From grueling workouts to fundraising challenges, the Broncos’ women’s club hockey team is creating its own space on campus
Boise State’s women’s club hockey team is building a foundation that’s focused on growth and consistency. The program continues to expand its presence on campus while giving players a chance to compete and lead.
“We’re a hardworking group of girls,” said club president Franchesca Garcia-Poulsen. “We want to bring women’s hockey up to the collegiate level and give younger girls a place to play. That’s what keeps us going.”
Head coach Chris Luck sees determination up close. After stepping in last season, his focus has been on strengthening the foundation of the program. With no official league schedule this year, Luck and his coaching staff have doubled down on practice and skill-building.
“We’ve been practicing twice a week for a couple months now, and the dedication has been incredible,” Luck said. “A lot of them could barely skate last year. Now they’re flying down the ice with the puck.”
The team mixes in off-ice workouts on weekends such as sprinting hills, running drills and stickhandling on outdoor courts. Luck notes these sessions are just as important as time spent on the rink.
“They all really want to get better and see the program grow,” he said.
Progress hasn’t come easily. Renting ice time runs nearly $300 per session, and travel to tournaments requires constant fundraising. As a club sport, women’s hockey receives only a fraction of what other programs do.
“Hockey’s one of the most expensive sports with ice time and gear,” Luck said. “Travel is a big cost too, so we’re always looking for donations and bigger vendors.”
Garcia-Poulsen has shouldered much of that responsibility. Beyond playing, she coordinates sponsorships, manages social media and works with campus organizations to raise awareness.
Despite the hurdles, the team has created a close, supportive environment that feels more like a family than a club. Freshman Jillian Graves said she was nervous walking in as a new player, but those nerves faded quickly.
“Everyone’s inviting, everyone talks to each other,” Graves said. “It feels like a family.”
For senior treasurer Anna Royer, the progress is personal. After four years with the program, she’s watched it evolve from a handful of players just learning the basics to a team others are beginning to recognize.
“There’s definitely been a ton of growth, both individually and as a team,” Royer said. “We’re finally getting to the point where people recognize what we’re building.”
Luck sees the same transformation. Last year, he called it a “trial run,” a season of simply getting to know one another. Now, he’s pushing players to set personal goals and track progress on and off the ice. “We want to get to ACJ by next season,” he said. “That’s our goal — to compete and keep up with other schools.”
The mission is to build a culture that lasts for years to come where the club can gain even more recognition and fundraising opportunities. Luck mentioned that every fundraiser, practice and moment of sacrifice will help build the women’s hockey program.
Going forward, the team is committed to fixing the cracks and holes within their system while also training and building each other up competitively. It takes effort on and off the ice to make it all work out.
“I want younger girls to look at Boise State and see an opportunity,” said Garcia-Poulsen. “We’re showing them that women’s hockey belongs here.”
