POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State soccer has announced the signing of Gracie East, a redshirt junior transfer from Westminster University who will join the Bengals for the 2026 season.
A native of Ogden, Utah, East brings three years of collegiate experience, proven production, and versatility to Idaho State after competing at both Utah State and Westminster. Standing 5-foot-8, she adds another experienced player to the Bengals' 2026 roster.
Head Coach Dustin Downey believes East will make an immediate impact on the Bengals' defensive unit.
"I usually focus so much on my team during matches, that sometimes it's tough for me to recognize players on the opposition from a performance analysis standpoint, but this was not the case with Gracie," Downey said. "She was a clear, standout player when we played against her this past spring; attacking skill set, defensive presence, physicality, and her ability to lead her backline.
"While I'm always saddened by players who leave our program and enter the transfer portal, I believe we've actually upgraded our backline with Gracie. She's going to be a massive piece for our defensive line. Last year we allowed the least amount of goals since 2007. With Gracie in the backline, I believe we can be the best defensive ISU team in history.
"Can't wait to see her in the orange and black this season!"
East spent the 2025 season at Westminster, where she started all 17 matches and logged 1,527 minutes. She contributed three assists, recorded 13 shots with six on goal, and earned Second Team All-Conference honors while becoming one of the Griffins' most consistent players.
Before transferring to Westminster, East spent two seasons at Utah State. After redshirting as a true freshman in 2023, she appeared in seven matches during the 2024 campaign, totaling 122 minutes of action. She recorded a season-high 46 minutes against Nevada while gaining valuable experience competing in the Mountain West Conference.
Prior to her collegiate career, East starred at Bonneville High School, where she earned three varsity letters as a center back. She anchored a defense that surrendered just 31 goals over her final two seasons while helping lead the Lakers to back-to-back 16-win seasons and a trip to the Utah state semifinals in 2022. Individually, East earned First Team All-Region honors as a senior after receiving Second Team All-Region recognition as a junior.
At the club level, East competed for Utah Avalanche and Gremio FC, developing into one of the top defenders in northern Utah.
Away from the field, East plans to major in Business Marketing.
East becomes another experienced addition to Idaho State's transfer class as the Bengals continue to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 season.
