Kaden Strang, Boscobel, WI
Beyond the Play – Player Spotlight
Beyond the Play – Player Spotlight
At Ball to Life, we believe that sports provide athletes with invaluable life lessons. While athletic achievement is a key goal, developing character and integrity is the ultimate goal. Our Beyond the Play – Player Spotlight highlights athletes who exemplify character, integrity, perseverance, leadership, and dedication both on and off the field. These individuals not only work hard in their respective sports but also make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Kaden Strang: A True Leader On and Off the Field
Kaden Strang, a senior at Boscobel High School in Boscobel, WI, is the inaugural recipient of the Ball to Life Beyond the Play – Player Spotlight. He participates in both football and baseball and has earned recognition not just for his athletic efforts but also for his resilience and strong moral character.
As an athlete, Kaden has never been the biggest or fastest on his team. Every opportunity he’s had was the result of his relentless hard work. Despite facing setbacks and moments of doubt, he persevered and achieved great success.
However, what truly sets Kaden apart is his deep commitment to his community. He serves as a volunteer firefighter, works as a patient liaison at the local hospital and serves as a role model for younger athletes. His character and respect for others have earned him admiration and appreciation from his community.
Even as an outsider, I was struck by the high regard in which Kaden is held. After posting a picture of him on social media, I was contacted by a community member who wanted to express just how much Kaden deserved this recognition. That heartfelt endorsement reaffirmed our decision to honor him with the Beyond the Play spotlight.
In Kaden’s Own Words: Lessons from Sports and Life
We asked Kaden to share his thoughts on his journey as an athlete and the impact of sports on his life. His responses offer profound insight into his character and mindset:
1. Favorite sports memory growing up?
My favorite sports memory came from my sophomore year while playing baseball. It was my first-ever varsity start at the beginning of the season. We were playing a tough conference game against Darlington, and all bets were on us to lose. My twin brother, Aiden, was on that team, and I wanted to win for bragging rights. Even with the odds against us, we pulled off a huge upset and won. Aiden has still never lived it down.
2. What lessons have you learned from playing sports?
Sports are not always about winning; that is just a reward. Sports have taught me resilience, determination, leadership, perseverance, and responsibility. No matter if it was a win or a loss, sports drove me every day. I wanted to get better at my given sports, but also be a better teammate, leader, and most of all, a better person.
3. What are you most proud of about yourself? (Not sport-specific)
I am not a big guy, sitting at 5’6″ and 135 pounds as a senior. I have never been a standout athlete, especially in football, because of my size. Heading into my senior year, I didn’t think I would get much playing time. After struggling through my first year of football, I even considered quitting. But my dad encouraged me to stick with it for one more week, and I did.
That week was brutal, but I kept pushing. My coaches told me every day that they believed in me. When our first game arrived, I earned the starting defensive back position—and I performed well. From then on, I became one of the team’s best tacklers, despite my size. I became a key player on both defense and special teams.
By the end of the season, I had racked up 48 tackles (28 solo), the second-most on my team and fifth-most in the conference. I also had two interceptions, one forced fumble, and 315 kick return yards, leading the conference. This earned me an all-conference spot as a free safety.
4. Do you think that sports participation will impact your adult life? If yes, how?
Sports have always been a part of my life. Throughout high school, I never thought much about my last game—until it came. On October 18th, I stepped onto the football field for the final time. I played my heart out and watched the clock hit 0:00. I wasn’t just sad that football was over—I was sad that I wouldn’t get to play alongside my teammates again.
My best friend encouraged me to try football during my junior year, and he pushed me to improve every day. Even in grueling practices, I didn’t care because I was with my friends. That’s what will stick with me for life—the friendships I built through sports. Playing sports has taught me how to be a better teammate, friend, and leader, and those lessons will stay with me forever.
A Bright Future Ahead
We felt compelled to share Kaden’s words because they provide a glimpse into his wisdom and perspective at such a young age.
Looking ahead, Kaden plans to pursue a career in law enforcement—a fitting path for someone so community-driven. He has a strong desire to give back and make a difference, and we have no doubt that he will excel in this role.
His advice to young athletes? “Never give up on yourself.” A simple yet powerful message from a young man who has embodied perseverance.
Kaden also credits his dad for shaping him into the person he is today. He extends a heartfelt thank you to his football coaches, especially Coach Marc Chiefari and Coach Kevin Bright, for believing in him and pushing him to reach his full potential.
Congratulations, Kaden!
Ball to Life is proud to recognize Kaden Strang as our Beyond the Play – Player Spotlight recipient. His story is an inspiration, and we are confident that his light will continue to shine brightly in the future. Thank you, Kaden, for being a role model and a positive force in your community!
BtL
Subscribe to our email list to get our content direct to your inbox!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok
To learn more about Ball to Life and our mission, click here.
