The University of Louisville is mourning the loss of former rowing student-athlete Kira DeBoer, who passed away on November 16, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. DeBoer, a member of the Cardinals’ rowing team from 2007 to 2011, was known for her outstanding performances on and off the water.
During her time at Louisville, DeBoer helped the Cardinals’ second varsity eight to a runner-up finish in the 2011 BIG EAST Championship. She also played a crucial role in Louisville’s three NCAA regional appearances from 2008 to 2010. As a freshman, DeBoer rowed in the second varsity four boat, which finished second in the “C” final at the 2008 NCAA Regional. In her sophomore year, she helped the 2V8 boat to a sixth-place finish in the petite final at the 2009 NCAA Regional.
Before attending Louisville, DeBoer began her rowing career in London, Ontario, Canada, where she competed for the London Rowing Club, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and Saunders High School. She was a member of the London Rowing Club’s Crew of the Year in 2006 and won a gold medal in the Junior Women’s Quad at the 2006 RowOntario Championships. DeBoer was also a multi-sport athlete and lettered in track and cross country.
DeBoer excelled academically as well, earning Dean’s List honors in each of her seasons at UofL. She was named to the BIG EAST All-Academic Team while majoring in psychology. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2011, DeBoer fulfilled her post-college ambition to travel the world.
Her adventurous spirit led her to work as a Canadian Wilderness firefighter after college. She then pursued a career as a licensed massage therapist and was months away from completing her degree to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine when she completed her exams in the late stages of cancer and was presented with an honorary degree.
In 2022, DeBoer became a mother when she and her husband, Jesse, welcomed their son, Callen. Her friends, teammates, and coaches remember her for her engaging smile and zest for life.
Former UofL rowing head coach Laura Fogt Aubrey, who coached DeBoer during her time at Louisville, reflects on the impact she had as a student-athlete and teammate.
“Even though it has been close to 13 years since I last coached Kira, I will never forget her infectious energy and the way her big smile could light up a room. She had a way about her that exuded unrelenting grit and determination while simultaneously saying ‘I’ve got your back – whatever you need- I’m your girl.'”
Current UofL rowing head coach Derek Copeland also remembers the impression DeBoer made on him. He plans to dedicate part of the team’s boat bays in her memory, creating “Kira’s Corner” outfitted with equipment for team circuits and individual lifts.
A GoFundMe has been set up in DeBoer’s honor to support her husband, Jesse, and son Callen.
