Derby softball player Kyler Demel recently completed an interview with VYPE.

VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?

To be the best leader I can be and help grow our young team and win a state championship.

VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?

During the 1st round of state last season. We were playing manhattan, it was the bottom of the 7th and we were down by 1. I was up to bat, 2 outs, 2 balls, 2 strikes and I hit a double to score a run and tie the game and we ended up winning. 

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Karlie Demel, my sister, her competitive fire and passion for the game has driven me to want to be not only a better player but a better sister for her. She is my biggest cheerleader and always has been. 

VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?

Playing with some of these girls who I have grown up playing softball with. It’s so awesome to see how far we have all come since we were young players. 

VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?

I’ve been apart of the panther pals program for 3 year now as an assistant and head coach for the basketball team. This is one of my favorite things I’ve ever been apart of, just being able to work with and hangout with these kids almost everyday is just amazing in every way. 

VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?

That failure is apart of life and it always will be. It has taught me how to overcome and work through adversity and to never give up. 

VYPE: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?

To always work hard in everything I do, and to always treat people well and with respect. 

VYPE: Who inspires you and why?

My parents because they were both college athletes and know how to work through adversity and always help me and are the first people there when I need someone. 

VYPE: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.

My littler brother Kolt, He’s one of the hardest workers I know and has had so much success at a young age. It’s awesome to be able to watch him. I admire him for always being at all the travel and high-school sports. I can’t wait to see the amazing athlete and person continues to be.  Also a shout out to my Grandparents, Mark and Barbara Demel and Bud and Theresa Kyler for all the support they have given me throughout my high school career.