UPDATE: The family and friends of Chase Stegall are uniting to honor his legacy following his tragic death on June 2, 2023. Stegall, a promising midfielder for the DePaul University soccer team, passed away from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, leaving a community devastated yet determined to celebrate his joy.
On a warm September morning, the DePaul men’s soccer locker room echoed with laughter and memories of Stegall, who was known for his infectious spirit. A blue No. 19 jersey hangs prominently in his locker, a symbol of the joy and positivity he brought to his teammates. “His joy is still with us,” said teammate Jordan Clagette, reflecting on the lasting impact Stegall had on everyone around him.
The loss of the 20-year-old athlete has deeply affected not only his family but also the entire DePaul community. Coaches and players were visibly shaken as they mourned the vibrant young man who had transformed the locker room atmosphere with his playful antics. “I saw about 70 athletes from all sports sitting together and crying,” said DePaul men’s soccer coach Mark Plotkin. “This is way bigger than us.”
Stegall’s family describes him as a connector, a person who thrived on making others happy. His parents, Milt and Darlene Stegall, recount heartwarming stories of their son’s early days, where his competitive spirit was often overshadowed by his desire to celebrate others’ achievements. “He was excited that someone scored,” Milt recalled of Chase’s first soccer match at age three, highlighting his selfless nature.
As the soccer season unfolds, the Blue Demons are committed to honoring Stegall by embodying his spirit. They have created “The Chase Stegall Wall of Positivity” in their locker room and wear patches with his No. 19 on their jerseys. The team plans to dedicate a game to epilepsy awareness in his hometown of Atlanta, reinforcing their commitment to his memory.
The overwhelming support from the community has been a source of comfort for the Stegall family, who experienced an outpouring of love following Chase’s passing. A memorial service drew approximately 1,000 attendees, demonstrating the profound impact he had on those around him. Darlene expressed gratitude for the “army of people” that surrounded them during this difficult time, emphasizing that their faith and the memories of Chase keep them moving forward.
In a heartfelt message, Clagette shares how the team continues to embrace Stegall’s legacy through their actions. “Soccer is going to end eventually, but his relationships will always stick with people,” he said. The players are encouraged to share memories and celebrate the joy Stegall brought into their lives.
The DePaul soccer team is not just preserving Chase Stegall’s memory; they are also ensuring his spirit continues to shine brightly. As they navigate the season, the Blue Demons remain focused on spreading positivity, just as Stegall would have wanted.
As the team gears up for their next match, they reflect on the lessons learned from their beloved teammate, striving to keep his legacy alive through joy and connection. The mission is clear: carry on Chase’s spirit, making every moment count on and off the field.
