Durango High School sophomore Kayla Willis has been playing organized football since third grade. She’s played everywhere on the field, from wide receiver, to linebacker, to defensive lineman, and literally drew up the DHS playbook this year.
Though Willis is beginning to understand that her football career as a player has come and gone, the 15-year-old is finding that when one door closes, another one opens.
For the last two Demons’ road games, Willis has been in the radio booth with longtime radio broadcaster Don Piccoli. As the color commentator, she has been providing fantastic football analysis in between plays for fans to listen to on 99.7 FM, KKDG.
With information about the Demons that only a program insider would know, and a knack for delivering the knowledge like a seasoned veteran in the booth, Willis has stumbled across a new pathway to enjoying game she knows and loves.
“I was at a game keeping stats and I think Don overheard me talking about what plays we were going to run or something,” Willis said. “He asked me if I would be interested in announcing one day, and I told him I would, not thinking it would ever happen.”
A few weeks later, the Demons went to Pueblo for an Oct. 22 matchup with Pueblo Central, and Willis was getting ready to record stats again until opportunity smacked her in the face.
“She came by the booth and said hi,” Piccoli said. “I asked her if she wanted to call the game and I was kind of surprised that she said yes. It’s not an easy thing to do, so I gave her an out and told her there’s no shame if she’s too nervous.”
With nothing but a crash course in broadcasting basics, and some help from a public speaking course, Willis took the headset and froze.
“I think I said something about the offensive line that didn’t make any sense and got my words mixed up,” she said. “After that, I was like ‘Come on, Kayla, you got this’ and it was good from there.”
When she settled in, it was soon clear to Piccoli that his new partner wasn’t going anywhere, and something pretty special was going on.
“She definitely surprised me because most people get a mic in their face, even with preparation, and get incredibly nervous,” he said. “She’s confident up there, probably because she knows football, and I’ve heard nothing but the most positive feedback about her performance.”
Knowing that she might be needed for the next road game, which was the regular season finale at Harrison, Willis watched tape and prepared like a professional analyst. She was hooked.
“Before this, I kind of knew I wanted to pursue some sort of career in sports,” Willis said. “I never thought of broadcasting, but after those two games, I absolutely love it and it’s something I will try to make a career out of.”
Though Willis probably won’t be calling the action in this weekend’s playoff matchup with Silver Creek, she’ll be the first one Piccoli calls the next time he needs help with the call.
“She’s got first dibs,” he said. “She did a great job. I think she realized that there’s a way to still be a part of the game even if she isn’t on the field, and she seems to love it.”
jfries@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
What is your favorite sports movie?:
Remember the Titans
Who is your favorite athlete?:
Serena Williams
What is your favorite sports team?:
Dallas Cowboys
What music gets you fired up?:
I love Beyonce.
What teacher or coach has had a great impact on you?:
So many. Dave Kidd, Coach Vogt and Ryan Woolverton have been great. Sheldon Keresey is a really good example for us I think.
What is your favorite restaurant in town?:
Jean Pierre’s and Homeslice
What is your nickname?:
K-Wil
What do you do when you aren’t playing sports?:
I actually love to bake.
What is your favorite childhood book or TV show?:
Winnie the Pooh
What is your dream job?:
I really love broadcasting. I also would like to open a hot chocolate shop one day.
