OUR STORY

I-5 was founded by Kim Snyder in honor of her parents, Bill and Jo Neighbors.  Bill and Jo were successful local business owners of Pacific Air Logistics (PAL).  Kim‘s parents were the most amazing human beings and also extremely generous.  They supported dreams of local softball players behind the scenes for years in the SCV and in their passing their daughter has kept that going by creating I-5 Softball and Baseball. 

By focusing on “respect and dignity,” Kim actively is pushing back against the “win-at-all-costs” culture that often leads to burnout or verbal abuse in youth sports.  This was the environment Kim did not want to continue for her son or daughter.  Kim’s “family” standard has expectations that all coaches treat players as “family” rather than just assets or numbers on a roster. 

Kim has made I-5 a welcoming organization creating a space where her own children—and by extension, all players—could play without the fear of humiliation or disrespect.  She always has said, “This organization must never be like any other organization.  WE will never humiliate, disrespect, any player that comes to our family.  We will treat every player with respect and dignity and never let them believe that verbal abuse is the way to become a great Softball/Baseball player.” She is the rock that keeps I-5 together and does all the work that allows this organization to function.  We can’t thank her enough for carrying the torch for her parents, Bill and Jo Neighbors, turning their history of local generosity into a lasting institution for all I-5 athletes. We love you Mrs. Kim!!