Meet Deaflympians Alfredo Galvez and Chelsie Brown

As the 2025 Deaflympics unfold this week, two remarkable athletes, Alfredo Luis Gálvez and Chelsie Brown are serving up inspiration for Team USA. With every swing and every serve the two athletes share the same determination, resilience, and heart that define what it means to compete not only for medals but for representation.

This story is about them, including their journeys, their challenges, and the dreams that drive them.

Alfredo Luis Gálvez

Originally from Lima, Peru, Alfredo Gálvez discovered tennis at the age of 15. Though he started later than most professional athletes, his casual introduction to the sport soon developed into an enduring commitment to the game.

“I grew up surrounded by many sports in my family’s country club, but when I first picked up a racket as an adolescent, something clicked" Alfredo said. "The sound of the ball (when I was wearing hearing aids), the rhythm of the game, and the feeling of outsmarting an opponent all hooked me instantly.”

His talent and drive led him from local courts in Peru to the ATP professional circuit and later to a Division I tennis scholarship at Norfolk State University in Virginia. After graduation, Alfredo built his life and family in the U.S. and eventually became a U.S. citizen, a milestone that makes representing Team USA at the Deaflympics especially meaningful.

"I train this hard because every drill, every sprint, every drop of sweat has meaning. I’m not just training to play well; I’m training to represent my country, honor my community, and compete with absolute belief," Alfredo said. "When I arrive at the Deaflympics, I want to know, without doubt, that I earned my place and I’m ready for whatever challenge stands across the net."

Training for the Deaflympics demands focus and consistency. Alfredo’s regimen includes long hours of drills, match play, and mental preparation, all with one goal in mind: to step onto the court fully ready.

And when the day’s work is done? “I enjoy small, relaxing moments that bring me back to center whether it’s grabbing a good meal, laughing with teammates, or just enjoying some peace watching tv. Those moments remind me to stay grateful, present, and balanced,” Alfredo said. 

To young Deaf athletes, his advice is powerful:

“To every young Deaf athlete out there: I see you, I believe in you, and I want you to believe in yourself just as fiercely. Your Deaf identity is not a limitation, it is a source of strength,” Alfredo said. "If your dream is to become a champion, play for your country, or even stand on a Deaflympics podium, don’t shrink that vision just because it feels far away. I started as an adolescent with a racket and a dream. If I can get here, so can you!"

Chelsie Brown

Chelsie Brown, a high school senior from Sterling, Kansas, first picked up a racket in the seventh grade. By the end of eighth, she knew tennis was more than a hobby, it was her passion.

"I tried basketball and volleyball but they had a faster pace and it was hard because I needed an interpreter,” Chelsie said. “With Tennis, I didn’t need the interpreter I could keep track of the score in my head."

Her commitment and hard work paid off. Chelsie became the 2024 Kansas Class 3-2-1A Singles State Champion, finishing the season undefeated with a 36–0 record. Now, she’s preparing to take her game to the international level.

“Trainings are tough, intense, and a lot of time put in,” Chelsie said. “I feel I have been training for this amazing event for the last 4 years. I am so excited!”

Her training schedule is demanding, consisting of early mornings, long practices, and years of dedication. Still, she finds time to recharge. “Between matches, I like watching others compete or hanging out with friends,” Chelsie said. “It keeps me relaxed and focused.”

When asked what she’d tell younger athletes, her message mirrors her optimism:

“Believe in yourself and never give up, anything is possible.”

TLG's Commitment to Accessibility

Both Alfredo and Chelsie show that athletic excellence isn’t defined by hearing. Their journeys highlight not only athletic excellence but also the power of representation and community.

The Language Group is honored to stand behind them as they bring their passion and perseverance to the global stage at the 2025 Deaflympics, a true celebration of what it means to be heard, seen, and unstoppable. To stay updated on their journey in Tokyo follow us on LinkedIn!

For more information about The Language Group and its ongoing investment in ASL accessibility, visit: https://thelanguagegroup.com/american-sign-language-asl-interpreting/