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Born in 1999, Sean Stoeppel made history as the first baby at a Connecticut hospital to fail a newborn hearing test, a milestone that marked the beginning of a challenging yet inspiring journey.
Diagnosed as deaf at five months old, Sean's parents, Craig and Susan Stoeppel, were determined to help their son thrive in a world designed for hearing individuals.
At just 13 months, Sean received his first cochlear implant, becoming Yale New Haven Hospital’s youngest patient to undergo the procedure. This implant allowed him to navigate mainstream life, including excelling in academics and athletics.
Sean's love for soccer provided a refuge throughout his life, helping him feel accepted among his peers. His mother acknowledged:
"He found his acceptance on the field, and that translated into the school. Sports brings you together when you otherwise might not be on common ground."
Sean’s passion for soccer led him to play collegiately at Division III Endicott College, where he also became a part of the U.S. Deaf National Team.
Despite his cochlear implants, Sean faced challenges on the field, especially when dealing with head injuries, which could cause excruciating pain. Sean described his first experience taking a shot to the head:
"As Athletic Trainers, we always ask athletes to rate their pain on a scale from 1 to 10. That's like a 13."
Sean's journey also led him to pursue a career in athletic training.
"I like athletic training because you have a lot of communication. From a very young age, communication was not my strong suit, but to grow and be more social in this field, I realized I could combine my love for sports and science."
Now in his second year as an assistant Athletic Trainer at Grand Canyon University, Sean works with the women's soccer and tennis teams, helping guide them to WAC championships.
He relates to the athletes he supports, both as a former player and someone who has overcome unique challenges.
"I don't want to be one of one; I want to be one of many who have helped others who may be doubting what they can do."
Today, Sean is an ambassador for cochlear implants and an inspiration to those around him. His ability to overcome adversity and his dedication to helping others prove that no obstacle is too great to overcome.
"All of that has allowed me to appreciate what I've gone through, and I wouldn’t change a thing about where I am today. A negative is only a negative if you don’t try to make a positive change from it."
Read Sean's full story here!
