All About Kari Hillsman: Her Family, Career, and Life Today

Kari Hillsman might not be a big celebrity, but her name is often remembered because of her past relationship with former NBA star and actor, Rick Fox. Many people know Rick Fox for his basketball success with the Los Angeles Lakers, but not everyone knows about the woman who was by his side before the fame — Kari Hillsman.

Over the years, Kari has built a quiet and happy life away from the spotlight. She is now married, has three beautiful children, and works as a certified residential manager. In this article, we will talk about everything about her life — her early days, her love story with Rick Fox, her children, her career, and what she is doing now.

Who is Kari Hillsman?

Kari Hillsman is best known as Rick Fox’s former girlfriend and the mother of his son, Kyle Fox. But her life is much more than that. She is a loving wife, a proud mom of three children, and a professional who prefers to stay out of the public eye.

Even though she was once linked to a famous NBA player, Kari has always kept a low profile. She chose a simple, family-focused life instead of chasing the spotlight. Today, she lives happily with her husband Henry Francillon and their children in Massachusetts, far from the busy world of Hollywood and sports fame.

Kari Hillsman’s Early Life

Kari Hillsman was born on January 16, 1971, in Massachusetts, USA. She grew up in a warm and close-knit family with her parents and sister. Her father, AC Hillsman Jr., was an army officer, while her mother, Mary Hillsman, worked at a mental health center.

Her childhood was filled with love and care. Kari’s father sadly passed away in 2003 after battling cancer, which was a tough time for her and her family. Her mother, Mary, now lives in Nokomis, Florida. Kari also has a sister, Tarah Elan Hillsman Townsend, and the two share a strong bond.

Her Parents and Family Roots

Kari’s family background is quite interesting. Her father was African-American, and her mother is white, which gives her a beautiful mixed ethnicity. Kari often speaks with pride about her parents and the values they taught her.

Her father, being an army officer, taught her about discipline and hard work, while her mother’s career in healthcare inspired Kari’s early interest in nursing. Growing up in Massachusetts, she learned the importance of family, education, and kindness — values she still carries with her today.

Education and Early Career Path

Kari attended Andover High School, where she was known for being friendly and focused on her studies. After finishing school, she studied nursing at Lowell General Hospital School of Nursing. Later, she went to the University of Massachusetts Boston, continuing to build her career skills.

Though Kari started with nursing, her career path later changed. Today, she works as a certified residential manager with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), where she has been since 2014. This role allows her to combine her organizational skills with her passion for helping people.

Kari Hillsman and Rick Fox’s Love Story

Kari’s life took a turn when she met Rick Fox during her college years. At that time, Rick was a rising basketball star with big dreams. The two quickly fell in love and became a well-known couple among their friends and community.

Kari supported Rick during the early years of his NBA career. When Rick was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1991, Kari was there, cheering for him as he began his professional journey. Their love story, however, was not without challenges, especially as Rick’s career began to take him to different places.

Kyle Fox – Their Son Together

In 1993, Kari and Rick welcomed their son, Kyle Fox, into the world. Kyle grew up to be a talented young man with a passion for gaming and technology. Just like his father loved basketball, Kyle found his calling in the world of video games.

Kyle is now a video game designer and serves as the Community Manager for Echo Fox, the esports team that Rick Fox once owned. Interestingly, it was Kyle who introduced Rick to the world of gaming, and this shared interest helped strengthen their father-son bond.

Life After Rick Fox

As Rick’s basketball career grew, he had to spend more time traveling and playing, especially after joining the Los Angeles Lakers. This distance made it hard for Kari and Rick to stay together. By the late 1990s, they decided to part ways.

Even after their breakup, Kari stayed strong and focused on raising Kyle on the East Coast while Rick continued his NBA journey on the West Coast. She gave her son a stable and loving home, which helped him grow into the successful person he is today.

Marriage to Henry Francillon

After some years, Kari found love again. She met Henry Francillon, and the two got married on December 17, 2003. Henry is known for his passion for soccer and golf. Together, they built a happy life in Medford, Massachusetts, away from the public eye.

Their relationship is built on love, respect, and shared values. Kari and Henry’s marriage has stood strong for over 18 years, and they continue to enjoy a close-knit family life with their children.

Kari’s Children with Henry Francillon

Kari Hillsman and Henry Francillon share two wonderful children, Kayla Augustine Francillon and Kaden Thierry Francillon. Both of them are active and talented, especially in sports.

Kayla, who was born in May 2005, played soccer at Malden Catholic High School. She was known for her skills on the field and her passion for teamwork. Her younger brother, Kaden, who was born in 2006, also followed a similar path. He trained under the Juventus Academy Boston and is a skilled soccer player.

Together with Kyle, Kari’s eldest son from her relationship with Rick Fox, they form a close and loving family. Kari often shares family moments on Facebook, showing just how proud she is of her children.

Kari Hillsman’s Career Today

Even though Kari is often remembered for her past with Rick Fox, she has built a life and career on her own. Since 2014, she has been working as a Certified Residential Manager at the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

This job involves taking care of residential properties and ensuring that everything runs smoothly for the residents. Kari’s background in nursing and her strong sense of responsibility make her perfect for this role.

She enjoys her work but values her private life even more. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Kari prefers staying out of the spotlight and focusing on her family and career.

Connection with Rick Fox’s Family

Even after separating from Rick Fox, Kari Hillsman has always supported her son’s relationship with his father. Rick, despite being busy with his NBA career and acting roles, has made efforts to stay close to Kyle.

Their bond became even stronger when Kyle introduced his father to video gaming and esports. This passion led Rick Fox to invest in the industry and even own his own esports team, Echo Fox. Rick has often said that Kyle is the reason he got involved in this field.

Kari and Rick have managed to co-parent Kyle successfully, ensuring that he has the best of both worlds — the love of his mother and the support of his father.

Kari Hillsman’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

Kari Hillsman’s net worth is estimated to be around $100,000. Unlike many public figures, Kari does not flaunt her wealth or lifestyle. She lives a simple but happy life with her husband and children in Medford, Massachusetts.

Her days are filled with work, family time, and supporting her kids in their passions, whether it’s soccer, gaming, or education. Kari’s life shows that true happiness often comes from living quietly and focusing on what really matters.

Where is Kari Hillsman Now?

In 2025, Kari Hillsman continues to enjoy her private and peaceful life. She spends most of her time with her husband, Henry, and their children, while also keeping in touch with Kyle as he builds his career in Los Angeles.

She rarely makes public appearances or gives interviews, which makes people even more curious about her life. But for Kari, privacy and family are the top priorities. Her story is a reminder that you don’t have to be in the spotlight to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Final Thoughts

Kari Hillsman’s journey is inspiring in its own quiet way. From being known as Rick Fox’s former girlfriend to becoming a proud wife, mother, and career woman, she has created a life filled with love and balance.

Her children, especially Kyle Fox, are proof of her strength and dedication as a mother. Whether she is managing her work or supporting her family, Kari continues to shine in her own way, even if she prefers to stay behind the scenes.

If you ever wondered where Kari Hillsman is today, now you know — she is living a happy, private, and grounded life, focusing on what truly matters most.

• Gráinne Hayes
• Natalie Chaplin
• Amy Sherrill