Cleveland Coach Guides Deaf Soccer Team to Historic Deaflympics Run

Cleveland’s own Everett Palache recently returned from Japan, leading the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Soccer Team to a groundbreaking performance at the Deaflympics. His innovative coaching methods brought the team to an unprecedented medal round appearance, marking a new chapter for U.S. Deaf Soccer and making our city exceptionally proud.

Historic Deaflympics Run for U.S. Deaf Soccer

Under Coach Palache’s guidance, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Soccer Team made history, reaching the semifinals of the Deaflympics for the first time ever. This defied all expectations, culminating in a respectable fourth-place finish against intense international competition. Palache proudly stated, “They made history making the medal rounds because no deaf U.S. team had made it to the semifinals prior to this occasion.”

The team posted a 2-3 record in Japan, securing impressive victories against Korea and Brazil. Though they faced tough losses to top-ranked Ukraine, host Japan, and France, their strong performance showcased significant progress. This achievement highlights the strides made since the team officially joined U.S. Soccer’s National Team program in 2022 as the nation’s sole national deaf team.

Cleveland’s Own: Coach Palache’s Journey

Everett Palache brings a profound Cleveland connection to his coaching role. An alumnus of Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School in Chardon, Palache transitioned from a finance career in Cleveland to pursue his passion for guiding young players, starting at NDCL. Coaching a national team was a “bucket list” item, and he now lives that dream.

Palache remains deeply rooted locally, serving as the regional technical director for the Cleveland Force Soccer Club. He infuses his coaching with the “hard-working, blue-collar” spirit of Cleveland, and credits his wife, also a soccer coach, as his “best mentor.”

Mastering Communication: Adaptive Coaching for Deaf Athletes

Coaching a deaf national team requires highly visual and adaptive strategies. Palache’s team comprises players with significant hearing loss (at least 55 decibels in their better ear), many using hearing implants. To ensure seamless communication during intense competition, he employs three dedicated interpreters, with one always shadowing him on the field.

A key innovation is the use of colored training vests, or “pinnies,” for visual cues. A red pinnie signals an emergency, prompting players to immediately get organized defensively. Yellow indicates a need to check in with Palache and interpreters for crucial tactical information during dead balls. Green means simply “stick to the plan.” Palache confirmed its effectiveness: “We really leaned on that in this tournament, and it was a massive help,” enabling dynamic adjustments and cohesion.

“Band of Brothers”: Unity, Support, and Northeast Ohio Pride

The U.S. Men’s Deaf National Soccer Team is more than just athletes; they’re a tight-knit “brotherhood,” a slogan they’ve passionately adopted. This unity is meticulously cultivated during four to five intensive annual camps, each lasting six to seven days. These camps go beyond technical skills, incorporating vital aspects like culture, leadership development, and strategic growth. As part of U.S. Soccer’s “extended” national team program, the team benefits from comprehensive support staff, including doctors, sports scientists, trainers, and film analysts, ensuring peak performance and holistic player development.

Adding a significant local connection to this national squad is Oberlin’s Michael Schmid. As a veteran forward and a respected member of the team’s leadership council, Schmid plays a pivotal role both on and off the field. Affectionately known as “dad” by his teammates, he brings invaluable experience and stability to the “band of brothers.” Beyond the pitch, players embraced cultural experiences in Japan, visiting shrines and the city of Fukushima, making their trip a blend of intense competition and enriching exploration.

Deaflympics Match Results (U.S. Men’s Deaf Soccer)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Everett Palache and what’s his Cleveland connection?
  Everett Palache is a Cleveland-based soccer coach, and regional technical director for the Cleveland Force Soccer Club. An alumnus of NDCL, he brings a “hard-working, blue-collar Cleveland” ethos to the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Soccer Team.
• What was the team’s historic achievement at the Deaflympics?
  The U.S. Men’s Deaf National Soccer Team made history by reaching the medal rounds (semifinals) for the first time ever, ultimately finishing fourth.
• How does Coach Palache communicate effectively with his deaf players?
  He uses three dedicated interpreters on the field and an innovative system of colored pinnies: red for emergencies, yellow for check-ins, and green for sticking to the plan.
• Is there a local player from Northeast Ohio on the team?
  Yes, Michael Schmid from Oberlin is a veteran forward and a key member of the team’s leadership council, known as “dad” by his teammates.
• What’s next for Coach Palache and the team?
  Palache hopes the squad will play a USL2 team around Memorial Day next year, continuing to build on their historic success and unique coaching style.

Coach Palache’s inspiring journey and the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Soccer Team’s historic achievement highlight how dedication, innovative thinking, and a strong sense of community can break barriers and bring global recognition right back to our Cleveland doorstep. We eagerly anticipate their next successes.

Cleveland Coach Guides Deaf Soccer to Historic Deaflympics Run