Blab Sports
Boise State Empowers Female Athletes with $30K EmpowHER Play Initiative, Boosts Attendance by 16%
Boise State Athletics announced the launch of EmpowHER Play, a fundraising program created by locally‑owned Maddyn Homes that raised more than $30,000 for female student‑athletes during the 2025‑26 academic year. Every donation was matched by Maddyn Homes, doubling the impact of each gift. The initiative also helped drive a 16 % increase in attendance for women’s sports compared with the 2024‑25 season.
EmpowHER Play was introduced last summer as part of a partnership between Boise State and the Boise State University Foundation. The foundation’s giving page notes that every contribution to women’s sports is amplified through a matching program, “fueling the future of female athletes at Boise State and beyond.” The initiative’s primary goal is to provide financial support for female athletes in areas such as travel, equipment, and academic services, which are covered by the university’s annual $40,000 per‑athlete budget.
Maddyn Homes, a boutique home builder rooted in Idaho, has a history of supporting community causes, including Boise State’s women’s athletics. Owners Kyle and Jade Enzler said, “We are incredibly grateful to Boise State Athletics for their commitment to student‑athletes and to our broader community. Working together on EmpowHER Play has given us an even deeper appreciation for the care, dedication, and support Boise State provides to each student‑athlete. We could not have asked for a better partner.” The Enzlers added that the first year exceeded their goals and that they plan to build on the momentum in future years.
The 16 % rise in attendance was driven in part by the Bronco Nation community, which purchased tickets and encouraged fans to attend women’s games. The increased turnout reflects a growing interest in Boise State’s women’s programs, which include basketball, gymnastics, and track and field. While the university’s athletic department supports all student‑athletes, the EmpowHER Play initiative specifically channels resources to female athletes, aligning with Title IX principles and the broader national trend of expanding opportunities for women in college sports.
Boise State’s commitment to student‑athletes is evident in its annual spending. According to the university’s athletics page, the department allocates more than $40,000 per athlete each year for essentials such as food, housing, travel, tuition, books, nutrition, and academic services. The EmpowHER Play funds supplement these resources, allowing female athletes to focus on training and competition.
Maddyn Homes’ involvement extends beyond matching donations. The company’s website describes its mission as building “design‑forward, semi‑custom homes and communities across the Treasure Valley” while emphasizing relationships and community service. The partnership with Boise State is an example of the builder’s broader commitment to local causes, including support for women’s athletics.
The initiative’s impact is already visible on campus. Female athletes have reported that the additional funding helps cover travel costs for away games and provides access to specialized equipment. While the program is still in its first year, the combined efforts of Maddyn Homes, Boise State Athletics, and community partners have created a foundation for sustained support.
Looking ahead, the EmpowHER Play program plans to expand its reach. According to the Enzlers, “Together with Boise State, our dedicated team at Maddyn Homes and many generous community partners, we look forward to building on this momentum and creating even greater opportunities for female student‑athletes and the community at large in the years ahead.” The program’s success may serve as a model for other universities seeking to enhance support for women’s sports.
In summary, the EmpowHER Play initiative demonstrates a collaborative effort between a local business and a university to strengthen female athletics. With over $30,000 raised, matched donations, and a measurable increase in game attendance, the program has already made a tangible difference for Boise State’s women’s student‑athletes. Future seasons will determine whether the partnership can sustain and grow this support, potentially influencing broader trends in collegiate women’s sports funding.
EmpowHER Play was introduced last summer as part of a partnership between Boise State and the Boise State University Foundation. The foundation’s giving page notes that every contribution to women’s sports is amplified through a matching program, “fueling the future of female athletes at Boise State and beyond.” The initiative’s primary goal is to provide financial support for female athletes in areas such as travel, equipment, and academic services, which are covered by the university’s annual $40,000 per‑athlete budget.
Maddyn Homes, a boutique home builder rooted in Idaho, has a history of supporting community causes, including Boise State’s women’s athletics. Owners Kyle and Jade Enzler said, “We are incredibly grateful to Boise State Athletics for their commitment to student‑athletes and to our broader community. Working together on EmpowHER Play has given us an even deeper appreciation for the care, dedication, and support Boise State provides to each student‑athlete. We could not have asked for a better partner.” The Enzlers added that the first year exceeded their goals and that they plan to build on the momentum in future years.
The 16 % rise in attendance was driven in part by the Bronco Nation community, which purchased tickets and encouraged fans to attend women’s games. The increased turnout reflects a growing interest in Boise State’s women’s programs, which include basketball, gymnastics, and track and field. While the university’s athletic department supports all student‑athletes, the EmpowHER Play initiative specifically channels resources to female athletes, aligning with Title IX principles and the broader national trend of expanding opportunities for women in college sports.
Boise State’s commitment to student‑athletes is evident in its annual spending. According to the university’s athletics page, the department allocates more than $40,000 per athlete each year for essentials such as food, housing, travel, tuition, books, nutrition, and academic services. The EmpowHER Play funds supplement these resources, allowing female athletes to focus on training and competition.
Maddyn Homes’ involvement extends beyond matching donations. The company’s website describes its mission as building “design‑forward, semi‑custom homes and communities across the Treasure Valley” while emphasizing relationships and community service. The partnership with Boise State is an example of the builder’s broader commitment to local causes, including support for women’s athletics.
The initiative’s impact is already visible on campus. Female athletes have reported that the additional funding helps cover travel costs for away games and provides access to specialized equipment. While the program is still in its first year, the combined efforts of Maddyn Homes, Boise State Athletics, and community partners have created a foundation for sustained support.
Looking ahead, the EmpowHER Play program plans to expand its reach. According to the Enzlers, “Together with Boise State, our dedicated team at Maddyn Homes and many generous community partners, we look forward to building on this momentum and creating even greater opportunities for female student‑athletes and the community at large in the years ahead.” The program’s success may serve as a model for other universities seeking to enhance support for women’s sports.
In summary, the EmpowHER Play initiative demonstrates a collaborative effort between a local business and a university to strengthen female athletics. With over $30,000 raised, matched donations, and a measurable increase in game attendance, the program has already made a tangible difference for Boise State’s women’s student‑athletes. Future seasons will determine whether the partnership can sustain and grow this support, potentially influencing broader trends in collegiate women’s sports funding.
