Kennesaw Mountain's Deaf Linebacker Has a Personal Interpreter on the Sidelines

Larenzo Parker II stands on the field with a plan in his head.

The Kennesaw Mountain sophomore is a disciplined linebacker who values the physical contact of the game. He also reads the King James Bible every day and enjoys fishing. Parker is deaf, a fact that shapes how he communicates with coaches and teammates on the sidelines.

Diana Jarvis, the school’s American Sign Language teacher, stands nearby with him. She works as an interpreter for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. During football practices and games, she serves specifically as Parker’s interpreter. She stays after classes end to ensure he can follow the instructions given by the coaching staff.

Jarvis joined the school in August 2020. She notes that her role is not just about translating words, but about building relationships. She wants Parker to feel comfortable enough to ask questions and understand the strategy. This connection allows him to perform better on the field.

Parker’s journey to high school football was not without challenges. He started playing in middle school and improved his skills by working hard. His mother, Andrea Jarvis, supports him in his role as a Mustang. The team has included him in special teams drills and has adjusted its communication style to include signing.

When Parker is in a position to defend, Jarvis stays close to provide the necessary cues. She sometimes stands behind him or next to him depending on the play. She explains that she needs to be in a location where Parker can see her hands clearly. This positioning ensures he receives the correct signals before the snap.

The team has adapted to his needs without making it a central focus. Coaches have learned to incorporate signing into their normal routines. Parker’s mother, Andrea, mentions that the school staff has been accommodating. This support helps Parker integrate into the team environment seamlessly.

Jarvis describes the experience as a unique part of her job. She feels fulfilled by helping a student navigate the social and athletic aspects of high school life. Parker has expressed that he enjoys the process of learning and communicating through sign language. The collaboration between the two has strengthened his confidence on the field.

Parker aims to play through the end of the season. He continues to work with his scout team duties for the varsity squad. His commitment to the physical nature of the sport remains unchanged. The presence of an interpreter on the sideline has become a standard part of his football routine at Kennesaw Mountain.