Ashley Fiolek read by Kealia Ohai

Full Episode description

Once upon a time, there was a girl who became a motocross champion. Her name was Ashley Fiolek. While growing up, Ashley’s parents knew their daughter loved motorcycles but did not know why she would not speak. It turned out that Ashley was completely deaf! So, the whole family learned sign language and, when she was old enough, traveled around with Ashley to her motocross competitions. Though Ashley couldn’t hear the rumble of her bike, she could feel the vibrations of the engine as if the machinery were a part of her. Ashley risked scrapes, broken bones, and worse—proving her determination and drive to make it to the finish line.

About the Narrator:

Kealia Mae Ohai is an American soccer player. She captains the Houston Dash and has appeared with the United States women’s national soccer team. Prior to her professional career, she was a member of the University of North Carolina’s 2012 NCAA championship-winning team and scored the single winning goal in the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Final.

Credits:

This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, and Meg Murnane, with writing by Corinne Purtill and narration by Kealia Mae Ohai. Jestine Ware edited all scripts and Janice Weaver fact-checked all scripts. Sound design and original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer. Special thanks to Clio McClure who coordinated all credit recordings and narrator donations.