VYPE spoke with Derby’s Leilani Schnelle to discuss what it’s like to be a Panther.
VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?
My personal goals for the year as an athlete are just to his my daily goals like for track specifically, hitting 30ft in shot put. As a student, it’s probably just to get through these last few weeks and get to college.
VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?
The most fun I have had in the last year was my recent Madrigals trip to Dallas. I made lots of memories with those awesome people and we won in our class there, so that was special.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?
My favorite teacher from this year specifically was Mrs. Snyder. She’s my choir accompanist and she always keeps us on our toes and says some pretty funny things sometimes. She works really hard for us and I just appreciate her a lot.
VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
My favorite athletic memory is probably when the Derby Marching Band won their first competition in a while. I was cool because that meant our work was worth it. It was my first win, and I have been in the drumline for the past 4 years and in the band for longer so it was cool to be with my classmates for that.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
The teammate that has left the biggest impression on me has got to be Addy Brown. She’s really talented and has done so many good things. I have been in school with her since 8th grade and she is one the kindest people I know. She has a lot of eyes on her, especially because of her skills but she’s so humble and doesn’t let the spotlight get in the way of her goals for herself and that’s really cool.
VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
My favorite part about being on this team is that for the throwers at least there’s no judgment whatsoever. All we’re doing is working on making ourselves better and encouraging each other while having our own goals as well. We cheer each other on and celebrate everyone’s wins.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?
If I pick anywhere for summer vacation it’s Hawaii for sure. It’s my favorite place ever and I would stay in Maui and enjoy the peace and hang out on the beach. Of course, I would enjoy the amazing food and just chill out in the sun. I would definitely bring my sister because she likes doing those same things so it would be a good trip.
VYPE: If we gave you $500 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?
If you gave me $500 to spend in 24hrs I would spend it on shoes and some clothes. I might go out to eat and then save some of it for myself because I need money for college.
VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?
I do not participate in any community service projects right now but I have served in a special needs track meet in my junior year. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, especially from all the resilient kids that participated. I had a lot of fun tho.
VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?
I am a part of Derby Madrigals because I love singing and it is the highest choir you can be in so it’s really cool to be with my friends in that class for sure we do fun things and sings harder songs so it definitely pays off.
I was also a part of Derby Marching Band(in the drumline) and regular band, all 3 years, and after this year it will be 4, it was hard work but I love those people in that class, and being in the band has taught more about life than anything and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I also managed the girls’ basketball team, basketball is one of my favorite sports to watch and I am no good at playing so managing best suited me. Doing that was a lot of fun.
