Ever since a young age, Jonathan Leiderman has loved playing soccer and hasn’t let significant hearing impairment slow him down.

The John Jay-Cross River senior says his disability has actually served as a motivator.

“It's always been hard, but I haven't let my disability hold me back from playing soccer,” he told News 12.

Leiderman underwent several surgeries and received implants to improve his hearing. Through it all, his determination to succeed never wavered, even during some rough times.

“I've faced discrimination in the past,” he said. “Sometimes people try to bring me down, but I keep fighting for myself and my family.”

His hard work landed him in international tournaments and this past summer he played on the U.S. men's national deaf soccer team.

When Leiderman is not playing soccer, you may find him on a mountain. He's the first person with a hearing disability to hike to the summit of all of New York’s 46 high peaks.

Leiderman is hoping to attend RIT next year and study medicine.