Sofia Huerta, Seattle Reign Defender, Joins AC Boise Ownership Group
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - Sofia Huerta, Seattle Reign FC defender and longtime NWSL veteran, is taking another step in an excellent soccer career. This step, though, comes off the pitch for Huerta as she’s officially joining the ownership group of Athletic Club Boise, a group that’s bringing professional women’s (Gainbridge Super League) and men’s (USL League One) soccer to Idaho. The Boise, Idaho native has already amassed an impressive resume on the pitch, holding the NWSLs all-time assist record, having played more than 200 matches in the league while adding 30 caps with the United States Women’s National Team, but it’s always been clear that Huerta has wanted to pass on her knowledge of the game and help it progress even further, and that’s what this investment does.
“I wasn’t sure something like this would ever happen in Boise — so when the opportunity came, it was an easy decision. This community is how I got where I am today. Boise has always been unique — it feels like a big city, but also like a small, supportive community. I want to give back to that. Being part of Athletic Club Boise gives me a way to help elevate young players, inspire girls and boys alike, and showcase the talent that’s here.”
Seattle Reign FC defender and Athletic Club Boise part owner Sofia Huerta during the announcement of her addition to ownership. (Photo via Athletic Club Boise)
Huerta joins an ownership group that features another Seattle soccer legend, former Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who was added back in late July. The rest of the ownership group includes Brad Stith, the CEO and co-founder of the club, Steve Patterson (Longtime sports excecutive), David Wali (A local developer in Boise), Dr. Bill Taylor (Former Vice Chair of U.S. Soccer), as well as a group of Boise business and community leaders. The club’s mantra of “Built by Boise, For Boise,” seems to be working precisely to plan when you look at the list of names that the ownership group is comprised of. The excitement for professional soccer in Idaho, plus the strong showing of support from local Boise icons such as Huerta and Keller, has seen the club break USL season ticket deposit records already and has drawn thousands to community events before the first kickoff has taken place.
“Sofia represents exactly what we want this club to be — talented, ambitious, and deeply connected to the Northwest. Her involvement strengthens our foundation as we prepare for 2026 and 2027, and it sends a powerful message to young players across Idaho.”
Interestingly enough, Huerta was the one who reached out to Athletic Club Boise about joining the ownership group when she learned that the USL was coming to Boise. Huerta reached out to Stith, looking to give back to Boise, something that she hoped would open up opportunities for young players in the community. The ownership group was more than happy to welcome Huerta in, as Sofia cited that Stith has known her since she was just 14-years-old, watching her grow up and have her career unfold.
“Having Sofia join us reflects the heart of our mission — not just because of her accomplishments on the field, but because of the example she sets and the pride she carries for Boise. Her perspective as a player and her passion for this community will help us build something lasting.”
Huerta becomes the first Idaho-born professional player to join AC Boise’s ownership group. As mentioned previously, the career that Sofia has put together stacks up to become an impressive resume, playing 13 seasons across three different leagues including 10 in the NWSL. Huerta has been an important member of the Seattle backline since her first campaign with the Reign back in 2021, transitioning from a forward to a defender, and earning a contract extension through the 2027 season that she signed back in April of 2024.
Huerta joins a handful of her Reign teammates that are involved in ownership groups, as Lu Barnes, Jess Fishlock, and Olivia Van Der Jagt are all part owners of USL W League side Salmon Bay FC that calls Interbay Stadium in Seattle home. Former teammates also have involvement in other professional women’s soccer clubs, as fellow defender and current Portland Thorn Sam Hiatt is part of the Salmon Bay FC ownership group alongside Barnes, Fishlock, and Van Der Jagt while Tziarra King coached with USL W League side West Seattle Rhodies last season but still has an aim on returning to playing professional soccer as she’s currently a free agent.
The men’s side of Athletic Club Boise is set to begin play in 2026, with the women’s side set to kickoff in 2027. The stadium being built is setting up for a capacity of 7,500, already having secured season ticket deposits for over 6,500 of those seats. With only a couple of minor league teams in the area, Boise State football, and no team that gets national television exposure for every game, Athletic Club Boise has the chance to dominate a somewhat untapped market.
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Check out our previous Seattle Reign FC articles here.
Check out our previous articles with writing by Charles Hamaker here.
Photos in article provided by Athletic Club Boise
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