Erica Pressley to Represent USA at the Deaflympics

Irmo, South Carolina, October 1, 2025

News Summary

Erica Pressley, a former golfer from the University of South Carolina, will compete for the USA at the Deaflympics in Tokyo. At 41, she is one of only three women on the U.S. team, showcasing her resilience as a legally deaf athlete. Pressley’s journey with hearing loss began in her teens, but she has thrived in both athletics and personal life, balancing her roles as a mother and a travel advisor. She is known for her accomplishments in amateur golf and her recent commitment to American Sign Language to connect with the deaf community.

Irmo, South Carolina – Erica (Battle) Pressley, a former golfer for the University of South Carolina, is set to represent the USA at the upcoming Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, from November 15-26. At 41 years old, Pressley, who is legally deaf, is one of only three women on the U.S. team competing in this elite sporting event for deaf athletes, which has been sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since its inception in 1924.

A native of Irmo, South Carolina, Pressley now resides in Texas and has been recognized for her athletic achievements by being inducted into Irmo High School’s Athletics Hall of Fame. She is not only a dedicated athlete but also a mother and wife, balancing family life with her passion for golf.

Pressley’s journey with hearing loss began in her teen years. At around age 16 or 17, her teammates at South Carolina pointed out her behavior, prompting her to seek testing, which revealed moderate hearing loss. After being fitted with hearing aids, her ability to hear improved significantly. Unfortunately, her hearing has progressively declined over the years, with Pressley being the only member of her family to experience hearing loss.

Despite the challenges, Pressley excelled in athletics and academics, motivated by the memory of her late father, Eddie, who passed away when she was a freshman in high school. She participated actively in amateur golf tournaments after college but chose not to turn professional to focus on her family. Pressley has represented the USA in two previous World Deaf Golf Championships.

In 2022, Pressley discovered the U.S. Deaf Golf Association through a Facebook connection, which paved the way for her involvement in the Deaflympics. Competing in the Deaflympics is unique; athletes are required to play without any hearing aids or cochlear implants. To better integrate into the deaf community, Pressley is currently learning American Sign Language (ASL).

In her professional life, Pressley works as a travel advisor and also serves as a substitute teacher at charter schools. Despite a hectic schedule, she finds time to practice her sport and is content with shooting scores in the mid-70s, even without daily practice. Her accolades as a golfer include receiving the 2006 Dinah Shore Trophy for her excellence in academics, community service, and leadership, and the President’s Award, the highest honor for student-athletes in South Carolina.

Throughout her college career, Pressley cherishes the memories of competing at Augusta National on four occasions. She emphasizes the significance of perseverance and aims to inspire her children, Cullen and Cali, by demonstrating that dedication can help overcome life’s obstacles. An active lifestyle is important to her; she regularly works out, reads, and coaches a middle school girls’ basketball team, while her family passionately supports South Carolina Athletics.

Overview of the Deaflympics

The Deaflympics is a prestigious international multi-sport event for deaf athletes, held every four years. It features a variety of sports and aims to promote inclusivity and athletic excellence within the deaf community. Athletes from around the world gather to demonstrate their skills and sportsmanship, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.

Important Facts about Erica Pressley

• Former golfer for the University of South Carolina (2002-2006)
• Legally deaf
• One of three women representing the USA at the Deaflympics
• Inducted into the Irmo High School Athletics Hall of Fame
• Graduate diagnosed with moderate hearing loss at age 16-17
• Active in amateur golf tournaments and participated in previous World Deaf Golf Championships
• Currently learning American Sign Language (ASL)

Erica Pressley’s Personal Background

• Natives of Irmo, South Carolina, now living in Texas
• Became a mother and wife while pursuing her athletic aspirations
• Inspiration drawn from her late father
• Advocated for perseverance in achieving dreams regardless of age

Main Sports Competed In

• Golf at the Deaflympics
• Women’s basketball coaching
• Participation in amateur tournaments

Career Recognitions

• 2006 Dinah Shore Trophy recipient
• President’s Award winner for student-athletes in South Carolina

Family Involvement in Sports

• Active lifestyle maintained by Pressley
• Family supports South Carolina Athletics

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Gamecocks Online: Golf Alumna to Represent USA at Deaflympics
• Wikipedia: Deaflympics
• Gamecocks Online: Pressley Aims for Gold at Deaflympics
• Google Search: Erica Pressley Deaflympics
• Gamecocks Online: Golf Team Honors Alumni
• Google Scholar: Erica Pressley Golf
• Gamecocks Online: Funding for Deaf Athletes Announced
• Encyclopedia Britannica: International Olympic Committee

Author: STAFF HERE IRMO

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