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Year in Review: Broncos in the Community

Year in Review: Broncos in the Community

Alongside the athletic and academic success achieved by Boise State student-athletes during the 2022-23 academic year, the Broncos also made an impact in their community. Throughout the past year, Boise State student-athletes and staff dedicated 2,476 hours to community service by supporting more than 57 different organizations.

In addition to the hours logged, many Boise State student-athletes took it upon themselves to uplift and support local youth and children through school and hospital visits, lend a hand to human services organizations to sort and distribute food for those experiencing hunger insecurity, and supporting fellow student-athletes to encourage and ensure they had the resources they need to succeed.

Boise State staff and student-athletes participate in Rake Up Boise.
Boise State staff and student-athletes participate in Rake Up Boise.
Boise State football players spend time volunteering in elementary classrooms.
Boise State football players spend time volunteering in elementary classrooms.
Boise State staff and student-athletes participate in Rake Up Boise.

Leading the department was the softball team with 457 hours of community service. Serena Huchingson (softball) and Riley Smith (football) were the top female and male student-athletes, respectively, in the community.

All community engagement activities are under the umbrella of BroncoLife which provides dynamic and impactful programs to develop and empower student-athletes to be positive influencers in their community and to help them reach their full potential in both their college careers and lives after sports.

“I am so proud and inspired by our student-athletes, coaches and support staff,” said Sara Whiles, assistant athletic director, student-athlete development/BroncoLife.  “They are embracing the opportunities and setting aside time to truly invest in our community.”

 

I am so proud and inspired by our student-athletes, coaches and support staff. They are embracing the opportunities and setting aside time to truly invest in our community.
Sara Whiles, assistant athletic director (student-athlete development/BroncoLife)
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BroncoLife aims to provide dynamic and impactful programs to develop and empower student-athletes to be positive influencers in their community and to help them reach their full potential in both their college careers and lives after sports.

Softball student-athletes participated in 79 events for 22 organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, local schools and consistently supporting fellow student-athletes at competitions.

Serena Huchingson, a recent Boise State graduate from Newbury Park, Calif., tallied an incredible 107 hours of community service during the year – more than any other student-athlete. Huchingson spent much of her volunteer time helping local students through Operation School Bell and serving as a pen pal to elementary school students. Her drive to help others has been evident throughout her time at Boise State and has helped prepare her for the future as she begins Duke University’s accelerated nursing program this fall.

Football’s Riley Smith also made an impact locally. Smith, a senior from Saint Augustine, Fla., embraced opportunities to participate in Special Olympics, serve as an elementary school pen pal and was one of 10 football players that attended the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine prom that provides people with special needs a magical experience.

Boise State Softball 2023 Team in a huddle before winning game against Michigan State, March 5, 2023.
Nate Potter wraps his arm around Riley Smith while walking off the field.
Serena Huchingson throwing during warm ups in the 2023 season.

In October, Bronco Life celebrated 20 years participating in Serving Up Wishes, a unique fundraiser that supports Make-A-Wish® Idaho, whose sole mission is to grant life-changing wishes for Idaho children with critical illnesses. Each year approximately 80 student-athletes, representing each of Boise State’s 18 sport programs, take part in the high-energy, fun-filled night of nonstop entertainment. Twenty years later, however, it is one of the most profitable fundraisers the athletic department hosts, bringing in almost $500,000 yearly for the Make-A-Wish foundation. It is also the most popular community engagement event for current and former student-athletes.

Support BroncoBOLD

#BroncoBOLD is a student-run program that champions the importance of mental health and wellness in all areas of life through the platform of sport built on three pillars: reduce stigma, raise awareness and cultivate resiliency.

This week BroncoSports.com reflects and celebrates the success of the Broncos from the 2022-2023 academic year.  The series continues Thursday with the department's Scholar-Athletes of the Year.