When Devin de Veer steps onto the field, sits behind the microphone, or appears in front of the TV camera, she’s not just showing up she’s showing the way. As a coach, sports commentator, and board member of the AVB (Aruban Football Association), Devin is part of a new generation of women leading from every angle. She’s not asking for space she’s creating and protecting it with determination. And with her deep love for Aruban sports, she’s opening doors for those coming after her.
With a voice that balances authority with empathy, and a vision that includes every child, every girl, and everyone who is often left out of the system, Devin is quietly, and powerfully, changing what leadership in sports looks like. Step by step, she is doing it her way.
Devin de Veer
Devin de Veer
In many families, sports is a hobby. But in Devin de Veer’s home, sports is heritage. Her grandfather was a swimmer, and still swims today. Her father, a lifelong disciplined athlete, trained in various disciplines including track, wrestling, and paintball, and is a second-degree black belt Tang Soo Do instructor. Growing up in such an environment, Devin learned early on that sports is more than movement, it is discipline, connection, and leadership.
Today, as one of the few female football coaches in Aruba, a sports commentator, and an AVB board member, Devin is carrying forward that family legacy, but in her own way, with her own voice and her own power. Devin isn’t following the rules, she’s rewriting them.
Devin began her career in the pool, representing Aruba in synchronized swimming. Later, she played volleyball for six years and helped her team become runners-up in the New England Championship. She also coached in Curaçao before returning to Aruba to work with youth in football. From toddlers to teenagers, her coaching style is flexible and adaptive.
With younger children, she focuses on fun, technical fundamentals, and confidence-building. With older groups, she brings structure, strategy, and group dynamics.
Her academic background, a Bachelor’s in Sports Management and an MBA, boosts her natural instinct with data-based decision-making, strategic planning, and leadership within a team.“My education taught me how to work with others and how to respect different opinions.”
Devin de Veer
Devin de Veer
For Devin, coaching wasn’t enough. She wanted to help change the entire structure of sports. So she took the step to join the board of AVB — Aruba’s Football Federation. Her goal? More opportunities for youth, more support for women, greater transparency, and a federation that truly reflects the community it serves.
In sports media, representation matters. Devin created her own space after receiving a call from Erin Croes, who invited her to become a commentator for Magic FM which soon led to a second invitation from TeleAruba. Alongside Arianne Westerburger and Cadochi Kock, the trio became a well-loved team. Devin quickly proved she was more than just a voice behind a mic she brings research, context, and depth to every broadcast.
Inspired by Cadochi Kock and Carlmichael Bikker, Devin developed her own narration style; neutral, clear, dynamic, and rooted in real knowledge.
She offers a different kind of presentation: for people who had never heard a woman narrate a football game, today they see that she can.
One of the most powerful parts of Devin’s journey is her bond with fellow coach and commentator Arianne Westerburger.
They don’t compete. they complement each other. And in a male dominated world, they show what can happen when two women choose to rise together.
Devin knows the pressure many young girls face when choosing sports like football or baseball, still often seen as “boys’ sports.”
Her advice?
Believe in yourself. Step outside your comfort zone. Sports is not just about movement it’s about leadership, respect, and confidence.
If you could achieve one dream without limits, what would it be?
“I’d create a national sports center, a multidisciplinary facility to train athletes, coaches, and referees. Aruba has the talent. We need to give them the space to grow.”
Her Motto for Life:
“Strive with grace. Grow with grit.”
This is how Devin lives, leads, and inspires, on the field, behind the mic, and in the rooms where real change begins.
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