Liam Leppard’s journey to represent New Zealand in Deaf Basketball

The Hearing House
7 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

At just 18 years old, Te Awamutu College student Liam Leppard stands tall at 6’3” — both in stature and determination. His recent selection to play for the New Zealand Black Thunders and represent his country at the Deaf Basketball Championships marks a significant milestone in his sporting journey, one that blends perseverance, family support and the empowering impact of accessibility in sport.

Liam’s path to the national stage hasn’t been charted. Like many young athletes, his love for basketball began in primary school, playing Miniball in Years 5 and 6. However, he took a break from the sport before rediscovering his passion later in high school.

“I picked basketball back up again in Year 11 and played throughout the rest of my high school years,” Liam says. “I got interested through my dad — he used to tell me stories about how he played basketball when he was at school. That really inspired me to give it another go.”

What started as a family connection soon grew into something much bigger. Liam’s dedication and talent eventually caught the attention of national selectors, earning him a place on the Black Thunders — New Zealand’s national Deaf basketball team.

Born profoundly deaf, Liam received his cochlear implant at just two years old, giving him access to sound from a very young age. He has been supported by The Hearing House since that time, either travelling to Auckland with his mother for appointments, or receiving specialised care through The Hearing House’s outreach service.

“My transition to having a cochlear implant was a smooth one,” he recalls. “I went through a couple of speech therapy sessions to get my speech back, and they’ve helped me in sports and life in general. It made me feel like I was one of the team — in basketball, football, and even lacrosse."

That sense of belonging has been a cornerstone of Liam’s success. Over the years, he has excelled across multiple sports, demonstrating versatility and commitment. In 2019, he travelled to Sweden to compete in the Gothia Cup — one of the world’s largest youth football tournaments. He also found success in lacrosse, playing for the first four years of high school, where he won two Waikato competitions and a national title in 2022.

But basketball holds a special place in his heart.

“The thing I love most about basketball is that I can treat it like therapy,” he says. “Whether it’s in competitions or casual scrimmages, it helps me focus, stay grounded, and enjoy the moment.”