Empowering Through Language

WPRESTIGE ASL was born out of the passion and unique experiences of its founder, Coach DeVernie Winston. Raised in a Deaf family, Coach Winston's first language was American Sign Language (ASL), and he spent his early years helping his Deaf parents communicate with the world. His deep connection to both the Deaf community and the world of competitive basketball sparked a desire to create a bridge between these two worlds. After excelling in basketball at both the collegiate and professional levels, Coach Winston turned his attention to developing a program that would empower children, adults, and educators through the combination of ASL and sports.

The idea for WPRESTIGE ASL emerged during Coach Winston's time coaching youth basketball. While raising his daughters, he began integrating ASL into their basketball training as a way to help them communicate during the loud, chaotic games. This idea caught the attention of other players and parents, sparking interest in learning ASL as part of the program. What began as a small, personal initiative grew into a full-fledged business that travels from school to school, providing children with an opportunity to learn ASL through the context of sports while also focusing on emotional growth.

As the program expanded, Coach Winston saw the demand for ASL classes not only for children but for adults as well. He realized the potential for WPRESTIGE ASL to help bridge the communication gap between the hearing and Deaf communities on a larger scale. Today, WPRESTIGE ASL continues to evolve, offering virtual and in-person ASL classes for people of all ages and backgrounds. With a commitment to both language and emotional development, the program has become a powerful tool for educators, parents, and children looking to connect and learn in a meaningful, inclusive way.