By: Peyton Zamarelli '22

Tyler Stack ’24, is actively preparing for his debut on the USA Deaf Men’s National Soccer Team as they travel to Caxias do Dul, Brazil this spring to compete in the Deaflympics.

Stack is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has been playing soccer since he was nine-years-old. As a current sophomore at the University of Mount Union, he majors in exercise science with a minor in sport business. On campus, Stack is a member of the men’s soccer team and brother of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. 

Stack shared that he was in contact with a returning member of the team who urged him to attend a training camp for potential members last summer. 

“I was a bit unsure at first, but I decided to give it my best shot,” he said. 

The team is composed of individuals who have hearing loss and cannot use any forms of hearing assistance while they practice or compete. Stack, who uses sign language minimally, shared that this was equally challenging and empowering.

“The tryouts were a surreal experience,” shared Stack. “I was able to meet and play with other athletes just like me who love soccer and made great connections with veteran players and the coach. I look forward to training in Dallas, Texas with the team before we head to Brazil to compete.”

Even though Stack has been living with hearing loss his whole life, he feels its important to continue working hard to fullfill your goals and advises others who live with similar disabilities do the same.

“Just stick with who you are and don’t let anyone tell you to change. Keep working hard towards your goals and dreams.”