Boise State Athletics
Photo by: Kenna Harbison
Ava de Leest Named Goalkeeper to Watch by United Soccer Coaches
7/31/2026 1:19:00 PM | Women's Soccer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -Â Â Boise State sophomore goalie Ava de Leest was listed as one of 20 goalkeepers nationally to watch by the United Soccer Coaches, the organization announced on Friday.
De Leest is the only goalkeeper from the Pac-12 and is one of three sophomores across the country that were recognized on the watch list.Â
The Fullerton, Calif., native had a standout freshman season for the Broncos, earning Mountain West Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Year honors while also earning a spot on the United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region Second Team. She claimed MW Defensive Player of the Week recognition three times and MW Freshman of the Week twice.
Statistically, de Leest started in 20 of the team's 21 contests. She finished the season ranked third in the conference with a 0.931 goals against average and sixth with a 0.771 save percentage. She recorded six shutouts over the course of her freshman campaign, the third-most among MW goalkeepers.
The watch list is part of positional watch lists the United Soccer Coaches releases in anticipation of the 2026 season. A full list will be announced on Aug. 12.Â
De Leest and the Broncos will kick off the season at home against CSUN on Aug. 12. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. MT at Boas Soccer Complex. Fans can purchase new season tickets or renew by visiting BroncoSports.com/tickets.
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De Leest is the only goalkeeper from the Pac-12 and is one of three sophomores across the country that were recognized on the watch list.Â
The Fullerton, Calif., native had a standout freshman season for the Broncos, earning Mountain West Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Year honors while also earning a spot on the United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region Second Team. She claimed MW Defensive Player of the Week recognition three times and MW Freshman of the Week twice.
Statistically, de Leest started in 20 of the team's 21 contests. She finished the season ranked third in the conference with a 0.931 goals against average and sixth with a 0.771 save percentage. She recorded six shutouts over the course of her freshman campaign, the third-most among MW goalkeepers.
The watch list is part of positional watch lists the United Soccer Coaches releases in anticipation of the 2026 season. A full list will be announced on Aug. 12.Â
De Leest and the Broncos will kick off the season at home against CSUN on Aug. 12. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. MT at Boas Soccer Complex. Fans can purchase new season tickets or renew by visiting BroncoSports.com/tickets.
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Players Mentioned
GK
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