A strategic addition for the Broncos
Boise State soccer head coach Jim Thomas revealed that Elyse McGinnis will join the Broncos for the 2026 season, bringing a blend of size, speed, and defensive acumen to the back line. Thomas highlighted McGinnis's athletic profile, noting that her physical tools will allow the team to experiment with new attacking patterns while reinforcing a previously porous defense.
McGinnis arrives in Boise after a single but impressive year at Sacramento State, where she logged 1,377 minutes across 18 appearances and recorded her first collegiate assist against Eastern Washington on October 5. The defender started 17 of those matches, consistently playing the full 90 minutes in seven games, a testament to her durability and tactical reliability.
The Colorado native brings more than just club experience; she earned three All‑Northern Colorado 5A honors in high school, including first‑team recognition in 2023 and 2025, and finished her prep career with 27 goals and 14 assists. In addition to soccer, McGinnis excelled in track and field, cross country, and Nordic skiing, showcasing a versatile athletic background that aligns with Boise State's emphasis on multi‑sport talent.
Beyond her individual achievements, McGinnis will reconnect with former Sacramento State teammate Dalen Lau, a reunion that could solidify the Broncos' central defense. Both players trained together at Broomfield Blast SC before Lau moved to Boise State, and their familiarity may accelerate McGinnis's integration into the program.
Coach Thomas expressed confidence that McGinnis will not only fill a defensive gap but also contribute to the team's offensive creativity. "She is a tremendous athlete who will add a new wrinkle to our attacking strategy," Thomas said, underscoring the coaching staff's belief that her skill set will translate into more dynamic play on both ends of the pitch.