Boise State Beach Volleyball Heads to Carolina Challenge – Schedule & Preview

by Chief Editor

The Boise State beach volleyball team (4-4) will resume competition this weekend at the Carolina Challenge in Columbia, South Carolina, after a week off. The Broncos are receiving votes in the AVCA Collegiate Beach Poll and will face four opponents over two days.

Weekend Schedule

Boise State opens the tournament on Friday, March 13, against No. 20 South Carolina at 9 a.m. MT. They will then face UNC Wilmington at 1 p.m. MT. On Saturday, the Broncos will compete against Jacksonville at 7 a.m. MT and College of Charleston at 9 a.m. MT.

Season Highlights

Ava Anderson and Addison Wolden currently lead the Broncos with a 6-2 record, including wins against ranked opponents. Allyson Alden and Serena van der Made have a 5-3 record so far this season.

Did You Know? Boise State officially joined the Big 12 Conference alongside Florida State and South Carolina in September 2025.

Friday’s match against South Carolina, despite both teams being members of the Big 12, will be considered a nonconference matchup. The Gamecocks won the only previous meeting between the two programs last year, 4-1. Boise State will be facing UNC Wilmington for the first time in program history.

Saturday’s matches will also be first-time contests against Jacksonville and College of Charleston. College of Charleston enters the weekend on a two-match winning streak.

New Leadership and Conference

The 2026 season marks the debut of head coach Alex Venardos, who was previously a full-time assistant with the program since 2019. The Broncos are coming off their most successful season to date, winning both the SLC regular season and conference championship and earning a berth in the NCAA Beach Volleyball National Tournament.

Expert Insight: The transition to the Big 12 represents a significant step for the Boise State beach volleyball program, offering increased competition and national exposure. The program’s recent success in the Southland Conference provides a strong foundation as they navigate this new landscape.

Senior Allyson Alden is currently running a ‘Block Party’ fundraiser, inviting donors to pledge for every ace or block she records this season, with proceeds benefiting BroncoBOLD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boise State’s current record?

The Broncos are currently 4-4.

Has Boise State played South Carolina before?

Yes, South Carolina won the only previous matchup between the two programs 4-1 last year.

What conference is Boise State now a member of?

Boise State is now a member of the Big 12 Conference.

As the Broncos initiate competition in the Carolina Challenge, what impact will these early-season matchups have on their trajectory within the newly joined Big 12 Conference?

You may also like

Leave a Comment