Aria DeBoer
CYSA is thrilled to announce Aria DeBoer as the very first recipient of our Game Changer Award. A second-grade student at Paris Ridge Elementary, Aria is already making waves both on and off the field through her dedication, heart, and remarkable sportsmanship. Whether it’s soccer, softball, horseback riding, basketball, running, swimming, or even gymnastics—Aria gives every sport her all. Her boundless energy, inclusive attitude, and resilient spirit make her a standout among her peers, and a role model for athletes of all ages.
Aria currently plays soccer with West Michigan Galaxy (having started in AYSO) and softball with the Caledonia Baseball/Softball League—now in her fifth season. She recently tried basketball for the first time this fall and trains at Max Effort with her mom and older brother, where she participates in Speed & Strength workouts. She also competes in the Healthy Kids Running Series, plans to join Girls on the Run, and enjoys swimming and gymnastics. A lifelong animal lover, Aria has been riding horses since she was just three years old and continues to pursue English-style hunt seat riding.
Even more impressive than her packed schedule is the way Aria approaches every activity with empathy, determination, and joy. She is a perceptive and kind teammate, quick to encourage others with a joke, a cheer, or thoughtful advice. If a teammate is struggling, Aria is often the first to notice—and the first to lift them up. She keeps spirits high in the dugout with chants and pep talks, and she’s known to pass out gum or eye black to boost morale. Most notably, Aria used her own birthday money to make team bows for her softball teammates—just one of many ways she spreads joy and unity among her peers. Her ability to critique her own performance, learn from mistakes, and move forward is a rare gift for an athlete her age. And despite all the action, Aria makes time before every game to say a quiet prayer for the safety of all players and that everyone has fun—because that, to her, is what youth sports are truly about.
Aria’s deep connection to sports runs in the family. Her older brother Aydin plays varsity baseball and football for Caledonia and also competes on a local travel team. Aria has been tagging along to his games since she was an infant and couldn’t wait to play herself. Her older sister, now 26, played travel soccer growing up and is now a mom to a young son—perhaps the next generation stand out athletes. Aria’s mom instills in her the family motto: “I can do hard things.” It’s a lesson Aria lives out daily, from balancing schoolwork (where she consistently excels), to keeping up with the family’s busy, sports-filled lifestyle, all while managing her own challenges with resilience and grace.
Aria never slows down—unless it’s to give a teammate a hug, go over a play a few extra times, or make sure no one is left out. Her presence is uplifting, her work ethic is inspiring, and her love for the game—and those who play it—is unmistakable. It’s no surprise that Aria received multiple nominations for the Game Changer award. She may be just getting started, but Aria DeBoer is already leaving a lasting impact on the Caledonia community. Congratulations, Aria—you are exactly what a Game Changer looks like.
April 2025 Game Changer sponsored by: Adrienne & Kyle Clement
