Sowing the Seeds of Success: Macie Dever Boaz and Her Mother’s Shared Legacy at Arkansas 

Sowing the Seeds of Success: Macie Dever Boaz and Her Mother’s Shared Legacy at Arkansas 

In an inspiring journey marked by family bonds and a shared love for the game, Macie Dever Boaz, a talented 2026 catcher from Northpoint Christian School, has committed to the University of Arkansas. This decision is particularly special as it leads her to the very program her mother, Carie Dever Boaz, helped establish as its founding head coach. 

Macie announced her commitment to the University of Arkansas on October 6.  

When reflecting on her commitment, Macie shared, “My mom’s role in starting the program didn’t have a huge influence on where I chose to go to school. I just wanted a place that wanted to compete. I wanted coaches that cared more about me as a human than a player, and someone who was going to let me express myself on and off the field, have fun in the game, but also hold me accountable.” 

For Carie, the emotions surrounding Macie’s commitment are overwhelming.

“My emotions are truly pure joy and happiness! I loved my time at Arkansas and absolutely love the people and the state,” she expressed. “It makes me feel like God’s plans truly are bigger and better than anything I could have ever imagined! To know that Macie has a chance to go finish what I started just makes me smile and know that the story is going to be amazing to watch unfold.”

Playing for a program steeped in family history means a lot to Macie. “It’s super cool, kind of puts pressure on me because I can’t embarrass my family!” she laughed. This connection only deepens as she prepares to transition to college softball, where she has set specific goals for herself. “Athletically, I want to become unbeatable. I want to be the athlete who steps up under pressure and produces. I also want to become a better teammate and leader. Academically, I aim for a 4.0 and want to put in even more effort into my studies so I can thrive after softball.”

Carie’s extensive experience as a head coach, including her time as a three-time All-American at Fresno State—where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame—has profoundly shaped Macie’s approach to the game. With over 25 years of collegiate coaching experience in both the SEC and ACC, as well as professional coaching, Carie has imparted invaluable knowledge to her daughter.

“She has shaped me totally as a player. She has taught me how to be tough and the best in skill,” Macie explained. “Growing up watching her coach and teaching other players has passed down a lot of that knowledge. Now at the level I am, we work really well together on the field because we both have so much softball IQ. We can look at each other and know what we are already thinking.” 

Carie’s experience growing up with her father as her coach influenced how she guided Macie through her journey.

“My father was my coach growing up, so I followed his lead in holding her to a higher standard,” Carie explained. “On the field, I didn’t let her call me ‘Mom’; it was just ‘Coach.’ I wanted her to separate those two roles—not sure it was always successful. Sometimes, I could see it in her eyes she wanted ‘Mom,’ and I had to be her coach.”

While Carie worried about pushing Macie too hard, she believes it ultimately strengthened Macie’s resolve and helped her reach the elite level she’s at today.

“Recently, I’ve heard her call me ‘Coach Mom,’ and that truly tickles me. The best role I have ever had was being Macie’s mom.” 

As she embarks on this exciting chapter, Macie carries with her invaluable advice from her mom.

“The biggest has been to work harder now. Just because I have committed doesn’t mean I have peaked. I still have more to work on and perfect,” she said. “Another is to compete and don’t let anyone beat you. Every at-bat, every pitch, you’re competing against yourself and others.” 

Reflecting on Macie’s journey as an athlete, Carie expressed her pride in seeing her daughter’s growth beyond the field.

“What I am most proud of is that she has really figured it out on her own that softball is not who she is but what she does. She’s embraced using it as her platform to share Jesus!” Carie added, “She always finds a way to have fun and knows how to laugh at herself. I think she really is a good teammate, and what else could a mom ask for?” 

Carie’s advice to other parents of young athletes is clear: let it be their journey.

“Hold them accountable for their attitude and effort only,” she advised. “When the game is over, no matter what, tell them how much you love watching them play and that being their parent is the greatest gift of all. NEVER compare their recruiting process to others. Make sure they choose the school for the right reasons—because they’re the ones who will be playing, not us.” 

Carie’s pride in Macie’s accomplishments goes far beyond softball. For both mother and daughter, this journey is about life lessons, family bonds, and faith. As Macie steps into the same program her mother once built, their shared story of Arkansas softball is only just beginning. 

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