Neal Scheuneman

Caledonia Youth Sports Association is proud to recognize Neal Scheuneman as the October Game Changer Award winner. Neal sets an incredible example through his dedication to coaching, volunteering, and leading with a kids-first mindset.

After retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 2019, Neal and his wife, Cori, chose Caledonia as the place to plant roots and raise their family. They have three children: 14-year-old Charli, 9-year-old Bannon, and 5-year-old Brynlee. They also have a Mini Bernedoodle, Kingston. The Scheunemans enjoy camping, jet skiing, youth sports, and traveling.

Neal credits his upbringing for shaping his approach to coaching. His parents taught him to be a good teammate and to enjoy every moment. He played multiple sports growing up, believing each one prepared him for the next, and that experience now fuels his passion for helping young athletes develop.

Neal’s involvement with Caledonia youth sports began when his oldest daughter joined the basketball program. As his kids became involved in more sports, Neal stepped naturally into coaching and volunteering. “Coaching felt like a way to help kids build confidence, learn teamwork, and enjoy the same positive experiences that meant so much to me growing up,” he said. Over time, his role grew from coaching to helping behind the scenes and now serving as Caledonia Youth Football Association (CYFA) Board President.

For Neal, the most rewarding part of his involvement is watching kids grow in confidence and discover a genuine love for the game. He has also seen firsthand how close-knit the Caledonia community is, and his family has made lifelong friends through youth sports.

Neal is known for putting kids and families first. He starts each season by asking players what they hope to get out of it, and he works hard to create an environment where every child feels valued and included. His coaching philosophy centers on development over wins, focusing on teamwork, humility, work ethic, and fun. He strives to give every child opportunities to try new roles, improve at their own pace, and feel proud of their progress.

Some of his most meaningful moments come from players and parents sharing how much they enjoyed being on his team. Those small comments remind him why he continues to coach and volunteer. With three children active in Caledonia programs, Neal plans to stay involved for many years and hopes his example encourages others to step in and support local youth sports.

Neal doesn’t seek recognition, which makes this award especially meaningful to him. “Being recognized as a Game Changer is very humbling,” he said. “This confirms that I’m making a positive impact for our kids.”

Congratulations to Neal on being named the October Game Changer. His commitment and heart continue to make a lasting difference in Caledonia Youth Sports.