Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

Former Cal Poly Humboldt women’s soccer standout Katie Talbert has signed a professional contract with legendary club Benfica, joining the Portuguese team earlier this month.  

Talbert was the Lumberjacks goalkeeper from 2016 to 2019.

“I’m so excited to be joining Benfica. They are a Champions League team and at the top level in Portugal,” Talbert said.  “This team is an extremely amazing opportunity and I’m so grateful to be a part of this huge club! Can’t wait to develop and learn at a higher level. I’m excited to work with my new teammates and all the coaches and staff members who have all been super welcoming. I know we are going to finish up this season great.”

Talbert signed her first pro contract early last year when she joined FHingar in Iceland.  

The team finished the season 11-3-4 with Talbert recording 46 saves in goal.

“Playing professional soccer has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” she said.  “I’ve committed a huge portion of my life to soccer. There’s nothing more I’ve wanted in life than to do what I now get to do every day.”

After playing for FHingar, Talbert trained with the West Ham United women in London from September to December of last year.

“The goalkeeper coach was amazing and super helpful in teaching me better techniques and giving me more goalkeeper knowledge,” she said. “The team was also super welcoming and made me feel like I was a part of the team. I feel like the skill I developed there was extremely helpful in making me a better goalkeeper.”

Talbert graduated from Humboldt in 2020 and was a member of the women’s soccer team from 2016 to 2019.