The Bengals had a decision to make.
After dropping Game 1 of the series to Montana 7-6, Idaho State could have let the weight of expectation crush them. Defending a Big Sky Conference regular season title is one thing. Winning a second straight, on the road, after a gut-punch loss, is something else entirely.
They chose different.
In an era where Name, Image and Likeness deals and the transfer portal have reshaped the landscape of collegiate athletics, the ability to generate revenue, cultivate donors and build lasting community partnerships has never mattered more. Programs that can fund opportunities for their student-athletes are the ones positioned to compete at the highest level.
The game clock does not exist. There is no huddle, no timeout called by a coach pacing the sideline, no moment where the action pauses long enough to catch your breath. In esports, the match moves at the speed of a processor, and the broadcaster moves with it — or falls behind.
When Idaho State University launched its esports program, the vision extended well beyond controllers and scoreboards.
“Esports is about more than just gaming — it’s about bringing students together, fostering a community where they can connect, collaborate, and compete,” said Lowell Richards, associate vice president for Student Affairs.
Idaho State’s women’s softball team is back as defending Big Sky champions, already showing why fans shouldn’t miss a game.
The Bengals as of mid-February are 8-7 overall (.533), 0-0 in conference play, and riding a two-game winning streak. They have excelled on neutral fields (6-3) and are looking to turn home games into a similar advantage.
In the closing seconds of a tight game, Idaho State guard Kacey Spink weighed her options. A drive to the basket, a split-second decision: step in and take the charge to secure the win, or hesitate and risk a foul that could send the opponent to the free-throw line.
Idaho State’s volleyball team closed its 2025 season with a performance that reflected growth, resilience, and historic achievement. What began as a challenging season for a young roster became an unforgettable run that redefined Bengals volleyball.
At the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center, ISU inducted Lindsey Reed (women’s basketball), Vicky Galasso (softball), George Kyvernitis (men’s tennis), Dan Taylor (football), and Kelly Rae (softball) into the Sports Hall of Fame. The class honored a collection of athletes whose stories stretch across championship eras, rebuilding years, and personal turning points.
Idaho State men’s basketball enters the 2025–26 season with heightened expectations, a retooled roster, and one of the deepest frontcourts in the Big Sky Conference.
The undersized middle blocker kept getting stuffed. Quick and instinctive, she tried to play like someone she wasn’t. Her taller teammate could soar above the net and hammer the ball down. So, she copied the teammate. But nothing landed. Her confidence slipped.
Idaho State University’s athletics programs rely on more than the athletes on the field. Students play key roles behind the camera, in operations, and on the court, keeping Bengal sports running smoothly and energizing fans.
On a brisk morning in Bozeman, Montana, the Idaho State women’s golf team turned in a performance that may have signaled the start of something new.
The music roars through the speakers, the hypnotic rhythm catching even the most uninterested observers. Our bodies move in unison – stomp, stomp, clap, stomp, stomp, clap – overpowering the announcer and turning all eyes to Mason Reine.
At Idaho State University, success begins with what students put on their plates. Proper nutrition affects energy, focus, recovery, and overall wellness. A 2022 Mason University study found that most college freshmen exceed U.S. dietary guidelines for added sugar, refined grains, sodium, and saturated fat. These habits can increase the risk of chronic health conditions later in life.
