By Ken Hansard
Recently, VYPE had the privilege to talk to and to find out more about Wichita East High School senior athlete Desiray Cuellar.
VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?
Cuellar: Personally, I want to use this season as a transitional period from being a full on defender to more of a mid-field player, who can also help my team attack. Since I will most likely play as a defensive mid in college, I want to be prepared and know what to expect in the future. But most importantly, I want to be someone that my team can rely on in any situation, on and off the field.
VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?
Cuellar: The most fun I have had so far with my team has to be during my team dinner. After practice, everyone headed straight to my house, where my mother had made chicken Alfredo and salad. My teammates got to meet both of my dogs and even learned how to dance! I really enjoyed being able to connect with my teammates in more activities that didn’t necessarily involve soccer.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?
Cuellar: I love my junior year IB English teacher, Ms. Hutton. Her class is known to be difficult because of the high expectations she has for her students, but she is such a fun and caring person, too! Although there were times where I was not so successful in her class, I kept trying. Soon enough, I was able to see a difference not only in my ability to understand and analyze texts, but also in my ability to write and communicate my ideas through words. If I could, I would thank her every day for helping me become a better student and individual.
VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
Cuellar: My favorite athletic memory is winning the North Cup my sophomore and junior years! I was so proud of my teammates for their effort and hard work.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Cuellar: Although I appreciate all of my teammates for everything they have done for me and the team, Yossi Villagrana, a former East player, has left one of the biggest impressions on me. I was only able to play with her for one season (while I was a freshman), but her positivity and passion for soccer was amazing. She was confident and creative on the ball and a leader on our team. She could make anyone and everyone laugh with just a few words and was a problem on the field for opposing teams. My freshman year was such a fun experience with her around.
VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
Cuellar: I love the community we have here on the team. I have made numerous friends who have helped me with my struggles, both related and unrelated to soccer. These girls truly care about you as a person and want to see you succeed. They are everything I could ask for in a teammate.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?
Cuellar: I love going to Mexico and visiting my family there. The culture and people are wonderful, and I love actually being able to speak with my family in Spanish, and I love to create meaningful relationships with them. Of course, I would take my family with me. My family is so busy during the year that I really hope all of them could have more opportunities to relax and enjoy themselves.
VYPE: If we gave you $5000 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, how would you spend it?
Cuellar: If I were to receive $5000 right now, I would help my mom pay off our car loan. I’d probably use the money left over to pay for my IB exams and any transcripts that I have to send over to the college I will be attending in the fall, Newman University. If, by some miracle, I still have money left over, I would want to try and invest it and hopefully make more money off of that in the future.
VYPE: What other sports, activities, or community service projects do you participate in, and how have these helped to prepare you for the future?
Cuellar: In addition to playing soccer, I was also the manager for the Men’s Soccer team at East my junior and senior years. I tried to document my experiences on TikTok. It was really fun, and I enjoyed having Elyzah with me through the whole experience! Apart from soccer, I am part of East High’s IB program and Spanish Honors Society. I have volunteered for numerous events in Wichita, such as the Dome Events held at the Exploration Place, Lights on the River at the Wichita Boathouse, a soccer camp held by Kansas Rush Wichita, and more. I also held a book drive before spring break and plan to donate the books to the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas! Through all of these activities, I have learned the importance of effective communication and the importance of being open to new ideas and experiences.
