A Boise State University student-athlete has completed her final volleyball season while earning academic honors and an engineering degree, demonstrating how the university’s flexible degree programs accommodate the demanding schedules of Division I athletes.
Elle Cotton, a senior on the Boise State women’s volleyball team, finished her athletic career with notable contributions on the court while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering through the university’s Engineering PLUS program. The Minnesota native from Elk River adapted to multiple positions during her time with the Broncos, moving from setter to serving specialist and back to setter in her final year.
Athletic Performance and Academic Recognition
Cotton’s senior season statistics placed her among the team’s top performers. She led the squad with 33 service aces and recorded 589 assists, second-most on the roster. She participated in all 119 sets played during the season, one of only four Broncos to achieve that mark. Her dual commitment to athletics and academics earned her CSC Academic All-District honors.
The engineering student started playing volleyball at age eight, following family tradition after her mother and older sister took up the sport. Her high school athletic career in Minnesota featured participation in multiple sports before she committed to Boise State’s volleyball program.
Engineering Program Meets Student-Athlete Needs
Cotton arrived on campus in 2022 initially interested in Environmental Studies but found the degree’s career outcomes didn’t align with her professional goals. The demands of competing at the Division I level — including bi-weekly travel lasting three to four days, weight training, practice sessions, treatment appointments, team meals, and academic coursework — required a degree program with built-in flexibility.
An academic advisor directed Cotton to the College of Engineering’s Engineering PLUS program, which allowed her to combine environmental interests with technical training. The program’s structure accommodates students seeking interdisciplinary education outside traditional engineering specializations.
An introductory Engineering 180 course confirmed Cotton’s decision. Her project team designed and built a handwashing station for an amputee, an assignment that illustrated engineering’s practical applications. Cotton said the experience showed her how engineering could address athletic performance enhancement, sustainability challenges, and accessibility needs for people with disabilities.
Real-World Design Experience at studio\Blu
Cotton gained additional practical training at studio\Blu, Boise State’s student-operated product design firm. The organization’s New Product Development Lab connects students with Idaho manufacturers seeking design solutions. Cotton worked on client projects that reinforced skills she developed on the volleyball court.
The parallels between team sports and engineering work are significant, according to Cotton. Both environments require clear role definition, collaborative problem-solving, and leadership under pressure. She noted that managing high-stakes moments — whether a match point or a project deadline — demands staying calm, trusting teammates, and maintaining forward momentum.
Recognition and Post-Graduation Plans
The Idaho Society of Professional Engineers named Cotton one of Boise State’s Outstanding Engineering Juniors for the Engineering PLUS program in 2025. Courtney Hollar, program director and clinical assistant professor, said Cotton’s athletic background brings discipline and unique perspectives to engineering coursework that benefit the broader student community.
Cotton graduated this spring with her Bachelor of Science in Engineering, along with minors in Applied Mathematics and Environmental Studies. The combination of academic credentials reflects the Engineering PLUS program’s flexibility in allowing students to build degree plans around their specific interests and career objectives.
Hollar expressed confidence that Cotton will succeed in whichever engineering field she pursues after leaving Boise State. The dual experience of competing in Division I athletics while completing a technical degree has positioned Cotton for a professional career focused on design work that improves quality of life.
What Student-Athletes Should Know
Boise State’s Engineering PLUS program provides a pathway for students with diverse interests who need scheduling flexibility. The program allows students to combine engineering fundamentals with coursework in other fields, creating customized degree plans. Student-athletes and others with demanding time commitments can pursue technical degrees while meeting their other obligations. More information about Engineering PLUS and studio\Blu’s opportunities is available through the Boise State College of Engineering.