Purple Celebrities
Showcasing our diverse accomplishments within our community — from an Olympic speed skater hopeful to a talented actress and advocate, to an accomplished race car star to a championship UFC fighter — our Purple celebrities are one of the many reasons we shine so bright.
Matt “The Hammer” Hamill
Purple loyal fan Matt “The Hammer” Hamill has made quite an impression as a professional MMA fighter. A three-time NCAA Wrestling Division III National Champion, he attended the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. In November 2007, Matt was inducted into the RIT Athletics Hall of Fame. Matt also participated in the Deaflympics in 1997 (Denmark) where he won both gold medals in Greco-Roman style and freestyle. In 2001 in Rome, Matt earned a silver medal in Greco-Roman style, along with a gold medal in freestyle. Matt was a contestant in the third season of The Ultimate Fighter reality television show in the 205 lb. (93 kg) weight class, which ultimately launched his career in the UFC. For more information on Matt, visit www.matthamill.com.
Greg Gunderson
Sprint car racer Greg Gunderson has felt the need for speed since he was six-years old. With more than 40 wins, including a feature race win at the Sioux Empire Fair, Greg knows his way around the racing track. Greg attended the South Dakota School for the Deaf and Brandon Valley High School, and graduated from Gallaudet University with a B.S. degree in entrepreneurial studies. An avid fan of Purple, you won’t miss Greg on the track — he proudly displays the Purple logo on his sprint car and uniform. For more information on Greg, visit www.gundersonracing.com.
Michael Hubbs
Michael Hubbs has his eye set on the gold. An Olympic hopeful, Michael is one of the hardest working athletes on the circuit, investing many hours of his time training in hopes of qualifying for the 2014 winter Olympics. Michael had an unconventional childhood, and wasn’t identified as being Deaf until he was a toddler. Raised by an abusive father, Michael became involved in drugs as a teenager and was arrested several times. When he turned 21, Michael decided to change his life for the better. He began his career as an in-line skater and then later traded pavement for ice — he hasn’t looked back since. In his own words, he says, “Purple Communications is the BEST! Honestly, no other VRS can beat Purple. It’s not only about the products, they show their wonderful Purple heart to their customers and workers.” We couldn’t agree more, Michael! To find out more about Michael, visit www.facebook.com/smokindragon.
Terrylene Sacchetti
Terrylene Sacchetti is the creator of Clerc’s Children, a program dedicated to providing online, early dual-language programs (English and ASL) for Deaf and KODA children from birth to five-years old. In addition to Clerc’s Children, she is also an accomplished stage, film and television actress appearing in a number of popular shows including “ER,” “Veronica Mars” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Terrylene also managed a successful filmmaking program for Deaf children ages seven to 18 under a United States Department of Education grant and is a strong advocate for the Deaf community. For more information about Terrylene, please visit http://clercschildren.com or http://clercschildren.blogspot.com.
Want to be the next Purple celebrity? Contact your local District Manager.