Inspired Athletes

Honors College students excel in the classroom and in the community, but like three-time national champion Allie Ostrander, they also excel in competition.

Meet Our Inspired Athletes

Jump To Section

Golf

Nicole Suppelsa, Accounting

Why did you enroll in the Honors College at Boise State?

I enrolled in the Honors College at Boise State because it afforded me the opportunity to connect with fellow students and faculty who are looking to enrich my college experience. I wanted to be a part of an academic organization that gave me real-world applications and go more in-depth than the regular college course.

What does the Honors College mean to you?

The Honors College, to me, means academic prowess, mentorship, and friendship. I have learned a lot from the Honors courses I have taken, which have made me change my thinking about the world around me. The professors and faculty in the Honors College have been an invaluable resource for me at my time at Boise State, and I’m sure they will be after I graduate. Through the Honors College, I have met many fellow students from a multitude of backgrounds who have opened my eyes to so much.

How is the Honors College preparing or has prepared you for what’s ahead after your time at Boise State?

The Honors College and the courses it offers have helped me prepare for applying to graduate school after graduating from Boise State. Moreover, the advice I have received from fellow students and faculty has been invaluable. I am excited for my future and I know that my time in the Honors College has helped me to become a well-rounded individual to face whatever lies next.

Learn more about Nicola Suppelsa.

Gymnastics

Maddi Nelson, Chemistry

Why did you enroll in the Honors College at Boise State?

I enrolled in the Honors College at Boise State because I wanted more out of my education. I wanted to gain a rich experience, meet people in a different circle, and seek new connections.

What does the Honors College mean to you?

To me, the Honors College means pushing myself further than I thought I could. Whether that means taking a class in Japanese history or applying for a fellowship in Spain, I have accomplished more than I thought I could.

How is the Honors College preparing or has prepared you for what’s ahead after your time at Boise State?

In the past, I have been very disciplined and success-driven, but the Honors College has taught me to branch out from my type A personality and open my eyes to see more than my immediate surroundings. With a greater perspective, I feel more prepared for what life has to offer.

Learn more about Maddi Nelson.

Softball

Isabelle Butler, Kinesiology

Why did you enroll in the Honors College at Boise State?

I enrolled in the Honors College at Boise State because I wanted to push myself. The Honors College has a challenging curriculum which allows me to stand out among my peers and have a competitive advantage after school.

What does the Honors College mean to you?

The Honors College means having a family away from home. I have met so many amazing people through the Honors program and everyone looks out for one another; it’s the support system everyone needs!

How is the Honors College preparing or has prepared you for what’s ahead after your time at Boise State?

The Honors College is preparing me for my time after Boise State by growing my network in the community, developing my employable skills, and pushing me towards goals I didn’t know I could reach.

Learn more about Isabelle Butler.

Swimming

Georgia Zacest, English/History

Why did you enroll in the Honors College at Boise State?

I enrolled in the Honors College at Boise State as I was attracted to the smaller class sizes and an environment that would challenge me academically, provide additional resources, and help me to become a more effective thinker.

What does the Honors College mean to you?

For me, the Honors College is a support network which has provided me with both with the opportunity to engage with and learn from brilliant students and professors and the means by which to explore future academic paths through the fellowship advising program.

How is the Honors College preparing you or has prepared you for what’s ahead?

Undoubtedly, the Honors College courses have helped me to become a more effective thinker by asking me to engage with divergent viewpoints. However, most significantly, the Honors College (particularly Dr. Shelton Woods and the fellowship advising program) has provided me with the resources to define my motivations, explore future study possibilities, and begin to work towards the next steps in my academic development.

Learn more about Georgia Zacest.

Tennis

Ryland Mcdermott, Pre-Medical Studies

Why did you enroll in the Honors College at Boise State?

I enrolled in the Boise State Honors College to be a part of a very motivated community, take courses that were outside my comfort zone, and utilize their resources, such as smaller class sizes and other scholarship opportunities.

What does the Honors College mean to you?

To me, the Honors College is about getting the most out of your education. It allows you to receive a high-quality education while being surrounded by a closely-knit community that pushes you to be the best version of yourself.

How is the Honors College preparing or has prepared you for what’s ahead after your time at Boise State?

I believe the rigor of the Honors College courses has prepared me for the in-depth detail I will see in graduate school. I also think that the Honors College has made me more of an all-around person by allowing me to engage in a variety of activities and classes.

Learn more about Ryland Mcdermott.

Inspired by these stories?

Make a gift today or contact a development director to learn more.