The Boise State Beach Volleyball Shockwave: 5 Reasons The Broncos Are Now A Big 12 Powerhouse
The Boise State Beach Volleyball Team has officially launched into a new era of national prominence, shattering expectations and making a historic conference jump that reshapes the landscape of collegiate beach volleyball. This program, once quietly building its foundation, is now making headlines across the country, fueled by a championship-winning 2025 season and a strategic move that positions them alongside some of the sport's biggest names. As of December 23, 2025, the Broncos are no longer just a regional contender; they are a newly minted Big 12 affiliate member, ready to challenge for a spot in the NCAA Tournament and cement their status as a perennial Top 25 program.
The transition marks a pivotal moment for Boise State Athletics, highlighting the rapid ascent of the beach volleyball program under new leadership. The team's recent success, including capturing the 2025 Southland Conference Championship, provides the perfect springboard into the highly competitive Big 12. Fans and analysts are eager to see how the Broncos, with their talented roster and fresh coaching staff, will fare against elite competition like Florida State and South Carolina in their new league.
The 2025 Southland Championship Roster & Key Player Profiles
The foundation of Boise State's current success is built upon the exceptional talent and dedication of its athletes. The 2025 championship season in the Southland Conference showcased a deep roster with several players earning high-level recognition. This core group is instrumental in the program's elevated status and its readiness to compete in the Big 12.
Key Personnel and 2025 Accolades
- Alden: Named the 2025 Southland Beach Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Year. Alden headlined the team's success and was one of eight Broncos honored by the conference.
- Abbie Wolf: Selected to the 2025 Southland Conference First Team as part of the No. 3 pair. Wolf's performance was a critical factor in the team's tournament victory.
- Addison Wolden: A standout athlete who earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors in both 2024 and 2025. Wolden was also a SLC First Team selection in 2024 as the No. 4 pair.
- Susannah Barnett: Listed on the 2026 roster, Barnett represents the future talent pipeline for the Broncos, coming from DaKine Volleyball Club.
- Avery Allen: Also on the 2026 roster, Allen is another key recruit, associated with Team One Beach Volleyball.
Other notable athletes contributing to the program's depth and future include Kendall Hastings, Lilli Etter, Reese Weinert, Arianna Bilby, Bridey O'Connor, Jazi Smith, Bre Mitchell, and Bella McGirr, many of whom are dual-sport or talented indoor volleyball players transitioning to the sand.
The Big 12 Era: Boise State's Historic Conference Move
In a move that sent shockwaves through the collegiate beach volleyball community, Boise State officially accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference as an affiliate member. This announcement fundamentally changes the competitive trajectory of the program and is arguably the biggest news for the team in its history.
Boise State will join a formidable Big 12 beach volleyball league that includes established programs like Arizona, Arizona State, and TCU. The conference also announced the addition of powerhouse programs Florida State and South Carolina as affiliate members, instantly making the Big 12 one of the most competitive beach volleyball conferences in the nation.
A Strategic Leap in Competition
The decision to leave the Southland Conference, where the Broncos had just claimed the 2025 Championship, was a clear strategic move aimed at elevating the team's national profile. Competing in the Big 12 ensures the Broncos will face a rigorous schedule, significantly boosting their RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) and increasing their chances of earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship.
Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey and Head Coach Alex Venardos have both expressed excitement about the move, recognizing it as a necessary step to achieve the program’s goal of becoming a consistent Top 25 team. The transition is a testament to the program’s success and its ability to attract top-tier talent, even in a non-traditional beach volleyball state like Idaho. The competitive schedule will now regularly feature matches against nationally ranked opponents, preparing the team for the intensity of postseason play.
Coaching Transition and Program Future
The program’s success has been accompanied by a significant change in leadership, positioning a familiar face at the helm just as the team enters its new conference challenge. The coaching staff is now tasked with building on the 2025 Southland Championship victory and navigating the demanding Big 12 schedule.
Alex Venardos: The New Head Coach
On July 17, 2025, Alex Venardos was officially named the program's third head coach, a major internal promotion that signals continuity and confidence in the program's direction. Venardos had been an integral part of the Boise State beach volleyball coaching staff since the fall of 2019, serving as an assistant coach for several years.
His elevation to the top role comes at a critical time, immediately following the team’s championship season and the announcement of the Big 12 affiliation. Venardos is credited with playing an important role in the team’s recent success, including the 2025 championship run, which saw the Broncos record a pair of sweeps on the opening day of the Southland Conference Tournament.
The Supporting Staff
Venardos is supported by a strong coaching team, including Assistant Coach McKayla Hazard and Assistant Coach Alex Luna. Luna joined the staff in August 2024 and is involved in all aspects of the program, bringing additional expertise and energy to the team's development. This stable coaching structure is essential for managing the transition to a Power Five-level conference.
The team's former Head Coach, Allison Voigt, also deserves significant recognition, having led the Broncos to their first regular-season title and earning the SLC Coach of the Year award for her efforts in 2025. Her leadership set the stage for the program’s current success and the opportunity to join the Big 12.
Topical Authority and Program Development
Boise State's beach volleyball program has made a remarkable turnaround. After a challenging 6-11 record in a previous season, the team has successfully turned the tide, showcasing significant improvement and a commitment to becoming a national contender. The ambition is clear: the program wants to be a consistent Top 25 team.
The 2025 season was a showcase of this development, culminating in the Southland Championship win over No. 2 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Broncos demonstrated their dominance with a 3-0 victory in the final, proving their ability to perform under pressure.
Key Program Entities and LSI Keywords
To fully grasp the scope of the program's rise, it's important to recognize the key entities involved in its success and future:
- Conferences: Southland Conference (former), Big 12 Conference (current affiliate).
- Rival Teams: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Stanford, Arizona, Arizona State, TCU, Florida State, South Carolina.
- Key Tournaments: AVCA National Pairs Championship, Lopes Invitational, Surf City Challenge, Spokane AVCA Pairs Tournament.
- Awards: SLC Coach of the Year, SLC Student-Athlete of the Year, All-Conference Honors, College Sports Communicators Academic All-District.
- Personnel: Alex Venardos, Allison Voigt, McKayla Hazard, Alex Luna, Jeramiah Dickey (Athletic Director).
The move to the Big 12 provides a massive boost to recruiting efforts, allowing Boise State to attract elite beach talent who seek the highest level of competition. The Broncos are now poised to become a dark horse contender in the national beach volleyball scene, with their historic 2025 championship serving as the perfect launchpad into a new, challenging, and ultimately more rewarding conference landscape.
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