February, 2026
By Brianna Arellano Velazquez, Sports Editor
The wind was pushing against the Mustangs and the pressure was on. Tensions rose during the first half due to both teams playing amazing defense. However, Midwestern State University kept pushing against the Tars of Rollins University. Soon a crack appeared in Rollins’ defense and the Mustangs saw an opportunity for a goal. Sune Espevoll took that opportunity and scored the first goal for MSU. Soon after Midwestern State felt more empowered than ever. They kept pushing forward and making sure their defense was secure. Soon the Mustangs got their second and final shot and made the score 2-0. With that final point they secured the 2025 NCAA Division II Championship. With sweat and cheers, KAC alumni, Dereck Espinal held up his trophy and realized that he just won a National Championship!
On December 14th 2025, KAC Alumni Dereck Espinal took part in a historic game at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, Colorado. However, the road to this championship was not easy for Espinal, a member of KAC’s Class of 2021. Through injuries and goals Dereck pushed through to achieve this national title.
Dereck first started his journey by playing soccer with his family since he was 4 years old, until he decided to pursue soccer at his local YMCA where he joined his youth league. With love and support from his family he was persuaded to play soccer more seriously. When he started his high school education at Kipp Austin Collegiate the boys soccer team immediately caught his eye and he knew he wanted to be on that team. During tryouts Coach Lett stated, “He is special,” due to Derick’s incredible ball control and skill.
Dereck’s time on the KAC boys soccer team was unique. Dereck thought that training was intense but always fun. “I looked forward to practicing everyday and it kept me active for my club teams as well,” he said in an interview in December.
But Dereck faced obstacles in the classroom. By his own admission, he was barely “getting by” in his grades and tests. However, Dereck says that he was lucky to have teachers who motivated him and made sure his education came first.
However, during his high school years, he never struggled on the field. As a sophomore at KAC, Dereck helped the Cardinals win a state championship in 2019, leading them to a 4-0 victory against George I. Sanchez Charter School. Since that state championship Dereck knew he wanted to play college soccer and take his soccer career more seriously.
During his high school career, Coach Eddie Lett contacted Michael Meachum, the coach at his own alma mater, Midwestern State University, to show him what an excellent player Dereck was. Coach Meachum believed Coach Lett’s word. Coach Meachum went to one of Dereck’s games and watched him play and was amazed by how great his communication skills and technical skills were. During his senior year he received a scholarship to play soccer for the university on MSU and this is where his dream started to take off.
When arriving at MSU Dereck felt like his life was turned around because instead of playing soccer for fun he started to play it professionally with large amounts of pressure added. However, during his freshman year he did not have a lot of playing time due to having to have 2 surgeries. This made him realize that after a game or practice it is important that he recovers and rest instead of pushing harder.
During his college season, a moment he was proud of was very proud of his coming back mid season and bringing it all in the national tournament scoring 3 goals and 3 assists. Dereck stated, “I remember being injured and wanting to give up since it was my last semester of college soccer, and thought that I was not going to be able to play again, but I had the support of my Family and Coach Lett that led me to be motivated in coming back at the end of the season and end with a ring on my finger.”
What will Dereck do next? Dereck plans on playing with Laredo Heat in the U.S. Open Cup and in the summer to play with them in the USL League which is an amazing opportunity for him to expand his soccer career. After his time with Laredo Heat, he plans to pursue a professional or semi-professional contract with a team in the U.S. or outside the country.
Espinal has come from somewhere small, achieved something huge and wanted to go bigger. He grew as a person in soccer over the years with determination and skill. Dereck left KAC with history behind him and now that he is a National Champion he left history around the world. Here at KIPP we want to help our students become the best they can become. Dereck has led the road of success for himself and others dreaming to take the same path as him.
“KIPP is a college experience that prepared me for MSU even when I didn’t think it would in high school,” reflected Espinal. “No matter what holds you back, there are always people there supporting you and pushing you to achieve your dream.”
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