The Lafayette parks and recreation department unveiled a plaque Wednesday honoring Deanna Bostick, a pioneer in bringing youth soccer to Lafayette.
Bostick spent more than 40 years organizing youth soccer at Moore Park, off of North University Avenue just north of Interstate 10, working with local government and youth sports organizations to make the sport accessible to Lafayette families.
Known to many as “Ma D”, Bostick died in 2023, leaving behind a legacy now permanently recognized at the very fields where she spent much of her time.
At Wednesday's unveiling, community members reflected on Bostick's impact on youth soccer and the Lafayette community.
“We would not be here, talking about soccer in Lafayette without her time and sacrifice," said state senator Gerald Boudreaux, who worked alongside his brother, city councilman Kenneth Boudreaux, to officially recognize Bostick's service. "She was the coordinator, manager, organizer, grasscutter, fundraiser and whatever else it took.”
Boudreaux, a former basketball coach and referee for 28 years, said Bostick's influence extended beyond soccer and helped shape Lafayette's broader youth sports community.
“Deanna spent so much time prioritizing this and because of that Lafayette Parish has thriving sports facilities across all our communities,” Boudreaux said.
In 1987, Bostick founded the Lafayette Youth Soccer Association, which she ran out of her home until 2020, rarely receiving pay. Bostick frequently worked with city officials and was eventually considered a part-time employee, according to former Lafayette parks director Greg Gautreaux, who worked alongside her for 30 years.
"The parks department didn't have a soccer program at that time. So we decided, why not partner with someone who's already made it happen?" said Gautreaux. “I never met someone more passionate. Every time she asked for something, we felt compelled to give what we could because she cared so much and put in so much time. Soccer is what it is today because of Deanna."
Michael Ritch succeeded Bostick in leading LYSA, and spoke on the legacy she left behind. “She was the engineer of all of this,” Ritch said, gesturing behind him to the Moore Park soccer fields where the memorial was placed. “I'm extremely proud that her name is now going to be on this park. It was always about helping the kids for Deanna."
Bostick's children and extended family attended the unveiling and reflected on the many hours they spent at Moore Park, participating in youth tournaments or helping with Bostick's soccer organization.
"Doing this made her so happy. She loved every minute of it,” said Bostick's daughter Pam Foreman speaking on behalf of the family.