LANSING, Mich. — In 2009, Debbi and Miguel Soto took their first steps into the world of youth sports in Lansing, enrolling their seven-year-old son, Eric Soto, in a local inner-city football program known as the Lansing Dolphins. For Miguel, a Florida native and lifelong Miami Dolphins fan, the team’s mascot and colors felt like home. For Debbi and Eric, it marked the beginning of a journey that would shape not only their family, but an entire youth sports organization in Mid-Michigan.
That inaugural season with the Lansing Dolphins was not defined by wins and losses. Eric’s team did not enjoy a winning record, but the lessons were far more lasting. Through practices and game days, Eric learned discipline, teamwork, and how to persevere through adversity—values that would become central to his growth both on and off the field.
From the very beginning, the Soto family was all in. Debbi and Miguel volunteered wherever help was needed—assisting with practices, supporting game-day operations, organizing team snacks, working fundraising concessions, and helping plan the end-of-season banquet. It was during that 2009 season that they met two individuals who would play a pivotal role in the program’s future: Matthew Brown and Deon Hollis, who joined the coaching staff mid-season.
The following year marked a turning point. The Lansing Dolphins program was rebranded and transitioned into what is now known as the Lansing Cowboys Youth Football Program. While change often brings uncertainty, the Soto family believed in the vision behind the new organization. Out of the original 16–20 players from the 2009 season, only five families chose to remain with the program under the new Lansing Cowboys banner. The Sotos were proudly among them.
That loyalty helped lay the foundation for extraordinary growth. What began as a small inner-city football team soon expanded into a thriving youth sports organization, growing from fewer than 20 players to more than 160–180 participants, including football players and cheerleaders.
Eric returned the next season, now a year older but competing in the same age division—the Mighty Mites (8U unlimited weight) in the Mid-Michigan Youth Football League. That season was nothing short of remarkable. The team went undefeated, held opponents scoreless throughout the year, and averaged four touchdowns per game. Eric emerged as a two-way starter, contributing on both sides of the ball during one of the most dominant seasons in program history.
As the organization grew, so did the Soto family’s role within it. Debbi and Miguel became widely recognized as the Lansing Cowboys’ “first family,” known for their unwavering support and deep involvement. Over the years, they have served as coaches, team coordinators, fundraising leaders, and transportation support for children in need—ensuring that every athlete had the opportunity to participate, regardless of circumstance.
Eric continued with the organization until he aged out, also playing basketball and baseball through a partnering youth sports program, the Michigan Monsters. His younger sister, Kaylie Soto, proudly represented the Lansing Cowboys as a cheerleader until she too aged out of the program.
Today, the Soto family’s impact continues across generations. Eric, now an adult, gives back to the program that helped shape him by coaching whenever his schedule allows. Miguel has transitioned fully from parent to coach, serving both the Lansing Cowboys youth programs and the adult semi-professional Capital City Bandits. Debbi remains an active board member and program coordinator for the Lansing Cowboys, continuing her commitment to organizational leadership and youth development.
At their core, the Soto family’s story is about service, loyalty, and community. For more than a decade, they have dedicated their time, energy, and hearts to the children of Lansing—helping young athletes learn confidence, character, and resilience through sports.
As one of the founding families of the Lansing Cowboys organization, their legacy is woven into its very foundation.
Today, the Lansing Cowboys proudly spotlight and thank the Soto Family.
Thank you, Debbi and Miguel Soto, for believing in this vision from the very beginning—and for your continued commitment to keeping that vision alive for the youth of Lansing.