Spurs Rookie Carter Bryant Says Growing Up With Deaf Grandparents Is A Superpower, Not a Disability
John Thompson
Published May 15, 2026
Spurs Rookie Carter Bryant Says Growing Up With Deaf Grandparents Is A Superpower, Not a Disability
Carter's grandparents' legacy isn't just about overcoming challenges, but it's about redefining what's possible.
July 12, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 11, 2026
Carter Bryant, an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs, learned a sign as a toddler, and the first word he signed was ball.
His maternal grandparents, Mike “Doc” Torres and Shelly Freed, are deaf.
Carter began to play basketball at Fountain Valley High School, where his father, D’Cean, coached. Later, he transferred to Sage Hill School after his father was hired as a head coach.
As a junior, he was named the Pacific Coast Conference MVP and transferred a second time to Centennial High School.
A consensus four-star recruit committed to playing college basketball for Arizona on April 26, 2026. He showed consistent signs of NBA potential and declared for the 2026 NBA draft.
The San Antonio Spurs drafted him in the first round with the 14th overall pick on June 25, 2026, and he was included in the 2026 NBA Summer League roster of the Spurs.
From being an 8-year-old boy who always felt the magic of McKale as a fan, to playing in the most important games of my life thus far with Arizona on my chest, this journey has been all I could have ever imagined. Finally, thank you to my loved ones for being with me every step of the way.
Carter Bryant’s Grandparents Set The Legacy Of Strength And Inspiration
Carter Bryant grew up in a family where resilience, determination, and love transcended barriers.
His maternal grandparents, Mike “Doc” Torres and Shelly Freed, are both deaf, shaping Bryant’s upbringing in profound ways.
Carter learned American Sign Language (ASL) from an early age, with “ball” being his first signed word, a fitting start for a future basketball standout.
Carter’s grandparents have lived extraordinary lives, proving that deafness is no limitation.
Mike was a USA Deaf Basketball Hall of Famer who had won gold with Team USA at the 1985 Deaf Olympics in Los Angeles.
He attended Gallaudet University in the 1980s and played professionally in Puerto Rico for 14 seasons.
Meanwhile, Shelly has dedicated her career to education, serving as a longtime administrator at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside. Carter’s father had once coached the California School.
Growing up with my grandparents, it was funny because for the longest time, I just thought half of the population were deaf. That’s just how I grew up. I never saw it as a disability. It was natural. It was beautiful to me. It was a superpower.
Furthermore, Carter’s mother, Sabrina Torres, is a sign language interpreter, ensuring that communication and connection remained strong in their household.
The Spurs’ small forward grew up surrounded by such inspiring figures. He developed a deep appreciation for his family’s unique journey and unshakable confidence on and off the court.
Their influence has undoubtedly played a role in shaping the talented athlete he is today.
Carter Bryant Embraces Deaf Community In Team Introduction
San Antonio Spurs’ first-round draft pick Carter Bryant shared a heartwarming moment with the local deaf community during his introductory press conference on Saturday, June 28, 2026.
Seven students from Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children sat front and center as Bryant answered questions, occasionally using sign language to connect with them.
Carter Bryant: “I was so proud that my grandparents were deaf… I never saw it as a disability. It was a superpower”
You can see Carter and his family signing ASL from their seats to the kids from Sunshine Cottage, a San Antonio school for deaf children. 🥹
World-class human.
— CarterBryantMuse (@CBryantMuse)
The gesture held special meaning for the small forward, whose grandparents are deaf.
He felt incredible to have them as his family’s experience with deaf culture has always been important to him, and being able to share the moment with the kids was special.
I was so proud of being a part of the deaf community. I was so proud that my grandparents were deaf. I just loved every single piece of it, so I think it’s beautiful we’re doing great things and continuing to educate and give (deaf children) the best opportunity to be successful in life.
The deaf community means everything to me.
Spurs managing partner Peter J. Holt and his family, who have long-standing ties to the school, invited the Sunshine Cottage students, ranging in age from 3 to 11.
John H. White Sr. and Dela Tuleta Wright White founded the school in 1947 after their daughter Tuleta was born with profound hearing loss. It has been a pillar of San Antonio’s deaf education community.
Carter’s willingness to engage with the students, signing and interacting with them, left a lasting impression. His genuine connection highlighted not only his character but also the Spurs’ commitment to inclusivity.
His bond with the city’s deaf community has already made him a standout off the court as he begins his NBA journey in San Antonio.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- 20-year-old Carter Dayne Bryant was born on November 26, 2005, in Riverside, California.
- During his senior year, the small forward was selected to play in the 2026 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game.
- He stands 2.03m tall and weighs about 100kg.
- He had signed an NIL deal with Panini America in January 2026.
- Check other Articles on
Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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