For Arianne Westerburger, life took her on more than one. Ballet, singing, football, and ultimately coaching, each of her passions guided her journey, but never limited her destiny.
Her love for sports? It’s in her blood. Her grandfathers played football for RCA and won the Antillean Cup for Aruba in 1962. Raised in a sports-loving environment, her brother also played, and Arianne herself grew up in the club, around the field, and with rhythm in her heart.
Although she started in music and dance, her passion for football became dominant. “In my teenage years, being constantly at the RCA Club with my close group of friends, we were approached by the well-known Mr. Eric Gomez to form a women’s football team for RCA. Doing this with my closest friends was ideal, and from that moment, my love and discipline for the sport also grew.”
Arianne Westerburger
Arianne Westerburger
Arianne coaches the U13 and U15 age groups. As a coach, her style adjusts based on the players’ ages and experience. For her, winning feels great but growth is the priority.
Her experience as a former national team player shaped her leadership. Through pressure, disappointment, and victories, she learned how to guide, motivate, and build teamwork and resilience.
“My background both in sports and personal development has helped me build a strategic, communicative, and empathetic mindset. This is essential as a coach, because I need to understand each player individually, motivate them, and adjust my strategy to achieve the best results for the team.”
You’re a coach and work full-time. How do you manage to balance personal life, family, and your commitment to sports?
“Yes, I coach alongside having a full-time job, but the key to maintaining a healthy balance is structure and planning. I’m a mother of two, one of whom is also a football athlete. Juggling the roles of mom, my job at Setar, coaching, singing, and owning a small business is definitely a challenge, but I put a lot of emphasis on having a strict daily schedule. That way, I can plan the important moments for my family, my work, my passion for singing, and my commitment to sports. Although it requires a lot of discipline and sacrifice, the satisfaction it brings is immense.”
Arianne
Arianne
As a female coach in male football, Arianne has faced doubt, resistance, and distrust. It’s not always easy for a woman to be taken seriously in a sport historically dominated by men. But her energy, discipline, and team results speak for themselves.
At RCA, she took on a board position as secretary, but her heart remained on the field. “I’m proud and satisfied with how we, the board, worked together to bring about reforms and important changes in a short time that benefited our youth system.” She returned to the field to directly guide young boys with discipline, effort, and confidence.
More women in sports?
"Yes, but of course, the road is still long and filled with visible challenges like lack of support, doubt in women’s capabilities, or lack of representation at higher levels. But things are different now than before. We’re seeing more interest.” Arianne sees the mindset shifting. More girls are stepping into football. She sees them not as exceptions, but as pillars of the team. Although representation, support, and visibility are still lacking, change is happening.
An Anecdote:
"One thing I’ll never forget and it repeats itself every season is that at the start of every new season, I have to earn not only the trust but also the respect of the boys. When they experience my training style, especially our physical preparation whether at the beach, Hooiberg, or the gym I’m not their favorite. But by the end, when all that hard training and sacrifice pays off during the championship, I earn all their trust and most importantly for me their affection and respect.”
Arianne is not only on the field. She’s also a sports commentator on radio and television. With a strong yet empathetic voice, she brings clarity, humor, and context. She grew up in radio and TV from a young age, making it feel natural. But as a football commentator, she takes her preparation seriously so she can deliver accurate, insightful commentary.
For Arianne, narration is more challenging than coaching, because it requires precision, professionalism, and facts. But both roles give her the opportunity to set an example, shape thinking, and bring passion to life.
Arianne and Devin are a unique duo. Their dynamic is natural, complementary, and full of respect
Arianne admires Devin’s discipline and commitment, and sees their role as part of a larger movement.
According to Arianne, sports have a huge impact on the community. They unite people, build character, and support both mental and physical health. She would love to see a world-class sports center accessible to every neighborhood, with coaches, psychologists, nutritionists, and more.
She hopes young mothers feel empowered. Through sports, they can give their children a foundation of discipline, unity, and hope.
To young women with doubts?
“Go for it without fear. Your only limitation is yourself.”
A phrase or motto you truly believe in?
“Trust the process”
Final Message
"If one girl reads this and thinks, ‘If they can do it, maybe I can too’... then my mission is already fulfilled.”
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