Why Boise State has high expectations for sophomore Abby Muse

After recording 40 blocks, including a school-record five in a quarter, Abby Muse was named to the All-Mountain West freshman team in 2020-21. And expectations are even higher this time around.

“I feel very excited to accept that challenge,” Muse said after scoring 10 points in a tough 61-38 loss to Long Beach State to open the season on Saturday. “That growth with my team is going to be a learning curve for us. I think there are eight or nine new people. I’m really ready to get after it this year.”

In addition to her blocking, which was second in the conference; the 6’3 Muse scored 5.7 and rebounded five per game in 15 starts on a team that went 14-9 and 10-8 in the MWC.

“My strength would be my quickness and my athletic ability for somebody who is so tall,” she said. “Sometimes that does bite me in the butt when I go up against bigger posts, but for the most part, it’s beneficial, so I can get around it. I need to work on my shot and being more consistent around the basket, and definitely my mid-range shot, as well.”

BSU coach Gordy Presnell is in his 17th season and has six conference tournament championships; including four consecutively, from 2017 to 2020.

“She’s very long, very athletic, absolutely great kid, from a basketball family,” Presnell said. “I think she’s going to get better and better, she just needs to find her niche. That athleticism will prevail over the course of time; she needs to get a little more confident with her shooting. I would like to see her rebound a little more. She has great academics and a great personality. She has such a high up side that she was a great gift for us.”

Muse grew up in Brentwood, Calif., about midway between Oakland and Stockton and is studying pre-business. The MWC scholar-athlete mentioned that she is interested in majoring in business administration. And minoring in marketing, striving for an MBA, which is offered at the Boise State Business School. This will also assist her in the extra year of playing eligibility she received from the COVID year, which she said is exciting for her.

“I knew right away that this was the place for me,” Muse said about the university. “It’s such a beautiful city and also in terms of the coaching staff and the team culture and what they are trying to build. There is so much to do, and it just felt like home.”

Although the Broncos were permitted to 14-of-42 shooting in the Long Beach State game, a long season awaits. They play BYU, Louisiana Tech and Wisconsin within one week, plus have a game at Washington State before the MWC schedule starts.

“We have a lot of room to improve and grow,” Muse said, “but over the next year or two, we’re going to build something really special. This year, there are going to be ups and downs, we know that going in, but we just need to stay positive and grow together.”