What comes to your mind when you hear the last name DeBoer in Washington? Probably to that electric 2023 season when Kalen DeBoer and Michael Penix Jr. had the Huskies knocking on the national title door. And honestly, who can forget a football head coach that went 25-3 in two seasons? But these days, while he’s trying to make Nick Saban’s throne fit in Tuscaloosa, another DeBoer is lighting it up back in Seattle. And this one’s leaving her own legacy with a bat instead of a headset.
Meet Alexis DeBoer, Washington’s freshman phenom and softball slugger. Her name just got etched into history with a swing that’s shaking the Pac-12 and beyond. And for someone who flashed promises as early as the age of six, being part of the Carbondale, Illinois softball team where Kalen DeBoer was once the OC, she’s destined for greatness. And fast forward to 2025, she just pulled off something her dad never did at Washington — become a freshman All-American. She didn’t have to scream it on the rooftop. Her Instagram story on May 21 with the softball America freshman All-Americans list and a quiet “” told the whole story. She’s the only Husky to make it on that list.
It’s pure emotion and why shouldn’t it be? Alexis DeBoer is now the only freshman in Huskies softball history not named Baylee Klingler to hit 20 home runs in a single season. Yep. Only the second-ever! And she’s also the 7th Husky to ever hit 20+ home runs. But that wasn’t all. This star in the making was also crowned Big Ten Freshman of the Year just last week, the first Husky to take that honor in nine years. She’s also got a seat in the All-Big Ten First Team and All-Freshman Team.
Alexis DeBoer is in the final 10 for the NFCA Freshman of the Year with an impressive slash line which are team-highs — .352 in batting average, 21 home runs, 55 RBIs, 57 hits, 1.247 OPS, and 131 total bases. This girl’s not just knocking, she’s kicking the door down. And if you’ve seen her in action, you know she’s a go-getter. But what makes her special is that she’s not all about herself. “Honestly, it’s about my teammates and coaches and all their support in helping me transition to college and knowing they’re going to have my back no matter how I do on the field,” she said. “I never want to leave this place. There were no second thoughts because I trust Coach Tarr and this coaching staff and what we’re building here.” And yeah, Kalen DeBoer sure has every reason to be proud of his daughter.
Kalen DeBoer displays his pride for Alexis
When Kalen DeBoer sat down with Jim Dunaway in The Next Round podcast, the proud dad in him came out strong. The host tossed him a softball saying, “I want to give you a chance to brag about Alexis.” And he didn’t hesitate to mention that she exceeded his expectations. “I’m really proud of her. She’s making a name for herself,” he said. “Just really believe that she had it in her, and probably happened a little quicker than I even thought. But she got the opportunities, and she took advantage of them. She takes care of business in all ways, in the classroom and that kind of stuff. So I’m a proud dad.”
Washington’s achievement is even more remarkable given the fact that Coach Heather Tarr lost eight players to the portal at the end of the 2024 season. But Alexis along with a group of freshmen like Morgan Reimer and Sophi Mazzola, and sophomores Jadyn Glab, Ava Carroll, and Giselle Alvarez has Husky nation buzzing about the future. And if her freshman year is any sign, Alexis might just outshine her famous last name and rewrite the legacy her father left behind in purple and gold.
And while his daughter’s racking up big honors, Kalen DeBoer’s trying to build something big in Tuscaloosa. One thing’s clear — athleticism runs in the DeBoer family.
The post Kalen DeBoer’s Daughter Alexis Beams With Emotion on Securing Major Feat After Receiving Loving Message from Dad appeared first on EssentiallySports.
