At Athletic Club Boise, the Community Impact STAR — Service, Teamwork, Accountability, and Responsibility — is symbolized by a single purple chair inside our stadium.
The 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.
During our home match on August 8 vs Forward Madison FC, Athletic Club Boise will recognize Deanna Schmidt, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Idaho Youth Sports Commission, as our latest Community Impact STAR honoree.
BUILDING MORE THAN ATHLETES
For Deanna Schmidt, youth sports have always been more than wins and losses.
As Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Idaho Youth Sports Commission, she helps lead an organization that equips coaches, parents, and administrators to create positive experiences for young athletes while working to remove financial barriers that keep children from participating.
Whether through coach education, scholarships, or programs that provide equipment and shoes, the organization’s goal is simple: make sure every child has the opportunity to experience everything sports can teach.
LESSONS THAT LAST
Schmidt believes the greatest value of sports isn’t found on a scoreboard.
It comes from the friendships children build, the confidence they gain, and the lessons they’ll carry for the rest of their lives.
“I just think it benefits them in many, many ways,” Schmidt says. “The skills that they’re learning from their coaches…to persevere, to work hard, to not be so hard on themselves.”
Those experiences don’t just shape better athletes, they help shape future leaders.
“If you can build up a kid,” Schmidt says, “I think the benefits are just going to multiply and multiply.”
CREATING OPPORTUNITY
Making sports accessible is just as important as teaching the game.
The Idaho Youth Sports Commission helps families overcome financial barriers through scholarship programs, fundraising efforts, and initiatives like Sneakers for Kids, ensuring more children have the chance to participate.
For Schmidt, every child deserves the opportunity to discover what sports can offer, regardless of their circumstances.
THE POWER OF SPORT
Schmidt sees professional sports organizations as role models for the next generation.
“Kids look up to the professionals,” she says. “These teams can really set a great example for them by showing sportsmanship…and respect for the other team.”
She hopes those moments remind young athletes that they matter and inspire them to carry those same values into their own communities.
RECOGNITION, IN CONTEXT
On August 8, Deanna Schmidt will take her place in Athletic Club Boise’s Purple Seat as the club’s newest Community Impact STAR honoree.
The recognition honors a leader who has dedicated her time to helping young people discover confidence, character, and opportunity through sport. While ensuring every child has the chance to play, grow, and carry those lessons into the future.
To learn more about the Idaho Youth Sports Commission, its programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://idahoyouthsports.com/.