About

With over 25 years of transformational leadership as CEO of the YMCA of Southwest Kansas, I bring a deep commitment to the Y’s mission, a proven record of strategic innovation, and a heart for building inclusive, people-centered communities.

Growing up in Garden City, Kansas as a “YMCA rat,” I was blessed to learn many lifelong skills. From an early age, I dreamed of coming back to work for the organization that shaped me—I even told the Sports Director that one day, I’d have his job! After earning my Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Recreation Management from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk), that dream came true when I returned to serve as Sports & Fitness Director—an opportunity that became the foundation of my life’s work.

Under my leadership, our operating budget grew from under $1 million to over $3.2 million. We raised more than $12 million in capital campaigns, and membership increased by 65% through responsive, inclusive programming. What began as an independent branch blossomed into a full association encompassing two branches, six locations, and 15 child care sites. I focused on membership and program sustainability, staff development, and lasting community impact. I have overseen the selection, training, and mentorship of senior leadership teams, guided strategic planning, and cultivated strong partnerships with donors, city officials, and local businesses.

What drives me most is the ability we have to transform lives—to see a child gain confidence in the pool, a teen find mentorship through after-school programs, or a senior rediscover community through wellness. My leadership style is rooted in joy, authenticity, and a servant’s heart. I am passionate about building strong teams, empowering staff to reach their full potential, and fostering a culture where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.

My family includes my wife, Veronica; our daughter, Caleigh; and our three sons, Zac, Maverick, and Camden. I enjoy racquetball, pickleball, and swimming, officiating high school sports, & playing cards and board games with the family. I also love coordinating our Knight Family Reunion every two years with over 150 family members.

Sonya has been a member of the Grand Island YMCA for over 30 years. She started working in the child watch area and supervised the evening program. She discovered a passion for water fitness and started teaching deep and shallow cardio classes in the pool in 1995. She is a lifeguard,certified water fitness instructor and has now added Human Resources to her resume. Sonya and Dale have been avid racquetball players, coached soccer, and raised 3 kids who were also lifeguards.

As the Membership Coordinator, I am proud to serve an organization that has been a part of my life for more than 30 years. I began working at the YMCA in 1994 when I was 17 years old, and, over the years, the Y has become much more than just my workplace—it has been a second home for my family.
My son and daughter grew up at the YMCA, participating in preschool, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and swim lessons. The YMCA played an important role in their childhood, and it was especially meaningful to see both of them later join the YMCA team in their first jobs as teenagers.
I enjoy helping members feel welcome and connected, whether they are joining for the first time or have been part of the Y family for years. Being able to share my personal experiences and support others on their YMCA journey is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

I began my journey with the Grand Island YMCA in 2002 as the Child Watch Coordinator. At the time, I had two young children and was looking for a job that would allow me to bring them with me while still making a difference in the community. What started as a job quickly became so much more—it became a second home for me and my family.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve in many different roles throughout the YMCA, including soccer coach, summer camp counselor, and a variety of other program positions. Each role helped me grow professionally while allowing me to connect with members and families in meaningful ways.
As my children got older, I was ready for a new challenge. In 2012, I accepted a full-time position as Frontline Manager. This role gave me the opportunity to expand my leadership skills and continue supporting the YMCA’s mission in new ways.
The YMCA has been a huge part of my life and my family’s life. My children grew up here, volunteering and participating in programs throughout the years. The YMCA helped teach them the value of hard work, service to others, and community involvement. Many of our family’s memories and friendships have been built within these walls.
Today, I am proud to continue serving at the Grand Island YMCA. The YMCA has given so much to me and my family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back by helping create a welcoming environment where everyone can belong, grow, and thrive.

Experience & Qualifications: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Master’s degree in Exercise Science. I taught Sports Management and Personal Health for 13 years at Eastern Connecticut State University. I was also a middle school track coach for 7-8 years. My certifications include ACE Group Fitness, ACE Personal Training, ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and ACE Health Coach. I also have a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certificate, and certificates in water aerobics and several Les Mills certifications. I have worked with athletes from pre-Olympics to Senior Olympics as well as special needs kids.

Hobbies: When I’m not teaching or coaching, I love to crochet, specifically amigurumi, a Japanese form of crochet. I also love to bake bread, Christmas candy, and trying new recipes.

Y Philosophy: If you work at the Y, you’re not coming to work AT the Y, you are coming to worth WITH the Y. You don’t just walk in, teach a class and walk out. You’re here to help people.

Quote: Do what you can with what you’ve got.

Desiree Noel joined the Grand Island YMCA as a certified personal trainer in the summer of 2022. She will be offering one-on-one training with scheduled appointments. This winter, Des will be finishing her Certified Nutrition Coach program and will be offering those services as well.

Des is interested in bringing group health courses including nutrition, body re-composition programs, group strength classes, and many new and exciting things.

Des has been a Registered Nurse for almost 10 years working in Emergency medicine, surgery, and most recently, neurology. Des is married with three young boys at home.