Rancho Cordova native Elizabeth Cocker Escobar has represented Team USA on the world stage in the USA Deaf Swimming Championships. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Cocker Escobar

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - When Elizabeth Cocker Escobar began swimming at the age of seven, she never thought the sport would take her on the journey that it has.

A four-time varsity letterwinner and 2014 graduate of Walnutwood High School, she would go on to represent Team USA in the World Deaf Swimming Championships in 2015, 2017 and 2019, winning multiple relay medals. The standout athlete would then transition to becoming the Director of the USA Deaf Swimming Association in 2021 - a position she holds to this day - and would lead the group during the 2023 World Deaf Swimming Championships.

Now, the sport that has taken her so far in life has added another stop along the way as she will be inducted into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame this September. As a Rancho Cordova native, she feels the recognition ranks highly among her accomplishments in the sport.

“It is truly an incredible honor,” Cocker Escobar said. “Swimming has been a part of my life since I was seven years old, and I never imagined that the journey would one day lead to being inducted into the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame. Growing up in Rancho Cordova, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive family, dedicated coaches, and a community that encouraged me to pursue my goals. To now be recognized by the same community where my passion for swimming began is incredibly meaningful. This honor reflects not only my accomplishments, but also the many people who believed in me and supported me throughout my journey.”

Elizabeth Cocker Escobar has served as Director of the USA Deaf Swimming Association since 2021. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Cocker Escobar

As a Deaf athlete, swimming has opened up many doors for Cocker Escobar, and she has always tried to give back and help other athletes with disabilities overcome adversity. From 2010-2016, she served as a swimming instructor at Gold River Sports Club and also served as coach of the Gold River Stingrays youth swim team. From then until now, her mission has remained the same.

“Giving back to the sport has always been incredibly meaningful to me,” she said. “Teaching swim lessons and coaching young athletes allowed me to help children build confidence, develop lifelong skills, and discover a love for swimming. Today, as Director of USA Deaf Swimming, I have the privilege of helping Deaf athletes pursue opportunities to represent the United States in international competition. Watching athletes achieve goals they once thought were beyond their reach is just as rewarding as any accomplishment I experienced in my own swimming career.”

The 11th annual Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Rancho Cordova City Hall.

Tickets for the induction ceremony are $35, which includes an appetizer and cocktail reception and awards program can be purchased at the Cordova Community Council, visit cordovacouncil.org/ccc-events/11th-Annual-Rancho-Cordova-Sports-Hall-of-Fame.