DeFriese defeats disability; signs National Letter of Intent
February 13, 2009
Wentzville School District
Jason DeFriese, a senior at Timberland High School, has committed to play soccer for Missouri Valley College. With his parents, Billie and John DeFriese at his side, Jason signed his NAIA National Letter of Intent on Feb. 4 at Timberland High School.
“I love the environment, and the guys on the team are like brothers,” said Jason, “everywhere I went on campus people were very friendly.”
Jason is a superstar when it comes to perseverance. Jason was born deaf, and for the past sixteen years he has spent countless hours in speech therapy, special education classes and worked very hard to overcome a developmental delay in language. The coaching staff at Timberland didn’t view it as an obstacle, but rather an opportunity to work with a young man who had athletic ability and who, coincidentally, was deaf. They mentored, coached and provided leadership to Jason.
John DeFriese summed it up best when he said, “So, what is it that sets Jason apart from everyone else? It is his commitment to overcoming a disability by working steadily, day in and day out, toward his goal of graduating from high school and going to college to play soccer. However, he didn’t do it alone; the support and guidance of his coaches, teachers and administrators played a significant role in his success. The Wentzville School District should be proud of this fine young man.”
Jason is a midfielder on the soccer pitch, and plans on majoring in Recreation Administration.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
