CCHAT Alumni Spotlight: Resilient Reagan Finds Peace on the Golf Course

CCHAT alum Reagan Wilson has always been strong-willed and determined.

From surviving the NICU to navigating hearing loss, Reagan has shown a strength and tenacity that has allowed her to overcome a number of obstacles. 

These traits continue to serve her well, especially on the golf course. Now a high school junior, Reagan faces every challenge – and every shot – head on, inspiring her family and serving as a prime example of the possibilities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. 

Reagan’s Unexpected Arrival

Pregnant with twins, Kristina Wilson and her husband Tom were vacationing in Hawaii when the unexpected happened. Kristina went into labor and gave birth to Reagan and her brother Reid, three months premature. Each child weighed just 2 pounds, 11 ounces. 

There were no guarantees, but Reagan immediately showed her parents that she had the heart to handle adversity.

“Reagan has always been a fighter,” Kristina said. “Her strong will pulled her out of the NICU in six weeks.”

While Reagan and Reid cleared this menacing first-life hurdle, the Wilsons would soon be thrown yet another curveball that would test their resolve.

A Diagnosis of Hearing Loss

At the age of 3, Reagan was diagnosed with hearing loss. This was another unexpected turn of events for the Wilsons, but like Reagan’s premature birth, the family knew they would attack this surprise the only way they knew how. 

Fortunately, a family connection would lead them to a life-changing program.

“We heard about CCHAT through a close friend, whose friend had a daughter that attended,” Kristina said. “Reagan began attending CCHAT when she turned 5 years old.”

Reagan enrolled in CCHAT’s Kindergarten class, led by CCHAT Teacher of the Deaf, Leah Lind. Despite her time at CCHAT coming more than a decade ago, Reagan recalls the warm staff members who made her time in the program a joy.

“My favorite part of the day was going to speech therapy with Miss Lisa (McWilliams). We would have so much fun playing games and she was so encouraging. She was always so proud of me when I would hit certain speech milestones,” Reagan said. “I remember Miss Licia (Green) being so happy and enthusiastic whenever my brother Reid and I would see her. I also remember my Miss Leah Lind and how kind she was. She was always interested in what I had to say.”

On the CCHAT side, Leah vividly remembers Reagan’s positive nature and willingness to learn.

“Reagan brought a big smile and an upbeat attitude to class every day,” Leah said. “She was so kind to her classmates and was always willing to put in time to learn new concepts.”

This positive work ethic had Reagan on the fast track toward mainstreaming into her neighborhood school. While her time at CCHAT would ultimately last just one year, the program had a profound impact on Reagan.

“Hearing loss has its challenges,” Reagan said. “CCHAT taught me the lifelong skill of self-advocacy. It’s one of the most valuable skills in my life.”

Kristina was equally as impacted by the benefits of CCHAT, as she saw the immense difference it made in Reagan’s life.

“Through CCHAT’s intensive speech therapy, Reagan gained months, if not years, of oral communication that she had lost during the years of development when she was not diagnosed,” Kristina said. “Because of CCHAT, Reagan was able to learn invaluable speaking and independence skills as she transitioned to our local public school.”

Finding Mainstream Success and a Passion for Golf

While Reagan acclimated to her new school and found a groove academically, her competitiveness perfectly lent itself to organized sports. Over the years, Reagan tried her hand at volleyball, soccer, lacrosse and basketball. However, unheard assignments from coaches and miscommunications with teammates steered Reagan to a sport more rooted in individualism.

“Two years ago, Reagan decided she would solely focus on golf, which has become her solace,” Kristina said. “It is a sport located in nature, it is quiet, and her own intuition and direction lead to her path of success.”

The results have spoken for themselves. Reagan has advanced to compete at the district and state levels every year of her high school career, and she earned a promotion to team captain after her freshman season. This year, Reagan also became a member of her school’s student/administration athletic board. 

“Golf has been my passion and outlet and most importantly where I felt like I belonged,” Reagan said. “Golf has taught me to become honest, respectful, a good advocate, and most importantly, a good role model, representing my family and my school, as well.”

All the while, Reagan continues to excel in the classroom. She is an honor roll student, with a rigorous schedule of Honors/AP classes, volunteer services and leadership roles that she handles when she is not on the golf course. 

Perhaps even more important, Reagan is a vocal self-advocate with a large network of friends who gravitate toward her warm personality, encouraging nature and thoughtfulness. Her hearing loss has given her a special perspective on life, and she hopes to inspire the next generation of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. 

“Hearing loss can make you feel alone and alienated at times. Sometimes it is exhausting and frustrating to have to ‘work harder’ than others,” Reagan said. “But when you are in those dark moments, try to remember your unique gifts and talents that most people in the world don’t have. Be kind to yourself and just know you are designed perfectly to do great things in the world.”

Reagan has eyes on selecting a college soon, and she would love to continue her golf career at the next level. While a bright future lies ahead, Reagan’s family couldn’t be more proud of the person she has become.  

“Reagan is my hero. She amazes me every single day with her compassion and courage,” Kristina said. “Reagan continues to gift her father and I wondrous pops of magic that inspire us to love and respect her more and more, each and every day.”