Cameron and Cayden Boozer have been at the center of the Duke Blue Devils' success in the 2025-26 season, leading them to a 32-2 record and an ACC championship. Cameron, the Sporting News Player of the Year, has been one of the top players in college basketball in 2025, while Cayden has stepped up into the starting point guard position in the last part of the season.
On the sidelines throughout the season has been their father, Carlos, a former NBA All-Star. Joining him in the stands is the twins' mother, Cindy "CeCe" Blackwell, whose influence on her sons' lives began long before they ever picked up a basketball. A former Division I volleyball player turned entrepreneur, CeCe has been a constant presence throughout Duke's run, often seen cheering in custom Blue Devils gear that highlights her pride in both boys as individuals.
While Carlos provides the professional blueprint, CeCe is often credited as the family’s emotional anchor and the architect of the twins' unique origin story. Years ago, she was the driving force behind the medical journey to save their older brother, Carmani, from sickle cell anemia — a path that eventually led to the birth of Cameron and Cayden as donor matches. Now, she remains a fierce advocate for her sons’ personal identities, ensuring that even as they dominate the court together at Cameron Indoor Stadium, they are recognized as distinct individuals with their own paths to the pros.
Here's more on the Boozers' mother, who has been with them every step of the way.
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Who are the Boozer twins' mom?
Cindy "CeCe" Nichole Blackwell is the mother of Cameron and Cayden Boozer, and she has been a driving force behind the family's remarkable journey. A graduate of the University of Miami and an entrepreneur, Blackwell was married to former NBA star Carlos Boozer from 2003 to 2015. Throughout the Blue Devils' 2025-26 season, she has been a fixture at games, providing a steady supportive presence alongside her ex-husband as their sons lead Duke toward a potential national title.
Beyond her role as a basketball mom, Blackwell is best known for her fierce advocacy and determination during a family health crisis that ultimately defined the twins' lives. In 2007, she led the medical search for a cure for their older brother, Carmani, who was battling sickle cell anemia. It was through this journey—and the decision to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to ensure a sibling would be a perfect genetic match—that Cameron and Cayden were born.
The twins eventually served as the bone marrow and umbilical cord blood donors that saved Carmani’s life when they were just infants. Today, CeCe remains the "COO" of the family, balancing the high-profile recruitment and media attention surrounding her sons with a focus on their individual growth. She is often credited with keeping the twins grounded, famously insisting that they make their own college decisions, which led to their joint commitment to follow in their father's footsteps at Duke.
HISTORY OF UPSETS BY SEED:
16 vs. 1 | 15 vs. 2 | 14 vs. 3 | 13 vs. 4 | 12 vs. 5
What does the Boozer twins' mom do?
Blackwell is an entrepreneur and healthcare advocate whose professional career has been deeply influenced by her personal journey as a mother. She is the founder and manager of several assisted living facilities and residential homes specifically tailored for adults with special needs. This career path emerged from her experiences navigating the medical system after her eldest son, Carmani, was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Her commitment to improving patient dignity and care standards led her to establish these environments to provide the quality of life she felt was often missing in traditional settings.
In addition to her work in residential care, she is a prominent advocate and public speaker. She frequently uses platforms like podcasts and guest appearances to discuss the importance of medical advocacy and the power of a parent’s intuition. Her message often focuses on empowering families to take an active, informed role in their children’s healthcare, drawing from the high-stakes decisions she faced regarding her children’s lives and genetic compatibility.
“Cameron is stoic and serious, with the drive of a budding superstar. He aims to make an impact on people with special needs and mental health issues before he’s done.”—CeCe Boozer (Cameron & Cayden’s mother)
She didn’t just raise athletes—she raised leaders too😈 pic.twitter.com/ZXaiziMfuF
Beyond her business and advocacy, she maintains a visible presence in the world of collegiate athletics, supporting her sons Cameron and Cayden as they compete at the highest levels. She has also explored media ventures, appearing on shows like the Grown Woman podcast to share insights on balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the unique challenges of raising elite athletes. Her professional life remains a blend of caregiving, business management, and a mission to humanize the healthcare experience for vulnerable populations.
MORE: The last time Duke won the national championship
Cece Boozer at Duke games
Cece has been a frequent appearance at Duke games this season.
Cam Boozer mom at Duke vs UNC pic.twitter.com/qMzdGAHtpx
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) March 8, 2026Cameron and Cayden Boozer celebrate with Carlos Boozer and the Boozer family.
Such a cool moment for this crew. 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/pWzJ4LFYdp

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