South Kamloops Standout Jayden de Boer Commits to Queen's University

Photo Submitted by Jayden de Boer

Jayden de Boer has found his home. The South Kamloops Secondary defensive end has verbally committed to Queen's University, choosing the Gaels over offers from the University of Regina and UBC.

The decision came after a year-long recruitment process that included regular calls with Queen's coaching staff and a first in-person meeting at the U18 Canada Cup. A three-day campus visit proved to be the turning point. "The visit really sold me on the program and made me excited for my possible future there," de Boer said. He had a group chat going with the coaches throughout the process and when the time came, he sent them a message that made it official. "Alright you guys have sold me, let's make this happen, I'm ready to make Queens home."

For de Boer, it was about more than rankings or resources. "I chose Queens not just because they have great academics or the recent success or the money, but this program has a really strong brotherhood. I felt it throughout my visit and I want to be a part of that. I can see myself striving in this environment."

His football journey began at age six with the Meadow Ridge Knights in Maple Ridge, where he cycled through virtually every position on the field, from lineman to quarterback to wide receiver. That versatility, he says, sharpened his football IQ and decision making. When his family moved to Kamloops ahead of grade nine, de Boer made sure he landed at South Kamloops Secondary. His profile grew steadily, earning him spots on Team BC at both the U16 and U18 levels. By grade ten he was already starting on both sides of the ball for the senior squad. SKSS reached BC Place in his final high school season, and de Boer made a statement in the semi-final against Argyle.

He credits South Kam coach JP Lancaster as a key figure in his development. "JP Lancaster kept me and my teammates accountable and prepped us for what university would look like. Some players didn't like the intensity but it was exactly what I personally needed to push myself."

Born in the Netherlands and raised between Maple Ridge and Kamloops, de Boer says being an immigrant shaped his comfort with change. "I knew from Kamloops I was gonna need to leave home, and with me being an immigrant to Canada, born in the Netherlands, and all my extended family still there, I'm used to living away from family."

At Queen's, de Boer plans to study concurrent education with a major in geography or history. His goals extend well beyond the football field. "I plan to be a teacher and coach after my football career."