Aidan Derry is a junior on the Prairie Fire men's basketball team from Edwards, Illinois. Aidan works several jobs on campus, including the fitness center and sports information. He is a member of Phi Gamma Delta and is the men's basketball representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
 

What is something that you have done in the last year that you are really proud of? Can you go into detail about the experience and why you are so passionate about it?

One thing I have done this past year that I am proud of is I have participated in two philanthropy events to raise money for the Special Olympics. One was a sand volleyball tournament and the other was a polar plunge. I also helped referee a Special Olympics basketball tournament at Galesburg High School. I am so passionate about these things because I love the sport of basketball and sports in general so seeing organizations such as the Special Olympics give opportunities to people with special needs to play sports brings a smile to my face.

What is your favorite Knox memory?

My favorite Knox memory would probably be traveling to Ripon for the women's conference tournament that they ended up winning last year. There were only about 10 Knox students there, but we matched the energy of the whole Ripon student section.

What is your favorite all-time memory playing your sport?

My favorite all time basketball memory is when our whole team went to Hawaii this year.

What do you love most about your sport?

I came into Knox not knowing anyone on the team or how I'd end up in the system, but ended up meeting some lifelong friends that will be there after I graduate.

Why did you choose Knox?

I chose Knox for its education and its Business Program and so I can pursue my love for basketball.

What do you love about Knox?

I love that you get to know each professor on a personal level because of its small class sizes and that the professors want to see you succeed in and after college.

If you could travel/live anywhere in the world where would it be?

If I could travel anywhere in the world I would choose Bora Bora. It has been one of my dream places to visit since I was younger.

What has changed most from being a high school student to being a college student?

What has changed most from high school to college would be the amount of work I put into homework and basketball.

What do you like most about Galesburg/ the Galesburg Community?

What I like the most about Galesburg is the small town feeling and its great restaurants.

If you could play any sport (that you do not already play) what would it be? (does not have to be a sport at Knox)

I would play football, I played in high school and miss the games and "Friday Night Lights" feeling. 

What advice would you give your younger self knowing where you are today?

The advice I would give my younger self would be to try harder in academics because at the end of the day education is what is going to get you through life and the more you know the better off you are.

What do you enjoy most about Division 3?

I enjoy the small school feeling and being able to recognize most people on campus and build relationships with those people. 

What is your favorite movie?

Star Wars Revenge of the Sith.

Who is your favorite band/artist?

Kings of Leon

What is one tip you would give an incoming FY?

The tip I would give incoming first-years would be to no matter what happens in either school/sports just stick through and become the best version of yourself you can be.