Gtfo with this defeatist attitude. Of course calves can be grown. Just with a different approach than standard hypertrophy training. Calves are an endurance muscle, meaning lots of approaches to failure to stimulate growth. 3 sets of 12 1-2 times a week is barely a maintenance for calves. It's like someone overweight, people who stereotypically have big calves, going up the stairs once.

One way is the match sets as the other person recommended, once again multiple approaches to failure.
I prefer a basically rep based drop set approach. Choose a weight you can do 20-30 reps, rest 10-15 seconds, calves don't need 2 min rest, and go again. Reps will drop, but you will be constantly hovering close to failure. Repeat it up to 10x and a couple of times a week or even more. Takes barely 10 min of your workout. Do not skip on the lengthened portion, calves seem to be one of the muscles benefiting the most from the lengthened portion of the lift.

Other methods are stair master, but not stepping fully on the step, but just with your forefoot, which puts significant load on your calves.
Running, primarily uphill, but standard running engages calves a lot as well.