Idaho State University has announced the addition of two international players to its women’s soccer program for the 2026 season. Laura Gabona from Hungary and Lena Bonnard from France will join the Bengals as freshmen, bringing experience from European clubs.
Head Coach Dustin Downey commented on what each player brings to the team. On Gabona, he said: “Laura has had extensive and elite training throughout her youth career in Hungary. 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 explained her decision to join Idaho State: “I chose Idaho State University because it feels like the right place for me to grow both as an athlete and as a person. 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.” She plans to major in Sport Management.
Bonnard arrives after playing with Yverdon Sport in Europe. Downey described her qualities: “Lena is a technically savvy midfielder with play-making abilities. 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.” He added: “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.”
Bonnard highlighted why she chose Idaho State: “It’s a top division team with a high level of competition, which is what I’ve always dreamed of. I also really enjoyed speaking with the coach. From our very first conversations, I liked his mentality.”
Her achievements include competing in France’s U19 National promotion playoffs at Stade Bonal before large crowds, being named best player in Burgundy–Franche-Comté region in 2025, earning recognition at a regional boys’ tournament, and helping her team finish third at the French futsal championship.
With these signings, Idaho State continues its strategy of recruiting internationally while strengthening its roster ahead of future seasons.
