Colorado soccer marked the end of its 2025 season with a celebration at the BOK Financial Byron R. White Stadium Club, highlighting what head coach Danny Sanchez called a historic year for the Buffaloes.
The team set new program records in several categories, finishing with a 17-4-3 record—the most wins in Colorado history. The Buffaloes also established new highs in points (184), goals (59), and assists (66). They finished third in the Big 12 Conference with an 8-1-2 record and became the first Colorado team to remain unbeaten at home, posting an 11-0-2 mark at Prentup Field.
During the event, team awards were announced. Jordan Nytes was named MVP, Hope Leyba received Offensive MVP honors, Faith Leyba was recognized as Defensive MVP, and Vivi Zacarias earned Newcomer of the Year. Other award recipients included Jace Holley for academics, Jamie Campbell for strength and conditioning, Ava Priest for the Buff Cup, and Reagan Kotschau for Goal of the Year.
Junior forward Hope Leyba broke individual records by setting new marks in points (45) and goals (22). She led all NCAA players in goals scored this season and was named First Team United Soccer Coaches All-America as well as Big 12 Forward of the Year. “Leyba recorded two hat tricks in 2025, becoming the first CU player to have multiple three-goal efforts in the same season,” according to program officials.
Senior goalkeeper Jordan Nytes set a single-season school record with 17 wins. She earned her second straight—and third overall—Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year award. Nytes completed her collegiate career with double-digit win totals each year and ranked second all-time at Colorado with 42 wins over three seasons. “The two-year captain leaves Colorado as one of the most decorated players in program history,” stated event organizers.
Senior Emerson Layne matched Colorado’s single-season assist record by tallying ten assists this year—a mark she now shares with former Buffs Shanade Hopcroft and Taylor Konrieck.
Defender Faith Leyba was named Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-America after contributing significantly to seven shutouts during the season.
The Buffaloes opened their campaign against No. 12 Michigan State with a draw before starting strong through six weeks at 5-0-1. Notable victories came against ranked opponents No. 7 TCU and No. 5 Texas Tech.
Colorado made its fifteenth appearance in the NCAA Tournament this season, advancing past Utah Valley on a late header from Reagan Kotschau before defeating No. 22 Xavier to reach a rematch against Michigan State. Despite conceding early against Michigan State and equalizing before halftime through F. Leyba, Colorado ultimately fell after allowing a penalty kick goal in the second half.
Over six weeks during the regular season, Colorado appeared among United Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 rankings—reaching as high as No. 11—and finished twelfth nationally in final polls.
As seniors Greer Maguire, Josie Master, Mallory Allen, Emerson Layne, and Jordan Nytes graduated from the program, incoming transfer Emma Thielbahr from Denver University joined along with freshmen Ellyse Debolt, Brooke Goerish, and Sloane Phillips for spring preparations.
