Emily Spreeman’s journey in soccer took an unexpected turn when her deafness was
discovered at the age of nine months. Unfazed by this revelation, she joined a youth soccer
team at four and, by the age of seven, advanced to a club soccer program. Spreeman’s
determination and skill led her to U.S. youth national teams and the Olympic Development
Program, ultimately becoming a standout player at Kansas.
As NDIS providers on the Gold Coast, we love reading success stories and have many clients
who would love to be involved in sports. People like Emily will inspire them to push hard to
achieve their dreams even if there is nothing already set up in their area. Emily’s story is
simpy inspiring.
Her remarkable achievements extended to the deaf national team, where she played a
pivotal role in their undefeated streak of 37-0-1, clinching multiple Deaflympics titles and
World Deaf Football Championships. Recently, she secured the Golden Boot and Golden Ball
at the World Deaf Football Championships in Malaysia.
Despite her success, Spreeman faced challenges in communication, particularly in college,
where some players in the national and Olympic team pool distanced themselves. However,
her skills and dedication were evident during a recent training session, affirming her place
among the best.
The U.S. Soccer Federation’s recent support for the women’s deaf national team has been a
game-changer. Previously operating independently, the team now benefits from funding
and accommodations comparable to World Cup teams. This support has not only elevated
the team’s status but has also facilitated the recruitment of young talents, including
teenagers.
Stuart Sharp, senior director of the expansive national team program, views this as an
opportunity to expand soccer’s reach beyond its traditional boundaries. The inclusion of
diverse teams, such as women’s futsal and cerebral palsy teams, reflects a commitment to
providing opportunities for various sections of society. The aim is to create relevant role
models, inspiring individuals to aspire to be national team players, regardless of their
background.
Joy Fawcett, a two-time World Cup champion and coach for the deaf national team, sees
parallels between the team’s journey and the early days of the women’s national team. The
newfound support has empowered players to advocate for themselves and strive for
success.
The extended national team program not only addresses logistical challenges but also aims
to create opportunities for younger players. Aspiring deaf athletes now have the chance to
dream big, thanks to the evolving landscape of inclusivity within U.S. Soccer.
In a touching moment, a 9-year-old hearing-impaired girl expressed her desire to try out for
the deaf national team, highlighting the program’s impact on inspiring the next generation.
The focus now shifts to creating youth programs to nurture talent further and ensure a
sustained legacy for the deaf national team.
As the team continues to thrive, the support from U.S. Soccer marks a significant milestone
in the journey to empower deaf athletes and create a more inclusive and diverse soccer
community.