Colorado soccer held a celebration at the BOK Financial Byron R. White Stadium Club to mark the achievements of its 2025 season, which was described as historic by head coach Danny Sanchez. The team set several new records, including most wins in a season with a 17-4-3 record, and established new highs for points (184), goals (59), and assists (66).
During the event, individual awards were presented to players for their contributions throughout the season. Jordan Nytes was named MVP, Hope Leyba received Offensive MVP honors, and Faith Leyba was recognized as Defensive MVP. Other award recipients included Vivi Zacarias (Newcomer of the Year), Jace Holley (Herbst Academic Award), Jamie Campbell (Strength and Conditioning Award), Ava Priest (Buff Cup), and Reagan Kotschau (Goal of the Year).
The Buffaloes finished third in the Big 12 Conference with an 8-1-2 record and achieved an unbeaten home record at Prentup Field, going 11-0-2—the first time in program history.
Junior Hope Leyba led the NCAA in goals with 22 and set school records for both points (45) and goals in a single season. She earned First Team United Soccer Coaches All-America honors and was named 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 team officials.
Senior goalkeeper Jordan Nytes set a program record with 17 wins during the season before signing professionally with Denver Summit FC. She received her second straight—and third overall—Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2025. “The two-year captain leaves Colorado as one of the most decorated players in program history,” stated a team representative.
Emerson Layne matched Colorado’s single-season assist record with ten assists this year, tying previous record holders Shanade Hopcroft and Taylor Konrieck.
Defender Faith Leyba was named Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-America after contributing significantly to all seven shutouts posted by Colorado this season.
The Buffaloes opened their campaign against No. 12 Michigan State with a draw and went on to secure notable victories over ranked opponents such as No. 7 TCU and No. 5 Texas Tech. They reached their fifteenth NCAA Tournament appearance, advancing past Utah Valley thanks to a late goal from Reagan Kotschau before defeating No. 22 Xavier in East Lansing, Michigan.
Their tournament run ended after a close match against Michigan State following an early deficit and an equalizer from Faith Leyba before conceding via penalty kick.
Throughout the season, Colorado spent six weeks ranked among the United Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 teams nationally, reaching as high as No. 11 before finishing twelfth in the final poll.
The program bids farewell to seniors Greer Maguire, Josie Master, Mallory Allen, Emerson Layne, and Jordan Nytes but has added transfer Emma Thielbahr from Denver along with freshmen Ellyse Debolt, Brooke Goerish, and Sloane Phillips for upcoming competitions.
