POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State soccer has announced the signing of two international standouts who will join the Bengals as incoming freshmen in the fall of 2026. Laura Gabona of Hungary and Lena Bonnard of France bring strong European club experience and a competitive mindset as the program continues to build its future roster.
Head Coach Dustin Downey expressed excitement about the addition of both players and the qualities they bring to Idaho State.
Laura Gabona
Forward, 5'7 – Dunaharaszti, Hungary
Previous Club: Szekszárd WFC
Gabona joins Idaho State after competing with Szekszárd WFC in Hungary. Known for her attacking instincts and finishing ability, she developed her game through extensive youth training in Hungary and has already shown a natural goal-scoring touch.
"Laura has had extensive and elite training throughout her youth career in Hungary," Downey said. "She's developed into a prolific goal-scorer, and I'm excited to see her bag some goals for the Bengals in 2026. I've really enjoyed getting to know her in this process, and amongst her phenomenal capabilities as a footballer are her high-character personality, morals, and values which will melt perfectly into our squad."
Gabona said Idaho State stood out as the right place to continue her development as both a player and a person.
"I chose Idaho State University because it feels like the right place for me to grow both as an athlete and as a person," Gabona said. "I like the strong sense of community and the support system around student-athletes there. It just feels like the best fit for my future on and off the field."
Gabona plans to major in Sport Management when she arrives in Pocatello in 2026.
Lena Bonnard
Midfielder, 5'5 – France
Previous Club: Yverdon Sport
Bonnard brings strong technical ability and versatility to Idaho State's midfield after competing with Yverdon Sport. A tactically aware player, she has experience in multiple central midfield roles and has competed at a high level in European youth competitions.
"Lena is a technically savvy midfielder with play-making abilities," Downey said. "She's versatile in central midfield positions, with a strong tactical sense of the game allowing her to be able to seamlessly rotate between defensive and attacking roles. She holds a deep passion and love for the game of soccer, instilled into her from a young age, and whose dad is a coach for a European club as well."
Downey also emphasized the competitive edge she will bring to the program.
"Soccer runs deep in her blood, and we're ecstatic to bring in another player for 2026 who has aspirations to play professionally, adding high value to the daily competitiveness of our training environment."
Among Bonnard's career highlights was competing in the U19 National promotion playoffs at Stade Bonal in France in front of a large crowd. She also earned recognition as the best player in the Burgundy–Franche-Comté region in 2025 and was named the best player in a regional boys' tournament. Her team also finished third in the French futsal championship.
Bonnard said the opportunity to compete at the Division I level and her conversations with the Idaho State coaching staff made the decision clear.
"It's a top division team with a high level of competition, which is what I've always dreamed of," Bonnard said. "I also really enjoyed speaking with the coach. From our very first conversations, I liked his mentality."
With the addition of Gabona and Bonnard, Idaho State continues to expand its international recruiting presence while adding talent and depth ahead of the 2026 season.
