Derrick B. Hayes was born and raised in the city of Detroit in a single parent household; he was the youngest of two boys. His mother struggled with drug addiction early in his childhood but despite being addicted to drugs, his mother managed to keep both her boys focused on more constructive things (sports). His first love was and still is basketball and his mother always knew how to fuel that passion by being his biggest supporter. Derrick attended Southwestern High School 93, from there he attended Iowa State University for (2) years then transferred back home to University of Detroit Mercy 95, where he would play collegiate basketball and graduate with his Bachelor in Criminal Justice 98. Derrick has been blessed to travel the world as a professional basketball player, landing him after college in Europe playing professionally. After playing (4) years of professional basketball abroad and state side, Derrick returned home and joined the Detroit Police Department in 2002. February 12th, 2005, Derrick was shot (6) times while on duty. After receiving his disability retirement from the police department, Derrick, began coaching high school basketball for several years and went back to his alma mater to earn his Masters’ Degree in Educational Administration Leadership (University of Detroit Mercy 2015). Derrick is known for his charismatic personality and is an inspiration to his peers as he is a true leader in every aspect of the word.