Boise State Athletics
Boise State Athletics Recognizes “Best of the Blue”
4/28/2026 1:35:00 PM | General, Broncos United
Annual event celebrates Bronco student-athletes
BOISE, Idaho – The annual Best of the Blue awards were presented at the Egyptian Theater in downtown Boise tonight. The Best of the Blue awards were created to celebrate and recognize the commitment to excellence that student-athletes and staff devote to all 18 sport programs at Boise State.
The Best of the Blue awards are a program under the direction of BroncoLife. BroncoLife provides programming to encourage and empower student-athletes to act and behave in accordance with their values, be positive influences in their community and discover their full potential as leaders in both their college careers and lives after Boise State.
Comeback of the Year
This award is given to an individual whose resilience, courage and inspiring attitude have triumphed over significant adversity, allowing them to rise and play a pivotal role on the team.
- Leia Chung, Women's Golf
- Christian Graham, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
Bronco Legacy
Awarded to a student-athlete whose impact has left an enduring legacy within the Boise State Athletics program. Through their dedication, determination, and exceptional character, these individuals have set the standard for future Broncos. Their contributions will continue to inspire and influence the program for years to come, ensuring that their legacy lives on within their program and the broader Boise State community.
- Kenzie McMillan, Soccer
- Cole Rueck, Men's Golf
Newcomer of the Year
Earned by a female and male student-athlete for outstanding performance, through their individual achievement and/or contribution to their team, while competing in their first year at Boise State.
- Ava De Leest, Soccer
- Raekwon Weatherspoon, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
"Bleed Blue" Leadership Award
Celebrating a female and male student-athlete who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities like serving others, vision, community service, etc. These student-athletes are not only leaders on their teams but go above and beyond the call to be pillars of the department and the community.
- Julia Kiesler, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
- Maddux Madsen, Football
Horse Power Award
Awarded to a female and male student-athlete who epitomize the Bronco spirit through their heart, hustle, relentless dedication, unparalleled work ethic and unwavering determination. Horse Power Award winners are Bronco student-athletes who never say, "I can't" or "I'm too tired", is the first person in line for sprints, the example of sheer will in the weight room, and a driving force behind the team to "get it done".
- Addie Wolden, Beach Volleyball
- AG Neto, Men's Basketball
BroncoLife's "Blue Collar" Award
Presented to a female and male student-athlete who demonstrates a strong work ethic on the field and in the classroom with a commitment to setting the highest of all standards for a student-athlete at Boise State.
- Mya Hansen, Women's Basketball
- Chase Gorder, Men's Golf
Competition of the Year
This award is given to the team or representative of a team, whose performance, in a home or away competition, resulted in a lasting impression or outcome.
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Bronco beach volleyball makes a statement in the Big 12 debut
Moment of the Year
This award recognizes extraordinary achievements, remarkable performances, or defining moments from 2025-26. From game winning or impossible shots, record-breaking performances, crazy comebacks, or facing surmounting adversity, this award encapsulates the moment that a student-athlete or members of a team left their mark on the year.
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Bronco women's tennis season defining breakthrough at MW Championship in 2025
Team of the Year
- Bronco Beach Volleyball
