Arjana Eilers is the daughter of Angie Bouchard and former Virden resident Jon Eilers. Her grandparents, Bev and Paul Eilers, reside in the Virden area. Eilers recently graduated from her North Dakota institution. She was honoured as the most outstanding female graduate. A member of the DSU softball team, earlier this spring Eilers was named a 2023 North Star Athletic Association Champions of Character recipient.
“Dickinson State has provided me with countless opportunities,” she said. “My favourite thing about my time at Dickinson State is getting to be a part of an incredibly supportive community. From the professors to the coaches, my teammates, and the fans in the community, everyone is so supportive and has played a major role in helping me to get to where I am today.”
Eilers graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a biology major on the pre-med track. She earned minors in chemistry and psychology. She has earned entry for the next school year into the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks as a student and research assistant while pursuing a masters in biomedical sciences.
Eilers has been a member of the DSU softball squad for five seasons. There is no doubt she will be missed. Head coach Kristen Fleury said that “AJ”, as they called her, “was the true definition of a Blue Hawk.”
“She is one of the hardest working athletes we have ever had in our program and strived every day to be the version of herself. AJ’s willingness to go above and beyond showed she took the initiative and led by example. Whether it's taking on additional responsibilities, volunteering, or motivating others, her leadership qualities will be missed in our program. Her kindness, empathy, and willingness to support others created a nurturing and inclusive environment within the program. Losing her is going to be tough.
“Arjana epitomizes what it means to be a great teammate on the softball field. Through her unwavering support, dedication, accountability, sportsmanship, and leadership, she fosters a cohesive and positive team environment. Her contributions not only enhance the team's performance but also leave a lasting impression on her teammates, inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves.
“Moreover, Arjana's leadership qualities shine through her ability to inspire and motivate her teammates. Whether it's through her work ethic, her determination, or her ability to rally the team during challenging moments, she serves as a source of inspiration and a role model for others. Her presence elevates the overall performance of the team, as she pushes her teammates to reach their full potential. We are going to miss her.”
On a perennially competitive team, Eilers had to learn the ropes of university athletics and cave out a role for herself. She overcame various challenges.
“Arjana Eilers exemplifies a remarkable trait of resilience and determination by refusing to give up on the game of softball, even when faced with challenges that might have tempted her to walk away,” Fleury said. “Choosing the path of perseverance instead of the easy option of quitting showcases her character and strength.
“In the realm of sports, particularly a game like softball that demands physical and mental fortitude, there are bound to be moments of frustration, setbacks, and obstacles. The easy response in such situations is often to surrender and abandon the pursuit altogether. However, Arjana's unwavering commitment demonstrates her passion for the sport and her refusal to let adversity dictate her path.
“When faced with difficulties, Arjana likely draws upon her internal drive, her love for the game, and her deep-rooted determination. She understands that success rarely comes without challenges, and that setbacks can be valuable learning experiences. Instead of allowing them to deter her, she embraces them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
“Arjana's refusal to give up on softball not only speaks to her personal resilience but also serves as an inspiration to others. Her dedication becomes a beacon of hope and motivation for teammates, coaches, and anyone who witnesses her journey. Her decision to persevere in the face of adversity sends a powerful message that hard work, resilience, and passion are vital ingredients for achieving goals and overcoming obstacles.
“Arjana's choice to stay in the game of softball, despite the temptation to let setbacks get in the way, showcases her commitment to personal growth and self-belief. It demonstrates her willingness to push beyond her comfort zone, face challenges head-on, and continue striving for excellence. By embracing the difficulties, she is likely to develop not only as an athlete but also as an individual, building character traits such as perseverance, resilience, and determination that will serve her well beyond the boundaries of the softball field.
“Arjana's story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding victories come from the battles fought within ourselves. Her refusal to give up on softball symbolizes her tenacity, resilience, and unwavering spirit. It is a testament to her strength of character and a shining example of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.”
Eilers persevered to appear on the mound for careers highs of 15 games and 38 innings in her final season. She posted a 4.61 earned run average.
“Pitching has been an incredible journey that started in the backyard with my dad and ended on the field in front of a full crowd in one of the most beautiful fields I could’ve ever dreamed of playing on,” said Eilers, referencing the opening of Dickinson’s Sanford Sports Complex. “Pitching is a lot of pressure, but my favourite thing is looking out and getting a front row seat to watching my teammates make incredible plays in the field behind me.”
Eilers appreciates how her family has always supported her passion for softball.
“I would not have been able to have the career in athletics I have had without the incredible support of my family,” she said. “They allowed me to travel across the country to play the sport I love and sacrificed most of their weekends and vacation time to travel to watch my brother (Xander) and I play sports. They were there at every game they could make it to throughout my whole career as my biggest fans and spent countless hours with me in the backyard practicing allowing me to get to the highest level. I could not be where I am today without the love and support of my family.”
