ARCATA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt is excited to celebrate a significant milestone for its Women's Soccer program. The year 2025 will mark 30 years since the team's inception to NCAA competition, and the program is planning a year-long celebration to highlight three decades of student-athletes and coaches. Over the next year, Cal Poly Humboldt women's soccer (formerly Humboldt State University) will be profiling alumni who have both impacted the program and are making a difference in their careers and communities. This edition features former player and now professional player overseas, Katelin Talbert. 

     

Talbert continues to make her mark in professional soccer across Europe after her collegiate career on the North Coast. 

A Wildlife Conservation and Management major, Talbert competed for the Lumberjacks from 2016 to 2019 as a standout goalkeeper. During her time in green and gold, she earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors her sophomore season and was known for her leadership, athleticism, and commitment to the game. One of her most cherished moments came on senior day, when her family traveled to Arcata to watch her final collegiate match and celebrate alongside her teammates.

"My time at Humboldt had a huge effect on my life, as I was able to grow as a person and player so drastically. It was amazing being able to play the sport that I love while also connecting with the beautiful nature in Humboldt," Talbert shared.

Known just as much for her off-field camaraderie as her on-field excellence, she recalls ice baths in the ocean with teammates and scenic hikes during preseason as some of her favorite memories.

After graduating, Talbert began a remarkable professional journey. In March 2021, she signed with FHingar in Iceland, where she earned Goalkeeper of the Year honors. She later trained with West Ham United Women in London before joining Sport Lisboa e Benfica in Portugal in January 2022. At Benfica, Talbert amassed 23 appearances and collected numerous accolades, including two Campeonato Nacional Feminino titles, a League Cup, and a Portuguese Super Cup. She was also named the 2021–22 Liga BPI Goalkeeper of the Year by the Players Union.

      

In 2023, Talbert signed with West Ham United and was loaned to Djurgårdens IF in Sweden, where she was nominated for Signing of the Year and played a key role in helping the club avoid relegation. She returned to West Ham in June 2024 before being loaned to Aston Villa in January 2025, making her debut in March against Everton.

Throughout her journey, Talbert has continued to embody the spirit of a Humboldt student-athlete—resilient, adventurous, and always driven to grow.

For her efforts on and off the field, Talbert was also recognized on the Dean's List during her academic career at Humboldt.

Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics celebrates Katelin Talbert's continued achievements and looks forward to watching her journey as she represents the university and Lumberjack soccer on the global stage.