Published on April 29, 2026 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Athletic Club Boise News Release
At Athletic Club Boise, the Community Impact STAR – Service, Teamwork, Accountability, and Responsibility – is symbolized by a single purple chair inside our stadium.
That chair reflects both the eye of the falcon in our crest and the Idaho star garnet. More importantly, it represents the people and organizations who strengthen our community in lasting ways – those who show up for others, create opportunity, and help shape a stronger future for Idaho.
At each home match, we spotlight a Community Impact Partner and recognize an individual whose work embodies those values.
During our upcoming home match on Saturday, May 2 vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Athletic Club Boise will recognize Hillary Xoumanivong, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Idaho, as the latest Community Impact STAR.
Where it begins
For Hillary Xoumanivong, the work is grounded in a straightforward belief: every young person has potential, and that potential grows when someone chooses to invest in it.
“I believe that every child has limitless potential to do anything, to be anything, and to change the world,” she says. “Any part that I can play in building a bright future for our community is where I want to spend my time.”
That belief led her to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Idaho, where the model is intentionally simple. Young people – “Littles” – are matched with volunteer mentors – “Bigs.” There’s no credential required and no prescribed agenda for connection. The expectation is consistency.
It’s less about programming and more about presence.
The role of one consistent adult
That approach takes on added significance in the current environment.
“Young people in our community are facing a real mental health crisis,” Hillary says. “Many feel isolated, unsure, and overwhelmed. But we know there’s something powerful that changes that – and that’s just one consistent, caring adult.”
The outcomes are measurable, but the mechanism is human. When a young person has someone in their corner, confidence tends to follow. Engagement in school improves. A sense of belonging begins to take shape.
Those shifts don’t come from singular moments. They come from repeated ones – time spent, trust built, and reliability established over months and years.
What that impact looks like
Hillary points to a young boy named Kai as one example among many.
When he first entered the program, he was withdrawn and…