Kalen DeBoer Returns to His Roots and Shares Powerful Message on Youth Sports, Leadership, and Building the Future Beyond Football
In the midst of preparing Alabama’s football team for one of its most anticipated seasons in years, head coach Kalen DeBoer took time to return to where it all began—his hometown of Milbank, South Dakota. But this wasn’t a recruiting trip or a media event centered on Alabama’s 2025 championship hopes. This visit was personal, reflective, and centered on something that transcends even college football: youth athletics and the role they play in shaping lives, building communities, and creating leaders.
Speaking at a youth athletics fundraiser and community event held at Milbank High School—his alma mater—DeBoer captivated an audience of parents, coaches, former teachers, and hundreds of young athletes eager to learn from one of the nation’s most respected football minds. The event was part keynote, part heart-to-heart, as DeBoer shared insights not only from his meteoric rise through the coaching ranks but also from his humble beginnings growing up in rural South Dakota.
The atmosphere was equal parts celebratory and thoughtful. DeBoer didn’t arrive as the head coach of Alabama as much as he came home as Kalen, the local kid who found success through hard work, discipline, and the values instilled in him through high school sports. And while his journey has taken him from NAIA championships to the pinnacle of college football, his message was simple: the lessons that matter most were learned long before the bright lights.
“Some of the most important moments in my life didn’t happen on national television or in front of 100,000 fans,” DeBoer said. “They happened on practice fields just like this one, surrounded by teammates, coaches, and a community that believed in each other.”
DeBoer emphasized that youth athletics are not just about producing elite athletes. They’re about developing character, instilling work ethic, and creating resilience that lasts well beyond the final whistle. He pointed to his own experience as a multi-sport athlete at Milbank, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. “I wasn’t the biggest or the fastest, but I learned to compete. I learned how to get back up after losing. That’s what matters.”
One of the most compelling parts of his talk centered on how youth coaches, often volunteers, have an impact far greater than wins and losses. DeBoer credited his early coaches for challenging him, teaching him accountability, and believing in him even when he doubted himself. “Coaches have the power to shape futures,” he said. “It’s not always about schemes or stats—it’s about showing up, leading by example, and helping kids grow into the best version of themselves.”
For the parents in the room, DeBoer’s message was clear: let the game be the teacher. “Support your kids. Cheer for them. But let them struggle sometimes,” he said. “That’s how they grow. Don’t try to remove every obstacle—help them learn how to climb over it.”
DeBoer also spoke about the danger of over-specialization in youth sports, a growing trend where kids are encouraged—or pressured—to focus on one sport year-round. “Some of the best players I’ve ever coached were multi-sport athletes. They didn’t just learn athletic skills—they learned how to compete in different environments, how to lead different groups, how to deal with adversity in new ways.”
He continued, “Let them play. Let them find joy in sports. Let them fail, because the lessons they learn will last forever.”
The message wasn’t just motivational—it was deeply personal. DeBoer talked about his parents, who worked long hours and sacrificed so he could play sports. He remembered long bus rides, small crowds, and the sense of pride he felt representing his town. “I carry those moments with me into every locker room, every team meeting, and every game day,” he said. “That foundation matters.”
Attendees said it was clear DeBoer hadn’t forgotten where he came from. His humility, humor, and authenticity resonated deeply. He didn’t just preach values—he embodied them. Even as the leader of one of college football’s most high-pressure programs, DeBoer made time for every handshake, every autograph request, and every question from a wide-eyed kid wearing an Alabama hat.
In a Q&A portion following his talk, DeBoer was asked what advice he gives to young athletes dreaming of playing in college or even the NFL. His answer was grounded, yet hopeful: “Control what you can control. Your attitude. Your effort. Your preparation. Not everyone’s going to get a scholarship. But every single one of you can be a great teammate, a hard worker, and a leader in your school.”
He also reminded young athletes that their value isn’t tied to stats or championships. “You are more than a box score. Sports should add to your life, not define your worth.”
DeBoer didn’t shy away from the topic of pressure, either. He acknowledged that today’s young athletes are under more scrutiny than ever, thanks to social media and the growing intensity of youth competition. But he offered perspective: “Pressure is a privilege. If people expect something from you, it means they believe in you. Embrace it—but never let it take away your love for the game.”
When asked about the current Alabama team, DeBoer kept things measured, though optimistic. He said the summer has been about building chemistry, accountability, and leadership. “We have a talented group, but talent only takes you so far. Culture wins. And that starts now, long before we step onto the field this fall.”
That same message applied to every youth coach in the room. Culture starts at the youth level. And for DeBoer, building that culture begins with selflessness, structure, and belief in something bigger than oneself.
Before wrapping up, DeBoer took time to highlight the unsung heroes of youth sports—the parents who drive to practices after work, the volunteers who mow the fields, the teachers who show up to games, and the local businesses that sponsor teams. “You’re the reason it all happens,” he said. “This community built me. I’ll never forget that.”
He closed his speech with a message not just for Milbank, but for communities everywhere: “Invest in your kids. Invest in each other. If you want to change the world, start by changing what happens right here—in your schools, in your gyms, in your neighborhoods. It starts with all of us.”
The evening was a powerful reminder that football is just a vehicle—a way to reach people, to teach life lessons, to inspire. For DeBoer, the scoreboard has always mattered. But it’s never been the only thing that matters. His return home showed that he hasn’t lost sight of that, even as he prepares to lead Alabama onto one of the biggest stages in sports.
In a world where college football is increasingly about money, headlines, and transfer portals, Kalen DeBoer’s message was refreshingly grounded. Leadership starts with authenticity. Success starts with humility. And the future of sports—both at Alabama and beyond—starts with communities willing to invest in their youth.
For one night in Milbank, under a small-town gym roof filled with familiar faces and future dreams, the biggest name in Alabama football was simply a local kid giving back—and reminding everyone that greatness starts at home.
