POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State soccer has announced the signing of goalkeeper Talon Bennett, who will join the Bengals for the 2026 season after a standout two-year career at Yavapai College.
A native of Tempe, Arizona, Bennett arrives in Pocatello with an impressive resume that includes conference honors, national recognition, and 172 career saves at the junior college level. Known for her athleticism, competitiveness, and leadership, Bennett will add valuable experience and depth to Idaho State's goalkeeping corps.
Head Coach Dustin Downey is excited about the addition of Bennett to the Bengal roster.
"We're adding great depth to our GK talent pool with Talon joining our squad this fall," Downey said. "You wouldn't know it by speaking with her, because she is an outstanding young woman with an amazing personality, but she shapes into a fierce competitor when she crosses over into training and game mode. I know she will work really well alongside our other GK's, to push each other to be better every day, but while also allowing herself to give the strong support her team and teammates need."
Bennett enjoyed a highly successful career at Yavapai College. As a freshman in 2024, she established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the ACCAC, appearing in 12 matches and allowing just four goals while recording 69 saves. Her strong play earned her ACCAC Region I Goalkeeper of the Year honors, ACCAC Division I Second Team All-Region recognition, and NJCAA Goalkeeper of the Week accolades.
She followed that performance with another productive season in 2025, appearing in 13 matches and making 103 saves while posting a .837 save percentage and a 1.93 goals-against average. Bennett finished the year with three wins and one shutout, helping anchor the Roughriders throughout conference play.
Over her two seasons at Yavapai, Bennett totaled 172 saves and developed a reputation as one of the conference's most reliable goalkeepers.
Prior to her collegiate career, Bennett starred at Gilbert High School, where she helped lead her team to the state playoffs during her senior season. She earned All-Region Second Team honors in 2022 before being named to the All-Region First Team and earning Defensive Player of the Year recognition in 2023.
At the club level, Bennett competed for RSL and helped lead her team to a regional championship during her senior year, a moment she considers the most memorable of her playing career.
Bennett said Idaho State immediately felt like the right fit during the recruiting process.
"I loved the area and the school," Bennett said.
Away from soccer, Bennett plans to major in Engineering at Idaho State. She enjoys crocheting and building Legos in her free time and is proud to be the first member of her family to attend college. Bennett also enjoys country music and follows a strict pregame routine, always putting on her uniform the same way before every match.
The addition of Bennett strengthens Idaho State's goalkeeping unit as the Bengals continue to build depth and experience heading into the 2026 season.
FOLLOW THE BENGALS
Stay connected with Bengal Soccer fall year long. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for highlights, updates, and behind-the-scenes content.
