Through the opening weeks of the season, Boise State Women’s Volleyball has shown what it means to win as a group built on stardom.
From decisive sweeps in the Bronco Gym to tense moments demanding resilience from players, the Broncos have relied on balance and depth to carve out a strong start. At 8-3, their record reflects their players’ dominant performances and a team that is shaping its identity.
That identity, head coach Shawn Garus explained, is rooted in defense and toughness.
“We don’t have any superstars, but we have a lot of people contributing to our success,” he said. “When you watch us play, you’ll appreciate the effort in our defensive battle and the balance we’ve built.”
One of the early highlights came in a sweep of UC San Diego, where the Broncos survived a marathon second set that stretched to 36–34 before closing out the match.
Garus highlighted the team’s ability to bend but not break when the pressure rises.
After a sweep against Utah Tech, the Broncos orchestrated a commanding defensive performance and a win over San Francisco, where the offense clicked at a high level.
Boise State finally capped its home tournament with a win against Idaho State. Through each matchup, different faces delivered, whether that was at the net or others doing the dirty work in the back row.
Graduate transfer Arianna Bilby entered the season knowing she would need to make an immediate impact. She said the move to Boise State came with higher expectations, and she wanted to be ready from the start.
“I knew the team was strong and physical, so I wanted to come in prepared,” Bilby said. But when a back injury kept her from playing at full strength, she found other ways to lead. “It was tough not being fully healthy, but I learned you can still guide your team even when you’re not on the court. Communication became a big part of my role.”
Sophomore middle blocker Eliza Sharp has made her own adjustments. After redshirting, she said she realized how much the mental side of the game mattered.
“If I want to be great, I need to be focused on everything I do,” Sharp said.
The program’s culture helped her the most.
“I wasn’t used to having such a locked-in family vibe,” she added. “Here, you share everything with everybody — the trainers, the coaches and the players. That’s made a huge difference for me.”
Travel has tested the Broncos as a team as well. For some, the trip to South Dakota was their first time flying with the team. Garus said the staff worked hard to prepare them for the grind while also carving out time for connection.
“We try to over-communicate the plan,” he said. “We also make sure to build in fun team walks and take time together because that chemistry off the court makes a difference when we play.”
The Broncos wrapped up nonconference play with a split at South Dakota State. After falling in straight sets Friday, Boise State bounced back the next day with a five-set win, showing the resilience and depth that have defined their season. Bradley O’Connor posted career highs with 16 kills and seven blocks, while Layla Smith added 11 blocks to lead the defensive effort.
The Broncos’ early record doesn’t just show wins; it shows adaptability. In sweeps, they’ve proven they can close matches quickly. In tighter contests, they’ve shown the discipline to regroup and claw back momentum. Along the way, they’ve leaned on blocking, defense and the ability to spread offensive opportunities across the rotation.
Standout freshman Sydney Dreves is focusing on finding balance between her competitiveness and composure this season. Known for her fiery personality, she said she has had to adjust to the intensity of college volleyball.
“I have a really competitive personality,” Dreves said. “I love winning, so I didn’t want to lose that coming into college. I’ve had to learn how to use that energy in a way that helps my teammates.”
Garus emphasized while individual performances stand out, the real story is the roster’s collective depth. He pointed to players who may not appear in the stat sheet but elevate practice and bring energy off the bench. In tournaments where the Broncos have played multiple matches in a short span, that depth is crucial.
Fans hoping to know what comes next should expect a collective effort between the players; standards are high after their strong opening play. That style means Boise State will wear opponents down and win through mental and physical toughness while also forming a collection of highlight reels.
For the players, the season has been about building something bigger than themselves. They talk about competing with focus, holding each other accountable and embracing the family-like culture that surrounds the program. The message is consistent: wins are important but the trust and resilience they bring each day reflected upon practice is what defines them.
As the season continues, players and coaches strive for consistency in what they’ve created so far. If they can keep up their dominant performances and the coaches can keep committed to the defensive playstyle, the team can go a long way. They’re setting the stage for what could become one of the strongest teams in the Mountain West.
