain that my competitive volleyball career ended with my graduation from college, so I'm very thankful to get this opportunity to play again at a high level of competition. I've committed to playing in 2024 and 2025, with the main events being the 5th World Deaf Volleyball Championships next June and the 25th Summer Deaflympics in November 2025, both being played in Japan!

The travel costs will be extensive with practice sessions and international play as well as lodging costs, meals, team gear, etc. I will be traveling to Ohio, Colorado, California, Washington, D.C., and Japan for practices and competitions, so please consider donating to help fund my once in a lifetime opportunity. It's not every day that a local kid gets to play at the Olympic level in the sport he loves and represent USA!

Thank you so much for your time and consideration!