Behind the high-stakes world of collegiate playbooks and Saturday night press conferences, Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Kalen DeBoer shares his life with his wife, Nicole, and their two daughters, Alexis and Avery. While his professional rise from small-town South Dakota to the apex of college football is well documented, his home life serves as the grounding force behind his coaching success. Understanding the family dynamic reveals the personal side of a coach renowned for steady leadership.
Meet Nicole DeBoer: High School Sweethearts to Coaching Life
Kalen and Nicole DeBoer married in 2001 while Kalen was early in his coaching journey at the University of Sioux Falls. Nicole, born Nicole Tendler, grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where sports played a central role in her early life. She attended Augustana University, where she graduated with a degree in fitness management and played college basketball.
That athletic background created an innate understanding of the demands, travel schedules, and intense pressures inherent in the coaching profession. Rather than chasing the spotlight, Nicole has focused primarily on homemaking and raising their children through multiple career relocations—from South Dakota to Indiana, Michigan, Washington, and now Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Kalen frequently credits her in media appearances, noting that her stability behind the scenes allows him to pour his energy into leading his players.
Daughters Alexis and Avery: Athletics and Upbringing
The couple shares two daughters, Alexis and Avery, both of whom inherited their parents' passion for sports and active lifestyles. BBC has also covered this fascinating issue in extensive detail.
- Alexis DeBoer: The older daughter is a standout athlete who carved her own path in competitive sports. A prolific high school softball star in Washington state who hit numerous home runs and earned high accolades, Alexis signed to play college softball.
- Avery DeBoer: The younger daughter keeps a relatively low profile compared to her athletic sister and parents, pursuing personal hobbies such as horseback riding.
Both daughters have had to adapt quickly to frequent cross-country moves, transitioning from life in the Pacific Northwest during Kalen’s tenure leading the University of Washington Huskies to the deep-rooted football culture of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.
Roots in South Dakota: Early Influences
Kalen DeBoer’s perspective on family is deeply tied to his own upbringing in Milbank, South Dakota. Raised by a single mother, Phylis Waterfall, alongside two siblings, Kalen learned resilience early. Phylis worked hard at a local drugstore to support the household after separating from Kalen's biological father.
That modest, hard-working background shaped the values he and Nicole emphasize in raising Alexis and Avery. Despite the millions associated with major college football contracts, the family maintains a grounded approach to daily life, prioritizing academic commitment, work ethic, and mutual support.
Navigating High-Profile Pressure as a Family
Moving from a successful stint at Washington to take over the historic Alabama program after Nick Saban’s retirement brought an unprecedented wave of public scrutiny. For a coaching family, every career pivot means uprooting routines, changing schools, and integrating into entirely new communities.
Nicole and the girls have developed a localized support system within each program, leaning on other coaches' families who understand the unique rhythm of autumn schedules. Because Kalen spends autumn weeks reviewing game film past midnight and traveling for away games, the family relies on structured downtime during the off-season to reconnect, travel, or support Alexis at her athletic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kalen and Nicole DeBoer get married?
Kalen and Nicole married in 2001 while Kalen was coaching at the University of Sioux Falls. They have been married for over two decades.
How many children do Kalen and Nicole DeBoer have?
They have two daughters named Alexis and Avery.
What sports do Kalen DeBoer's daughters play?
Alexis DeBoer pursued competitive softball at a high level and committed to play college softball. Avery enjoys personal extracurricular interests like horseback riding.
Where did Kalen DeBoer grow up?
He grew up in Milbank, South Dakota, where he was raised primarily by his mother, Phylis Waterfall.
