The Big 12 preseason coaches' poll has placed the Colorado Buffaloes second in its rankings, a historic high for the program, and five CU athletes have earned spots on the conference’s all‑conference team.
A Historic Preseason for the Buffaloes
Among them, senior forward Hope Leyba shatters program records, becoming the first Colorado player to eclipse 20 goals in a single season with 22 tallies, a feat that also crowns her Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the second‑overall pick in TopDrawerSoccer’s Postseason Top 100.
Her twin sister, Faith Leyba, also made an impact, starting every match, logging over 2,000 minutes, and adding four goals and four assists, including the final pass that set up Hope’s 18th goal.
Defender Caley Swierenga, in her debut season with Colorado, posted a career‑high nine assists, earning Second Team All‑Big 12 honors and establishing herself as a key playmaker from the back line.
Midfielder Reagan Kotschau contributed six game‑winning goals, tying her for eighth nationally, and garnered academic accolades for her performance on and off the field.
Forward Jace Holley rounded out the quintet with 12 goals and 30 points, tying for third in CU history for single‑season goals and earning First Team All‑Midwest Region recognition.
The Buffaloes concluded the 2025 campaign with a 17‑4‑2 record and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the third time, underscoring the program’s rapid ascent.
Looking ahead, Colorado will open the 2026 Big 12 season on August 12 at Prentup Field against in‑state rival Colorado State, a matchup that promises to extend the team’s momentum.