Deaf Culture Today // Soleil “Ewok” Wheeler

Ewok joins the FaZe Clan.

AN INTERVIEW WITH SOLEIL “EWOK” WHEELER

Tell us about yourself! I am 14 years old, in the 8th grade, and attend the Indiana School for the Deaf. I love playing Fortnite, and I represent the FaZe Clan.

Other than Fortnite, what else do you do for fun? I love drawing, playing sports like volleyball and basketball, and watching football.

What platform do you use when playing Fortnite? I use a PC with a keyboard and mouse.

What made you start playing Fortnite? I thought it was cool; my brother played on XBOX, so I joined him. It took me to another dimension!

What was your reaction when you found you that you were selected to play with Kurt Benkert? I was so HONORED. Not in a million years would I have thought I’d play with an NFL player! We still keep in touch!

Was the tournament as you expected? It went well! Everything can’t be perfect. I knew I just needed to be prepared and ready to overcome challenges to get the results I wanted.

Tell us what you think about the gaming industry, is it deaf-friendly? Some games aren’t that deaf-friendly, which is why I mainly play Fortnite. Fortnite has sound visualization that really helps me to be situationally aware, allowing me to become a better player.

What do you want to see happen in the gaming industry? More deaf-friendly games and features.

We are grateful that you made a donation to the NAD Youth Programs! Why did you choose the NAD Youth Programs? I did that to support the Deaf community. I want to see more successful deaf kids and adults represented. It is important that we support each other. I am proud of my identity as a Deaf person.

Soleil “Ewok” Wheeler hails from Indiana and represents the FaZe Clan.

Ewok playing duos with 100T Elevate.