Defensive Leaders, Relentless Hustle: Game Changers
Different personalities but one shared purpose: leading with impact and heart.
Bronco volleyball student-athletes have spent the spring and summer putting in the work to gear up for the upcoming season and with the first official fall camp practice set for August 6, it's go time. As the season approaches, take a closer look at the team’s defensive leaders and the key roles they play on the court.
Meet the Backbone of Bronco Volleyball
Returning seniors Bella McGirr and Bre Mitchell will compete for one of the most unique positions in all sports, the libero. Both grew up in families with long histories of competitive sports from youth through college.
I'm the type of player that never wants to lose, and I'll do whatever I can to win. I think that comes from being in a competitive family. You know, my mom and my dad played college sports, and my brother and I grew up playing sports together around the house. So, I think just learning from my family, and then, of course, competing at a high level, I'm just encouraged to want to win every day.Bella McGirr
Both found their way to Boise State after very positive recruiting visits.
“When I entered the portal, Boise State was always a school that I was interested in learning more about,” said Mitchell. “During my visit, I got to meet with some of the girls and even one of my old club teammates. She shared how much she loves it here, a real college town with a good college vibe. I instantly fell in love with Boise, the campus, the volleyball program, and the coaches. They had such a passion and offered more resources to help me meet my goals.”
Beyond athletics, both McGirr and Mitchell are focused on post-college careers centered around helping others. McGirr is majoring in biology, while Mitchell is studying psychology.
McGirr has always had a love and passion for science and medicine. Although not 100% certain of her career path, she is thinking about going to PA (physician assistant) school.
Bella is extremely self-driven and has been so since the day she arrived. Not many student-athletes know exactly what they want to study and have a plan, but from day one, Bella did.Alissa Lauer, Academic Advisor
“Working as an EMT has been incredibly eye-opening,” said McGirr. “I knew I would gain work experience and help patients from all walks of life, young and old, but in the moment, actually being there with them in some of their toughest moments, offering reassurance and support, that has been the most impactful part of the experience.”
During the 2024 season, McGirr played in the first seven matches with two starts as a defensive specialist. In a match against CSU Bakersfield, she injured her hand diving for a ball and missed the rest of the season.
She has demonstrated a very determined spirit throughout her rehab with support from coaches and teammates.
“That was definitely a rough, rough go for me,” said McGirr. “It was my first injury ever, my first time not being able to play volleyball in my entire career. So, learning how to adapt was definitely a challenge, but I was able to get through it with support from my family, teammates and the coaches. Throughout my rehab, I was just holding on to the fact that I wanted to get better so that I could come back and play the sport again. I wasn't quite ready to let it go.”
For Mitchell, who transferred to Boise State after one semester elsewhere, it quickly became home, a place where she could pursue a psychology degree and work toward her purpose of supporting student-athlete mental health or entering the field of sports psychology.
“Bre came here as a transfer and I have seen so much growth in her since she arrived at Boise State, " said Lauer. “I think she has really learned how to balance her zest for life and having fun with the skills needed to succeed in school. She still utilizes PRECO study hall even though she doesn't have required hours and asks for tutors or additional help when she is facing a tough class. Throughout her journey at Boise State, Bre has remained open to others and makes people feel comfortable, which are skills that will serve her well in the next chapter of her life.”
I would say I am an outgoing and fun person. I've never really been too shy. I just love people. I love to get people out of their shells. I would also describe myself as a passionate, caring person. Relationships and friendships are very, very important to me.Bre Mitchell
With that background about McGirr and Mitchell, let’s take a deeper dive into the position of libero and why both student-athletes excel at the position.
Introduction of the Libero
A libero, which means “free” in Latin, is a back-row defensive specialist, especially adept at digging. The libero was introduced to the game to facilitate better defensive play, which resulted in longer rallies and made the game more enjoyable for spectators. The position of the libero made its debut at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney and became officially a part of the college game in 2002.
Since then, the libero has served as a crucial component in the team’s strategy to elevate their game to the next level.
“As volleyball players were becoming bigger, faster, and stronger, rallies started getting shorter and shorter,” said Shawn Garus, head coach of Bronco volleyball. “And the essence of the game—the long back-and-forth volleys—was fading away. The libero changed that by adding a new level of defense, extending rallies and bringing back those exciting, longer exchanges. That’s definitely more appealing for fans. Internationally, you often see serve-and-kill plays ending rallies quickly, but the libero helps keep the action alive.”
What Does a Libero Do?
The libero is the first line of defense in volleyball, restricted to back-row play but crucial to a team’s success. They’re key contributors in serve-receive formations and are often the team’s primary passers. Originally, liberos weren’t allowed to serve, but a 2004 NCAA rule change now allows them to serve in place of one player.
“In my junior year of club I transitioned into a libero,” said Mitchell. “I'm left-handed, so I was always a right side hitter but I love to pass. At first, I really wanted to be a hitter, but I wasn't on the taller side. I knew I wanted to play at the D1 level, so I had to ask myself, ‘What am I really good at?’ I knew it was passing and defense. It's one of my favorite things about the libero position.”
Liberos must keep the ball in play by any means necessary, including diving or “digging” for a ball, a defensive move when a player is able to get one or both arms on the ball just before it hits the ground, keeping the ball in play.
“I just love being able to play defense and be scrappy,” said McGirr. “It is one of the best feelings digging a hard-driven ball. It is one of my favorite things about it. When a teammate gets a touch on the ball away from the net and while chasing it down I get a hand on it, then watching the team get it over the net is just one of the best feelings.”
Mitchell added, “I get so excited getting a dig off a great kill, or getting a good service. That motivates me, makes me excited. It is more about setting up the play for my hitters or setters. The libero position really allowed me to do that, and it's just something I really fell in love with. It really brings me joy.”
Qualities of a Good Libero
Liberos excel in agility and quickness. They usually have the best ball control and can consistently pass the ball to the setter. They are also experts in out-of-system settings, transitioning from a pass to a set quickly, and putting the ball into an offensive position.
“I love that look they have—like, ‘Let’s do it again,’” said Garus. “They’ll dive into the bleachers, pop up smiling, like it was the best part of the game. They live for those gritty, rally-extending plays. They thrive on the hustle, and when they make those effort plays, it fires up the whole team.”
Leadership of Liberos
With leadership being such a critical component of the position, you need to have the right athletes to execute it effectively.
“I see the libero as a leadership position because you're dealing with first contacts when the other team serves,” said Garus. “The libero is also on the floor all the time and required to know more than everybody else on the team about what's coming. So their responsibility includes scouting the opponent, to know more about every server on the other team.”
“Because of players like Bella and Bre, we have the ability to do what we want offensively,” said Garus. “Because they're so good at getting us into our system with that first pass, allowing the center to be up at the net, putting their hands on the ball and making good choices.”
Outlook for Upcoming Season
“The Mountain West is stacked this year—there’s a lot of parity, and every team is competitive,” said Garus. “Last season, the race for the top six came down to the final week, and I expect the same this year. In a league this tight, winning at home is critical. If you can hold serve at home and grab a few on the road, you give yourself a real shot at the postseason. But if you drop home matches, you’re fighting an uphill battle.”
Protect Our House-Every Match Matters
Thanks to Bronco Nation, attendance at volleyball games has soared and fans are thoroughly engaged throughout the match.
“We’re fortunate to have incredible fan support across all Boise State sports,” said Garus. “But there’s something truly unique about the atmosphere in Bronco Gym. It’s loud, it’s intense, and the fans are right on top of the action—more so than anywhere else in the Mountain West. Our crowd of 1,000+ shows up early, stays loud, and brings the energy every match. It’s a fun, electric environment that really fuels our athletes.”
What’s Next
The nonconference schedule starts on Aug. 29-30 at the Utah Valley Invitational in Orem, Utah, where the Broncos will face Navy, Montana and Utah Valley.
Boise State will open the league slate on Sept. 25 at Grand Canyon in Phoenix, Arizona, followed by a match at New Mexico in Albuquerque two days later.
Added Garus, “regardless of who is named the libero or a defensive specialist, they're both going to be very impactful players for us.”
Season Tickets on Sale Now
Season tickets are now available for purchase. Fans can purchase in person at the Boise State Athletic Ticket Office or by calling 208-426-4737. All tickets can also be purchased online via BroncoSports.com/tickets. Season tickets start at $50 per seat, and family plans are also available for $120 (must buy four seats).
