Volleyball Season Preview: The Liberos and Defensive Specialists

BOISE, Idaho – Wednesday's volleyball season preview features the second of the four-part series looking at the 2024 roster. Today, we focus on the three Broncos who will play along the back line as either liberos or defensive specialists.

Boise State returns three veterans from the 2023 campaign: juniors Bella McGirr, Breanna Mitchell, and sophomore Kayleigh Carpenter. They each have experience playing along the back line from last season. Both McGirr and Mitchell played in all 29 contests while Carpenter saw action in 19.

McGirr is entering her third season in the blue and orange. The native of Novato, Calif., has played in a combined 56 matches and 191 sets during the first two campaigns. She has tallied 22 service aces and 370 digs (1.94 dps) in her career, including 15 service aces and 284 digs (second on the team) as a sophomore in 2023.

Mitchell enters her second campaign with the Broncos after transferring from Cal State Northridge last season. In her first season at Boise State, the native of Temecula, Calif., registered 100 assists, 36 service aces (second on the team) and led the team in digs with 363 and a team-high 3.46 digs per set average (seventh in the Mountain West in both digs categories).

"We are so fortunate to return two experienced liberos," said head coach Shawn Garus. "Brianna and Bella both had quality time playing at libero last year. If they were not the libero, they were on the court as a defensive specialist, helping us be one the best defensive teams in the Mountain West. They have both continued to improve their game, and I expect them to battle it out for the libero position. They will impact this team with tough serving, great passing, and aggressive defense."

The final Bronco vying for time in the lineup is Carpenter. The Salem, Ore., native played in 43 sets and 19 contests as a true freshman. Playing primarily as a serving specialist or defensive specialist, she recorded six service aces and 15 digs during the campaign.

"Kayleigh has made steady improvements from last season as a true freshman when she had a limited role as a serving specialist. She has worked hard on her game during the off-season, and I look forward to seeing her push Breanna and Bella for playing time."

The Broncos open the season August 30-September 1, at Arizona's Cactus Classic in Tucson, where they will face Arizona, Tennessee State and VCU.

The Broncos' home opening weekend is September 13-15, when they host CSU Bakersfield, Gonzaga, and Idaho State in the Boise State Classic.

Season and Single Match Tickets Now on Sale
Season and single-match tickets are available and can be purchased in person at the Albertsons Stadium ticket office, over the phone by calling 208-426-4737, or online at Buy Tickets.

Volleyball Season Preview: The Liberos and Defensive Specialists

Players Mentioned

Kayleigh Carpenter

Bella McGirr

Bre Mitchell