BATON ROUGE, La. — For Will Boudreaux, baseball is more than a game—it’s a reason to smile.
“It’s the first thing he talks about when he wakes up in the morning and the last thing he talks about when he goes to bed,” said Will’s father, Trey Boudreaux. “Whether it’s in season or not, he always wants someone to come to his games.”
Will has been part of the Miracle League of Baton Rouge since its very first season. The league gives kids with disabilities a chance to step up to the plate—and for Will, no challenge ever stops him from lighting up the field.
“He always holds his hands up when he comes in for home plate,” his dad added.
Inspired by her brother’s joy and the friendships formed at Miracle League, Will’s sister Caroline Boudreaux is now bringing that same energy and inclusion to LSU. In January, she co-founded a new student organization, Hearts in Harmony.
“Growing up with Will and just being so involved with it already, it really helped me to branch out and find other people who were doing the same,” she said.
Caroline teamed up with fellow LSU student Anna Whitfield to launch the club, which held its first event—a field day on the LSU Parade Ground—earlier this semester.
“I’ve been doing this my whole life, and this is like the most fun form of service I’ve ever done,” said Whitfield. “It kind of inspired me to want to connect LSU students and the special needs community.”
For Anna’s older sister Paige, who is part of the special needs community herself, these events have made a personal impact.
“I get shy around some people… so this is really good for me,” Paige said.
LSU student Abigail Guillet said the impact goes both ways. “It’s amazing—just being out here with all of our friends that we’ve made today is so inspiring.”
For the Boudreaux family, watching Caroline carry her brother’s legacy forward means everything.
“She’s always embraced it,” said their mom, Janet Boudreaux. “The fact that she’s carrying it forward—it’s very dear to my heart.”
Their message to other families beginning their own special needs journey: “Celebrate the small victories,” said Trey. “Don’t dwell on the road ahead, just live and enjoy and always have hope.”
Want to get involved? Hearts in Harmony plans to host more inclusive events throughout the year. Follow them on Instagram @heartsinharmonyLSU for updates and volunteer opportunities.
