Kari Hillsman might be known to some as the former girlfriend of NBA star and actor Rick Fox, but her story runs far deeper than a headline from the 1990s. Hers is a life built on resilience, quiet strength, and an unwavering focus on family. While her name occasionally pops up in celebrity circles due to her connection to Rick, Kari has led a rich, grounded life filled with purpose, balance, and meaning.
Humble Beginnings in Massachusetts
Born on January 16, 1971, in Massachusetts, Kari Jane Hillsman grew up in a deeply rooted household where values like hard work, discipline, and compassion were front and center. Her father, Augustus “AC” Hillsman Jr., was a respected U.S. Army officer, and her mother, Mary Hillsman, worked in mental health at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center. That blend of military order and emotional support shaped Kari into someone both driven and deeply empathetic.
Raised alongside her sister, Tara Hillsman Townsend, Kari was part of a close-knit, biracial family that celebrated its diverse background. Those early years not only grounded her identity but also played a big part in the path she would eventually choose, both personally and professionally.
Education was another strong pillar in her upbringing. Kari attended Andover High School before heading off to University of Massachusetts Boston, where she pursued nursing—a field that mirrored her desire to help people in real, tangible ways.
Her Time with Rick Fox: More Than a Celebrity Romance
Kari’s name first reached the spotlight thanks to her relationship with Rick Fox, then a rising basketball star out of North Carolina. The two met during their college years, and by the time Rick was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1991, Kari was right by his side. Their relationship wasn’t just a short-lived fling; it was a significant chapter that brought both highs and challenges.
In 1993, the couple welcomed their son, Kyle Fox. While Rick’s NBA career was gaining momentum, Kari focused on creating a nurturing environment for their child. When Rick moved to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1997, the increasing demands of his career began to pull them in different directions. Eventually, they parted ways, but always remained committed co-parents to Kyle.
A Devoted Mother and Supportive Co-Parent
After separating from Rick, Kari returned to the East Coast and chose to raise Kyle in Massachusetts, providing him with stability away from the fast-paced world of professional sports. While Rick lived in California, Kari made sure that Kyle maintained a strong bond with his father. Their approach to co-parenting was a quiet success—focused, respectful, and child-first.
Kyle inherited his father’s love of sports but eventually found his own passion in gaming and technology. He became a community manager for Echo Fox, Rick’s esports organization, bridging the gap between the worlds of sports and digital entertainment. Rick has often said it was Kyle who introduced him to esports, showing how their family’s bond has remained strong in new and unexpected ways.
A New Chapter with Henry Francillon
In December 2003, Kari began a new journey by marrying Henry Francillon, a kind and sports-loving man with interests in soccer and golf. Together, they settled in Medford, Massachusetts, and expanded their family with two more children: Kayla Augustine Francillon, born in 2005, and Kaden Thierry Francillon, born in 2006.
Kayla followed in her parents’ athletic footsteps, excelling at soccer while attending Malden Catholic High School. Kaden, on the other hand, trained at the Juventus Academy Boston, showing an equal passion for sports. Kari and Henry created a warm, activity-filled home life focused on togetherness, shared meals, and encouraging their kids to pursue what they love.
From Nursing to Real Estate: A Career Built on Care
Although Kari initially studied nursing, her career eventually pivoted toward real estate management. Since March 2014, she has worked as a certified residential manager through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).
Her background in healthcare likely contributes to the empathy and people-first mindset she brings to her job today. Managing residential communities may sound like a dry title, but it’s about ensuring families and individuals have safe, welcoming places to live—and that fits Kari perfectly. Her work ethic, rooted in her childhood values, has helped her build a stable and respected career outside of the public eye.
A Positive Relationship with Rick Fox Today
Though their romantic relationship ended decades ago, Kari and Rick maintain a respectful and supportive dynamic, especially for the benefit of Kyle. Rick, now an entrepreneur and actor, has never shied away from crediting Kari for the role she played in raising their son. Kyle’s growth into a confident, successful adult is a reflection of both parents’ steady influence.
Rick’s journey into esports, business ventures, and acting after his NBA career has often intersected with Kyle’s interests, showing that the bond remains strong and purposeful. It’s a quiet but meaningful example of how co-parenting can evolve into a lifelong support system.
Net Worth and Lifestyle Today
Kari Hillsman isn’t living a flashy celebrity life, but she’s doing well. Her estimated net worth is around $1 million, a result of her long-standing career and smart financial choices. Rick Fox, by comparison, has an estimated net worth of $20 million, built through his diverse post-NBA ventures.
But wealth isn’t what defines Kari. She and Henry have created a comfortable, modest life in Medford, focused on values, family, and creating a supportive environment for their children. Her lifestyle reflects stability and balance, far removed from the noise of fame.
Final Thoughts: A Life Lived with Purpose
Kari Hillsman may have been introduced to the world as Rick Fox’s partner, but she has quietly built a life of her own—one centered around family, hard work, and resilience. From raising a child during the peak of an NBA career to switching professional tracks and maintaining her values, Kari is a testament to quiet strength and personal growth.
Her story reminds us that the most meaningful lives aren’t always the loudest. Sometimes, they’re the ones lived with love, intention, and grace.