Loved Ones Transform Backyard for Late Lacrosse Player

Friends and family completed a backyard redesign that Alyia, a former Alta High School lacrosse player who died of epilepsy, had hoped to finish.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Landscaping

Loved Ones Transform Backyard for Late Lacrosse Player

Loved ones and the Alta High School lacrosse team finished redoing the backyard of Alyia, a former Alta High School lacrosse player who died of epilepsy on August 21. The work was overseen by Cassie Smith and funded in part through a GoFundMe that covered items including sod.

Why it matters

Alyia was unable to complete her dream of redoing her mother's backyard after her death, and her loved ones took on the project in her memory. The effort shows how a community can carry forward an unfinished personal goal in Sandy.

The yard transformation took about a month and a half, with work starting in September and loved ones seen finishing it by October 31. A GoFundMe was used to purchase items including sod, and companies donated supplies after hearing Alyia's story.

The players

Alta High School

A high school in Sandy, Utah, whose lacrosse team helped clean up the backyard and whose program Alyia played for.

Cassie Smith

The individual overseeing the backyard project for Alyia's loved ones.

The details

Melaina plans to continue Alyia's legacy by playing lacrosse with Alyia's jersey number at Alta High School. Cassie Smith has been overseeing the project, which brought together family and the lacrosse team.

August 21: Alyia died of epilepsy.
September: The Alta High School lacrosse team began cleaning up the backyard.
October 31: Loved ones were seen finishing the backyard.

Seasonal Patterns

Completing outdoor landscaping in fall, as this project did by October 31, is a common timing for yard work in Sandy as temperatures drop. The project's timing reflects a seasonal window for finishing sod and backyard installations before winter.

Residents in Sandy who want to take on a similar backyard project can look to community fundraising and volunteer help from schools and teams as a practical way to complete a large outdoor job. The project shows how sod and other supplies can be sourced through donations and crowdfunding.

The takeaway

Community support can help finish a meaningful home project when individual plans are cut short. Neighbors and local groups can pool resources and labor to carry out work that one person could not complete alone.