ISU Soccer Adds Eight

Signing Day Photo Gallery

POCATELLO, Idaho – The Idaho State soccer program signed eight players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

The class is highlighted by two local prospects in Century High School standout Macy Goodwin and one of the most prolific goal scorers in Idaho high school history, American Falls' Maria Sanchez.

The class has players from six states and includes one goal keeper, one midfielder, three forwards and three defenders.

"Going into my ninth season at ISU, I can't remember being as excited about a group of players as I am about the 2014 team." Head Coach Allison Gibson said.  "Our incoming class brings great depth and versatility as well as experience playing at highest club levels in the country."  

Gibson believes this class has already developed a strong bond that will help them be successful on the field.

"This freshmen class joins three classes ahead of them that are the closest, most dedicated and committed players I have had in this program," Gibson said. "The 2014 group has already formed bonds of friendships throughout this process and we are excited today to officially welcome them to the ISU Bengal family."

The eight players bring a wide variety of skills and backgrounds to the Bengal team.

Macy Goodwin
Defender – 5-6 – Century High School – Pocatello, Idaho

Macy is a Bengal through-and-through. Her father, Tom, played tennis at Idaho State and was a volunteer assistant tennis coach for nearly two decades. Her brother Josh is currently a freshman on the ISU tennis team.

She is a four-year letter winner at Century and will join former teammate Katherine Roberts on the Bengal squad. She was a team captain in 2013 and was a four-year all-area team member.

She helped lead Century to four consecutive district championships and a spot in the 2012 4A state championship match. In 2013 the Diamondbacks placed third in state.

She has a 4.02 GPA

Gibson on Goodwin
"Macy is the perfect example of where hard work and commitment can take you. Along with her former teammate Kat Roberts, Macy decided early in her career to take responsibility for her own development as a player and it has certainly paid off for her. As a local player who attended ISU camps for many years, I have watched her grow into a tremendously talented player.  I couldn't be happier that she has chosen Idaho State to live out her college playing career."


Shawna Hennings
Goal Keeper – 5-7 – Mater Dei High School – Anaheim, Calif.

Hennings played two years of varsity soccer at Mater Dei, one of the highest performing high school athletic programs in the United States. Mater Dei is also known for their high academic standards and Hennings carried a 4.2 GPA.

She played club soccer with the Blues SC (U18) and competed in several elite level tournaments. She also played in last summer's elite camp at ISU.

Gibson on Hennings
"Shawna came to our iD camp last year and did a great job in goal. She immediately caught the attention of our staff and we are very happy she has chosen ISU to pursue her college playing career."




Jennifer McCaw
Midfielder – 5-5 – Pahrump Valley High School – Pahrump, Nev.

McCaw is a four-year letter winner and was named to the 2013 all-region team. She helped lead her team to two state championships (2011, 2012) and two regional championships (2010, 2013).

She was also a four-year academic all-state honoree with a 4.56 GPA.

She lettered four times in track and field.

Gibson on McCaw
"Jenny is a very intelligent soccer player who executes her role on the field like few players I have seen. She has a unique ability to distribute the ball through seams that most players don't see.  Our forwards will love playing with Jenny as she makes is seem so easy to find their feet in order to go to goal."


Kayla Mizo
Defender – 5-4 – Kamehamaha Schools – Honolulu, Hawaii

Mizo hails from the same high school as sophomore Bengal defender Venessa Cabilan. Mizo was part of two state championships at Kamehamaha (2011, 2012). She has twice received second-team all-state honors and once received an all-state honorable mention nod.

She plays club soccer with the Leahi 96 & 97 Premier Soccer Club who has won consecutive club state titles.

Gibson on Mizo
"Kayla, a.k.a. "Mizo" is a great athlete and very talented soccer player.  She is one of the toughest players both mentally and physically that I have seen in a long time. Although she plays deep in the back, look for her to get forward into the attack often.  A versatile and technical player, Mizo will add depth to our already strong back line."






Marley Olsen
Forward – 5-9 – Bingham High School – South Jordan, Utah

Was a four-year letter winner at Bingham High School ... two-year first-team all-region ... led her team to three straight playoff appearances ... has a four-year GPA of 3.82 ... father, Wade, played on the Weber State golf team and mother Taunya was a track and field athlete for the Wildcats ...

Gibson on Olsen
"Marley is the type of player that we have been looking for to add versatility to our front line. She is able to play with her back to goal, turn and take players on and make runs behind defenses.  We will look for her to be very dangerous up top with her ability to be unpredictable to defenses."


Forward – 5-4 – Beckman High School – Irvine, Calif.

Rodriquez was a four-year letter winner at Beckman and was named to the All-Pacific Coast League First Team in 2013. She led her 2013 club team (FC ECNL) in goals and assists. In 2012 she was second in goals and assists.

Rodriquez also lettered in cross country twice and in track three times with one remaining season.

Gibson on Rodriguez
"Samantha has great speed and is very technical on the ball. She has the ability to get up and down the flank with pace and precision as she is constantly looking to threaten in the attack.  We are excited to have her join our dynamic group of attacking players and look forward to watching her style of play."






Forward – 5-5 – American Falls HS - American Falls, Idaho

Sanchez was a four-year team MVP and twice the Idaho State Journal Soccer Player of the Year. She scored 26 goals her freshman season, 34 goals her sophomore season, 50 goals her junior season and 68 goals her senior season for a career total of 178. During Sanchez's senior season she scored a hat-trick in 13 consecutive games.

Sanchez led American Falls to the 2012 district championship. She was also a four-year letter winner in basketball, she lettered twice in track and once in softball.

Gibson on Sanchez
"Maria is our diamond in the rough.  She is a local player that we are extremely excited to have joining ISU soccer. She is one of the most unique and exciting players that I have come across in years.  She cuts through defenses in ways that literally leave people in awe as they watch her.  Maria and Macy will be sure to help fill Davis Field with their fan base and we could not be happier."


Midfield – 5-10 – Birdville HS - Fort Worth, Texas

Smithson has entered her senior season at Birdville (Texas plays soccer during the winter). She has lettered all three previous seasons and has helped lead Birdville to the 2012 Regional Semi-final and the 2013 Area Championship.

She has a 3.68 GPA.

Gibson on Smithson
"Baylee is our first player from Texas and we are excited to get such a quality player and great person to join our program," Gibson said.  "She has great size, strength, and vision of the field and will be a great addition to our veteran midfield group.  Baylee is coming out of a great club environment and we will look for her to compete right away."