“My name is Brennan Hoelperl. I am graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School this June and will be playing NCAA Division 1 Men’s Volleyball at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT in the fall, majoring in Biology.

I started playing competitive volleyball at the end of third grade, and was diagnosed with T1D at the end of fourth grade.

But I have been able to continue playing youth volleyball for Rochester PACE Bootlegger at a national level ever since. Almost a decade later, our club team is consistently in the top 20 in the nation and we lead our region in USA & AAU Volleyball tournaments.

I am also a three-year varsity starter at McQuaid Jesuit and was selected for the Section V Class A All Tournament team and first team All Greater Rochester this year.  I am really excited to participate at the next level in collegiate volleyball at Sacred Heart University as a setter!

Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) while traveling all over the country and playing in a fiercely competitive environment involves so much planning and awareness.

Using both a CGM and a pump, I have to account for potential highs and lows while in the weight room and on the volleyball court and be ready with snacks and supplies.

I’ve been grateful for my parents and also teammates who have learned about T1D and are a constant support. My coaches worked with me, not letting diabetes be a liability or an excuse as I strive to play at a high level.

I would encourage younger players to work with your parents and coaches and figure out a system that works. Diabetes is a major complication but doesn’t need to get in the way of your dreams.  I hope to play in college and perhaps beyond, maybe coach.”

Thank you to Brennen Hoelperl for sharing your T1D story with Breakthrough T1D Upstate New York! Do you have a story you’d like to share about your life with type 1 diabetes? Reach out to us at UpstateNY@BreakthroughT1D.org.