By Blake Chadwick
For the Derby softball senior class, this season is about finishing a story that has been years in the making.
Head coach Christy Weve believes the foundation laid by this senior group is what makes Derby a serious contender.
“We have high expectations for this season,” Weve said. “Our seniors bring experience and leadership that will help guide us and stay focused throughout the season.”
That senior class—Karlie Demel, Charlie Ayalla, Ashlyn Hamilton, Kayla Cooper, and Olivia Parra—has grown together over the years, helping shape a culture that values accountability, trust, and playing for one another.
For Charlie Ayalla, being part of Derby softball starts with selflessness.
“Playing for Derby means being selfless to better the people around you,” Ayalla said. “You have to work your hardest not just for yourself, but for every teammate around you.”
That mindset has helped build a tight-knit group, something Karlie Demel says is the foundation of the team’s success.
“To play for Derby means family,” Demel said. “We all truly love each other and want to see each other succeed, because when everyone succeeds, the whole team succeeds.”
That bond has translated into consistent success, including multiple trips to the state tournament. But for this senior group, the expectation goes beyond just getting there.
“We have a standard on this team,” Demel said. “We want to host regionals to give ourselves the best chance to make it to state. Once we get there, it’s about leaving it all out on the field.”
Senior Kayla Cooper echoed that same focus, emphasizing both the pride of being part of the program and the work it takes to reach the ultimate goal.
“It is a privilege and honor to play for Derby,” Cooper said. “Being part of such a competitive program means a lot, and we all take pride in that.”
For Cooper and her teammates, the mission is clear.
“My main goal is to win state,” she said. “We’ve come close, and it would be a dream to end our senior year with a championship.”
According to Cooper, achieving that goal comes down to trust, chemistry, and a commitment to improving every single day.
“You have to truly know your teammates and trust them,” Cooper said. “That’s what builds chemistry, and that’s what it takes to win.”
