Built For It
Every team has a motto to define the program’s mindset. Often shared on social media, those words or phrases become known by fans and embraced by players. Many times, coaches will meet with the squad’s leaders to conceive the theme and plan how it will be communicated to the other student-athletes.
For Boise State women’s basketball seniors Dani Bayes, Mya Hansen, Natalie Pasco and Tatum Thompson, an official meeting or encouragement from the staff was unnecessary. Just days removed from a season-ending loss to UNLV in the Mountain West tournament, the quartet came together to plan their approach for the 2025-26 season. Having spent three seasons together, it was clear to each of them they were on the same page. Their mantra was simply one word: built.
At its core, “Built” is about the veteran-laden team being ready for a championship-caliber season. “We have the foundation, the cement and all the resources,” explained Bayes. “Now it’s about building up from that. Built through habits, built in the weight room, built to trust and built to last.” The pieces are in place, as Thompson (13.6 points per game), Pasco (12.5 ppg), Bayes (9.1 ppg) and Hansen (7.8 ppg) were the Broncos’ top-four scorers last season.
The seniors took it upon themselves to immerse their teammates in the culture, with Thompson emphasizing the importance of it being player-led. This summer, a once-in-a-lifetime trip provided plenty of opportunities for the team to build cohesion. The Broncos spent a week in Greece, playing two games, making countless memories and creating bonds that helped them prepare for the upcoming season.
“It put us a step ahead when meshing together, especially having six freshmen and a transfer. Almost half our team was new, so we could’ve gone anywhere, even for a little retreat,” said Hansen. “We’re really thankful it got to be a trip to Greece and know how special this moment is in our lives. It was so cool to start our last chapter together in Greece.”
The last chapter started with a bang, as the Broncos went 2-0, winning 108-20 and 120-40. Off the court, activities included touring historical landmarks like The Parthenon, tubing in the ocean, spending a day on a boat cruise and celebrating birthdays.
Before the team’s final dinner, head coach Gordy Presnell addressed the team, saying, “these were lifetime memories we just created. Thank you for being a part of that and making this a really special experience. I’ve always said, if you work hard, you bring enthusiasm and you show gratitude, great things will happen. That all happened on this trip. So thank you for making this a great trip. We’re going to have a great season. Go Broncos!”
Presnell has seen his fair share of basketball, coaching over 1,000 games, including 633 at Boise State. The legendary leader has relied on this group since their arrival in 2022. All four players saw significant minutes as true freshmen and despite coming from various backgrounds, the group gelled quickly. Pasco, who felt at home from her first official visit, played all 33 games. Bayes committed to the Broncos despite never being in Boise, opting to earn a college degree instead of playing professionally in her home country of Australia. She started all but two contests in her first season. Both players were named to the MW All-Freshman Team.
Hansen, who had committed to Montana and Butler before Boise State, played over 20 minutes a game. Thompson’s experience was similar to Pasco’s, calling it “a gut feeling.” She appeared in 20 games after battling back from an injury suffered during a preseason scrimmage. The Broncos went 17-16 and followed that year with a 21-win season, securing a bid to the WNIT. After the disappointing end to their junior seasons, the quartet was ready to showcase their leadership skills, which are displayed in various forms.
Bayes and Hansen are the vocal leaders, but present differing styles. Bayes jokingly refers to herself as “the mean one,” bringing the intensity and energy when the team needs a jolt. Hansen is the calm voice, staying even-keeled through the ups and downs of the numerous practices and games. Pasco and Thompson prefer to lead by example, with the former making it a point to vocalize her support to younger players in smaller settings. She also places a premium on doing the little things the right way, something Thompson can relate to. The MW Preseason Player of the Year sets the tone with her high-effort play but isn’t afraid to speak up when needed, making sure her message is “straight to the point and simple.”
Living up to their reputation, Bayes and Hansen elaborated on the importance of a diverse and experienced leadership team. “It’s really special to have a leadership group like ours, because everyone learns in different ways,” Bayes said. “The four of us have every type of leadership. If someone is more comfortable going to Tatum than me, you’ll still get the same result.”
“You've seen our loyalty throughout our time with this program, so we can share our past experiences. Each of us had a different experience, which is better when a teammate comes to us,” explained Hansen. “They can all relate to us in some way, but we also have a good sense of each other to know where each leadership role fits because we know what the others have been through.”
Knowing what each teammate has been through applies to much more than offering strong leadership. When Bayes’ father passed away from kidney cancer over the summer, the other three were there for constant support.
“I don’t think they realize how much that meant to me. They really are my family and I look at them as my sister,” said Bayes. “The way they supported me and continue to be there for me, there’s nothing like it. I’m so appreciative.”
Pasco knows the amount of support has been built daily. “I’m super grateful to have landed here, especially with these three,” she said. “We’ve been through a lot together, but we really support each other and care about each other every day, at every practice and game.”
Thompson knows they will remain close long after the final horn, whenever that may be. “We’ve made relationships that will last a lifetime. Throughout the four years, we’ve made so many funny, sad and great memories.”
There are still plenty of memories to be made and the young season has already provided highlights for the group. After an eight-point win over Eastern Oregon in the season opener, the Broncos defeated San Francisco, 83-68. Boise State never trailed and the seniors all reached double-figures in scoring. Pasco led the way with 22 points and Hansen added nine assists. The Blue and Orange stayed perfect at home with a 91-77 win over UC Davis, with all four seniors reaching double-figures again. Bayes (31 points) and Thompson (26 points) scored career-highs, with the former winning MW Player of the Week and the latter grabbing 14 rebounds to record her eighth-career double-double.
After a pair of games in ExtraMile Arena (Nov. 21 vs. Seattle and Nov. 23 vs. UC Riverside), the Broncos will embark on another exciting journey, playing at the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Long road trips and high expectations could be an obstacle for some teams, but the eldest Broncos stay focused on being present.
“It feels like it’s gone by so fast. I’m just going one day at a time, one game at a time and enjoying the moment,” said Thompson. Pasco is taking the same approach, saying, “I’m focusing on the little things and giving it my all each day.”
Hansen looks back at her career and mentions how each player dreamed of playing college basketball since they were kids. “It’s so cool to see us have this journey and play for those who helped get us here,” she said. “Whether that’s our supporters back home, teammates and coaches now, it’s a great way to show all the time and effort they put into us has made us successful.”
Bayes knows the end of the journey is on the horizon, but doesn’t focus on that. “I wouldn’t have met the people I met if I didn’t come here when I did. I’m just really grateful for this entire experience,” she said. “I’m sure toward the end of the season it’ll be something we’ll have to navigate, but I look at the journey as a whole.”
The time to navigate emotions may come during Senior Night, the MW Tournament, another postseason tournament or all of the above. Regardless, the experienced group will continue to lean on each other and lead their teammates. Chances are, the 2025-26 season will end on a high note. After all, they’re built for it.