For Pellissippi State Community College baseball player MaKai Derry, being a Panther means balancing more than classes, practices and games. It also means being a father.
Derry became a dad before graduating from Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville. His son, Koa, brought a new dimension to a life already centered around baseball.
“We figured everything out,” Derry said in a recent Pellissippi State Athletics student spotlight. “It’s just a testament to God and how His plan is right.”
A lifelong baseball player, Derry came to Pellissippi State after another playing opportunity fell through. Panthers head baseball coach Shawn Hughes recruited him, allowing Derry to continue playing the sport he loves while staying close to home.
That proximity matters when baseball practice ends and dad duties begin. Derry’s days can include caring for Koa in the morning, taking him to day care, attending classes and practice, then returning home for dinner and bedtime.
“It’s difficult sometimes,” Derry said of balancing fatherhood, school and baseball. “It’s really busy, but you just push through and you enjoy it.”
His teammates have become part of the support system.
“They’ve really helped us grow,” Derry said. “I’m really looking forward to going out there every day with those guys.”
Koa with Makai’s teammate after a game
Hughes, a father himself, understands Derry’s responsibilities and works with his schedule. Sometimes that means Derry arrives late to practice. Other times, Koa comes along.
Hughes said Derry has grown as both a player and a parent.
“He’s extremely driven,” Hughes said. “He absolutely loves baseball.”
Derry is studying accounting and is scheduled to graduate in 2027. He hopes to transfer to a four-year college and continue playing baseball.
But perhaps his most important goal is showing Koa what perseverance can accomplish.
“Now it’s really just to show him that no matter what troubles you have, you can still accomplish your dreams and have fun,” Derry said.
The father-son story was featured in a Pellissippi State Athletics publication mailed to supporters, accompanied by a video that offers another look at Derry, Koa and life as a Panther.
Watch “The Panther and His Cub” on YouTube
Pellissippi State Community College is a public community college based in Knox and Blount counties in Tennessee and operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents. The college operates four campuses: Hardin Valley, Blount County, Strawberry Plains, and Magnolia Avenue.
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