Once again Derby soccer capped another successful season with an overall record of 15-2-2 and were crowned co-champions of AVCTL I. 

With five seniors on an experienced team, one of their catalysts was senior Andy Denesongkham. 

Denesongkham was named honorable mention All-AVCTL and was named second team All-State. 

“Overall, the season went really great. In all honesty, I never would’ve thought our team would end up 15-2-2.” Denesongkham said. 

Despite the initial thought that his senior year may be a little challenging, the Panthers balled out and had a lot of postseason accolades to show for it. 

The senior can be described as a Swiss Army knife because of how much versatility he brings to the table. The midfielder has played nearly every position when called upon.
Denesongkham was a forward and winger for most of his career, there were a few games throughout his career he played outside back and then was able to easily transition to the midfield, which is where he ended up finishing his senior season. 

Denesongkham never cared about where he played. He just wanted to win. 

The captain would get that moment to showcase how valuable he was as the Derby Panthers were tied 0-0 in overtime during the regional championship against Lawrence Free State. 

Denesongkham scored the game-winning goal with 2:18 left of overtime and immediately took off running around the field in jubilation. 

“The feeling was unreal, it was a hard-fought game by both teams and luckily it went in our favor, it was truly a blessing,” Denesongkham said. 

Growing up in Derby, Denesongkham has been around the program his whole life. His older brother, Thome, who graduated in 2015 played for the Panthers and showed him the ropes. Denesongkham showed his little brother, Jadan, a two-year starter as a sophomore, the ropes. 

“Finishing my career was bittersweet,” Denesongkham said of the loss at Washburn Rural in the Class 6A quarterfinals. “It was bittersweet because I knew I left a legacy that many others and I can look back on. I played my part as a teammate, leader, and most of all a family member of the Panthers. I have built so many relationships with really good friends but as we all know good things come to an end and I am happy with that.”