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2025/26 SOCCER general off-season news thread

AztecBuff

AztecBuff

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I always like to set up these threads for all the Olympic sports to account for any off-season and spring (for this sport) scrimmage and training period news.

1st, just a quick look back with some summary numbers from this past season:
Record - 17-4-3 overall; 8-1-2 in regular season Big 12 play, which equaled them ending up in 3rd place in the standings ( https://big12sports.com/standings.aspx?path=soc) with 26 points. (This was a nice improvement on their 2024 season, where they had a lot of ties and ended up in 9th with 17 points.)
Big 12 Tournament - The Buffs were the #3 seed, and won their 1st round match over #6 UCF before losing to #7 seed Kansas in the semis. (In a battle of the 2 lowest seeded teams in the final, KU ended up losing 1-0 to the #8 seed BYU Cougars in the championship match.)
NCAA Tournament - The Buffs were given the #3 regional seed in the Stanford Regional:
  • They started off hosting Utah Valley in the 1st round, where they won in an OT thriller 2-1 after Reagan Kotschau scored on a great diving header off a beautiful service from Ava Priest in the 106th minute to avoid penalty kicks.
  • They then travelled to East Lansing for the next 2 rounds:
    • 1st off they defeated #4 regional seed and #22 ranked Xavier 4-1.
    • Then, they faced host Michigan State and lost a tough 1-2 match, with the deciding goal ending up being a penalty kick awarded to the Spartans.
(Note - Overall, I'd say it's been a solid tourney for the Big 12 overall:
  • 8 teams were named to the tourney and all were given regional seeds, which they all justified after the conference went 8-0 in the 1st round.
  • In the 2nd round, the conference went 5-3, with 2 of the teams that lost losing in penalty kicks and the other lost 1-0.
  • 3 other Big 12 teams joined CU in losing in the Sweet 16 round, so only TCU remains in the tourney as I type this. (Looks like the Horned Frogs, who as a #2 regional seed were the only Big 12 team to host their 2nd and 3rd round matches, won on penalty kicks in their Sweet 16 match over last year national champion but this season unseeded North Carolina after they tied 1-1 through regular play.))

The team's ratings from the sources I could find:
Rankings - As I type this, the main (United Soccer Coaches') poll has not been updated since before the Big 12 tourney began, so is dated 11/2. In that, CU was ranked #12.
RPI - Before the NCAA Tournament began (report dated 11/10), the Buffs had a #8 RPI (per https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/soccer-women/d1/ncaa-womens-soccer-rpi). Edit - After the end of the season, the team was #9.
KPI (available through a query at https://faktorsports.com/ ),- Updated through 11/17 as I type this (but based on on their record for CU noted may not include any NCAA Tourney matches), the Buffs' KPI was #9.
Massey (https://masseyratings.com/csocw/ncaa-d1/ratings) - Also #9 (as of matches played through 11/25, so unlike RPI includes NCAA tourney matches to date.) Edit - After the end of the season, CU ended at #8.

Then, a few things I wanted to note:

  • As a reminder about a big change that started this past (2025) season, the NCAA voted that for ALL sports maximum roster numbers were established, and scholarship maximums have been increased so that a school MAY (but doesn't have to) issue full scholarships to all student-athletes on their roster. Specifically related to soccer:
    • Max rosters starting this academic year was 28 for soccer. (The Buffs only had 24 on this and last season's roster, so at least so far the roster limitation doesn't seem to have created any direct issues for CU. I know when the rules changed there were reports on social media of quite a few student-athletes who had verbal commits at different schools (but not CU) had their offers pulled before the 2025 academic year because the schools were going to be over the roster limit.)
    • The scholarship limit of 28 was a BIG increase from the limit before the 2025 season, which was 14. I did look quick, and partial scholarships are still allowed under the new rules. (Of course, no school HAS to increase their scholarship numbers (although Title IX still applies), so this may create more of a "have and have not" disparity between schools based on who has the resources and motivation to compete for championships in various Olympic sports they choose to prioritize.)

  • I'd already reported it in the signing news thread, but also wanted to note here that the team announced an (initial) 8 student-athlete frosh class for the coming season. The article is at https://cubuffs.com/news/2025/11/12/soccer-buffs-sign-eight-for-2026 .
  • With that announcement, and with 5 recognized on this past season's Senior Day, looks like the team may be pretty settled unless, of course, there are outgoing transfers (which to be fair has been pretty common for CU soccer), as I count 27*** players either returning or incoming, so they are only 1 below the 28 max roster limit. (***I'm calculating (GUESSING) this from 28 roster limit - 24 in this past seasons roster + 5 recognized at senior day - 8 frosh already announced.)
 
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The reason I started this thread is there were a couple things that have already popped up for the team.

1st, congrats to all those named to the All-District Academic team!

Article - https://cubuffs.com/news/2025/11/25/soccer-five-buffs-earn-academic-all-district-honors

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Five Buffs Earn Academic All-District Honors​

By: Seth Pringle, Athletic Communications

BOULDER — Colorado's Jordan Nytes, Reagan Kotschau, Jordan Whiteaker, Jace Holley and Lexi Meyer each earned Academic All-District as announced by the College Sports Communicators on Tuesday. The award recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.

Academic All-District honorees advance to the CSC Academic All-American ballot. First, Second and Third Team Academic All-America Honorees will be announced on Dec. 17.

In order to be eligible for nomination, student-athletes must compete in 90 percent of the institution's matches or start in at least 66 percent of the matches. Additionally, each student-athlete must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Graduate student-athletes must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as both undergraduate and graduate students.

Nytes, an Aurora, Colo., native, set a Colorado single-season record with 17 wins in net for the Buffs this season. Nytes earned her second straight and third overall Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2025. The All-American goalkeeper has posted double-digit wins in each of her four seasons. She ranks fifth in the NCAA with a career-high 121 saves. Nytes matched her career-high with 12 saves in the Buffs' second-round NCAA Tournament win over Xavier. She had seven shutouts this season, setting the CU career mark with 26 total clean sheets in her three seasons in Boulder. Nytes earned three Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week honors this season, pushing her career total to 10, the most individual Goalkeeper of the Week honors in the conference since the award began in the 2020-21 season and the second-most honors in conference history. She was also the Co-Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 202. Nytes also earned All-District honors in 2024.

Kotscahu, a Thornton, Colo., native, had career highs in goals (7) and points (20) and matched her career-high in assists (6) in her first season at CU. The junior midfielder started all 24 matches for the Buffs and finished the season tied for a team-high six game-winning goals. Kotschau finished the season third on the team in points and converted one of CU's two penalty kicks this season. She scored both game-winning goals in Colorado's NCAA Tournament wins, including a double-overtime winner against Utah Valley. She led CU with four points in the Buffs' three tournament matches. Kotschau was also an Academic All-District and WCC All-Academic honorable mention selection at Washington State in 2024.

Whiteaker, a transfer from TCU, started every match this season for the Buffs. She closed the year tied for third on the team with a career-high seven assists from the defensive backline. Whiteaker was a key component of the CU backfield that posted seven shutouts this season. The Littleton, Colo., native recorded two multi-assist games in 2025, including CU's 41- win over Xavier in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. She became just the third Buff to have two assists in the same tournament game, and the fourth to have two or more career assists in the NCAA Tournament.

Holley, a second-year Buff from Fort Collins, Colo., put up eye-opening numbers in 202. She ranks fifth in the Big 12 in points (30), fifth in goals (12) and 16th in assists (6), all career-high marks. Holley started all 24 matches this season and recorded two game-winning goals, bringing her career total to six. Holley scored two braces this season and totaled a career-high five points (1 G, 3 A) against Fordham. Her offensive numbers are all the most recorded by a CU sophomore in program history, earning her First Team All-Big 12 honors.

Meyer, a first-year Buff, started in three matches and appeared in all 24, coming over from Alabama. The Lone Tree, Colo., native scored her first career goal, the game-winner, in CU's 2-1 win at Utah. She also assisted on CU's third goal in the Buffs' 3-1 upset win over No. 7 TCU. Meyer was a SEC Honor Roll selection last season for the Crimson Tide.

For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.
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And, the team released its final weekly show for the season -

 
Article on the All-American honorees - https://cubuffs.com/news/2025/12/5/soccer-three-buffs-earn-all-america-honors

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Three Buffs Earn All-America Honors​

Jordan Nytes and Hope Leyba become CU's first First Team All-America Selections in program history

By: Seth Pringle, Athletic Communications

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Colorado's Jordan Nytes, Hope Leyba and Faith Leyba garnered All-America honors as announced by the United Soccer Coaches on Friday. It's the third consecutive season the Buffaloes have been represented in the national awards.

Nytes and H. Leyba both earned First Team selections, becoming the first CU players in program history to achieve First Team status. The honor is the second straight for Nytes, who was a Third Team selection in 2024. F. Leyba was picked as a Third Team selection.

The three selections are the most in a single season for the Buffs. It is the seventh, eighth and ninth United Soccer Coaches All-America selections for the program, joining previous recipients Fran Munnelly (2004, 05), Taylor Kornieck (2018, 19), Shyra James (2023) and Nytes (2024).

Nytes and H. Leyba were also announced as semifinalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy earlier this week. Fan voting for the award remains open through Dec. 9.

"We couldn't be more excited and prouder of these three Buffs," head coach Danny Sanchez exclaimed. "They pour their hearts and souls into our program. We are so glad that they have been recognized. Their individual accolades are a byproduct of our team's success, and they will be the first to recognize they couldn't have received these awards without their fantastic teammates."

Nytes, an Aurora, Colo., native, set the Colorado single-season record with 17 wins in net for the Buffs this season. Nytes earned her second straight and third overall Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2025. The repeat All-American goalkeeper has posted double-digit wins in each of her four seasons, and ranks second in CU history with 42 wins in her three seasons. She ranks fifth in the NCAA with a career-high 121 saves. Nytes matched her career-high with 12 saves in the Buffs' second-round NCAA Tournament win over Xavier. She had seven shutouts this season, setting the CU career mark with 26 total clean sheets in her three seasons in Boulder. Nytes earned three Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week honors this season, pushing her career total to 10, the most individual Goalkeeper of the Week honors in the conference since the award began in the 2020-21 season and the second-most honors in conference history. She was also the Co-Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 2025.

H. Leyba, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., exploded in production for the Buffaloes in 2025. Leyba, who had had 10 goals in 43 games in her first two seasons at CU, remains the nation's leading goalscorer this season with 22 goals in the Buffs' 24 matches. She set CU program records in goals and points (45) this season, helping her to Big 12 Forward of the Year honors. Leyba recorded two hat tricks this season, becoming the first CU player to have multiple three-goal efforts in the same season and just the second Buff to tally multiple hat tricks in a career. She got off to a scorching hot start to the season, posting goals in each of CU's first five matches. She had three multi-goal games in the five-match span, totaling a CU record nine goals through the first five matches, including two of her six game-winners. Leyba posted a second five-game scoring streak later in conference play, helping the Buffs go 4-0-1 with seven goals in the stretch. The standout forward leads the Big 12 in just about every offensive category and ranks fourth in the NCAA in total points, fourth in goals per game (0.92), ninth in points per game (1.88), 16th in both shots per game (4.04) and shots on goal per game (2.00). Leyba was also selected as a finalist for Top Drawer Soccer's Player of the Year.

F. Leyba earned her second consecutive All-Midwest Region honor earlier this week. The Phoenix, Ariz., native became a two-time First Team All-Big 12 defender in 2025, contributing to all seven of the Buffs' shutouts this season. She started all 24 matches this season and led all CU field players in minutes with a career-high 2,093. Offensively, Leyba had career-highs in goals (4), assists (4) and points (12). She got clicking at the right time, scoring three of her four goals over CU's final four matches and posting a career-high three-point match (1 G, 1 A) in the Buffs' 4-1 second-round NCAA Tournament win over Xavier.

This year's All-Americans will be recognized for their accomplishments at the United Soccer Coaches All-America Ceremony & Reception on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pa., in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
...

Colorado All-Time United Soccer Coaches All-Americans
YearPlayerTeam
2004Fran MunnellyThird
2005Fran MunnellySecond
2018Taylor KornieckSecond
2019Taylor KornieckSecond
2023Shyra JamesThird
2024Jordan NytesThird
2025Jordan NytesFirst
2025Hope LeybaFirst
2025Faith LeybaThird
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Really looking forward to next year, assuming they don’t lose anyone to transfers. Nytes will be really hard to replace but the core group of players they are returning is exciting
 
Looks like very little attrition this off-season as reported in this Daily Camera article. Only one player has opted to transfer out - Maddy Sharrer. This means that CU returns eight starters as well as most of their key substitutes.

Two players who were injured for much of the fall, Kenzie Gellispie and Lillian Zamorano, are going to be back with the team next season.

The three starters who were seniors this season were Jordan Nytes (GK), Emerson Layne (F, M) and Greer Maguire (CB).

The only incoming transfer (thus far) is central defender Emma Thielbahr from DU who was the Summit League defender of the year last season. She’s got one year of eligibility.

With eight HS players signing in the fall, it’s likely unlikely there will be many more transfers brought in.
 
By all measures, the ‘25 season was terrific for the Buffs - likely the best in program history. Seventeen total wins and a final RPI of 9 are just two measures of the success of this team. Oh, and they outscored their opponents 59-22 in 24 total matches. Each of their four losses was by one goal. Beyond statistics, there were magical moments that propelled the black and gold to new heights topped by Reagan Kotschau’s header in overtime v Utah Valley that advanced CU into the second round of the NCAA tourney.

Program Records​

Seventeen wins is now the program record, the previous being 15. Only three D1 teams had more wins this season, Stanford (21), TCU (18) and Vanderbilt (18). CU’s final RPI was 9, the first time they’ve finished in the top 10. Fifty-nine goals (another program record) in 24 games for a 2.46 goals per game average demonstrates the firepower that brought results and made them a joy to watch.

Individual Records​

Hope Layba scored 22 times in 24 matches in ‘25, besting the old record of 17 (also in 24 matches) by Nikki Marshall in 2006. On the opposite end of the pitch, Jordan Nytes set the program record for shutouts at 26 - in three seasons in Boulder.

Individual Accolades​

Prior to the 2025 season the Buffs had never had a first team All-American, this season both Hope Leyba and Joran Nytes were named first team with central defender Faith Leyba third team. Jordan Nytes and Hope Leyba were semi-finalists for the Hermann Trophy. Top Drawer Soccer ranked Hope Leyba the #2 player in the country, Jordan Nytes #7 and Faith Leyba #36. Freshman Vivi Zacarias was rated the #16 freshman.

In the Big XII, Hope Leyba was named forward of the year and Jordan Nytes goalkeeper of the year. Hope Leyba, Jordan Nytes, Faith Leyba and Jace Holley were first team all-conference while Caley Swierenga was second team and Vivi Zacarias was all-freshmen.

In addition to All-America honors, The United Soccer Coaches have regional teams. For the Midwest, Buffs on the team are (1st team): Jordan Nytes, Hope Leyba, Faith Leyba and Jace Holley with Reagan Kotschau 3rd team.


Team Statistical Improvements 24 to 25​

The most pronounced statistical measure of the improvement from ‘24 to ‘25 by the Buffs is to look at goals scored as a team and how individual improvement shaped this. In ‘24 CU scored 31 goals in 22 games (1.4 gpg). In ‘25 they scored 59 in 24 (2.46 gpg), a massive increase.

Individual Improvement 24 - 25​

Two players significantly improved their scoring in ‘25 from the previous season; Hope Leyba and Jace Holley which accounts for most of the team’s improvement.

​
Player20242025
Hope Leyba8 goals in 22 games
0.46 goals per 90 minutes played		22 goals in 24 games
1.1 goals per 90
Jace Holley4 goals in 22 games
0.29 per 90		12 goals in 24 games
0.65 per 90


Both more than doubled their scoring output from the previous season with a combined addition of 22 more goals in ‘25. For both players a part of the equation was confident finishing which they just didn’t have the previous season.


Tactical Changes​

Subtle changes to the attacking philosophy from the previous season helped produce more goals. In ‘25 the fullbacks were much more likely to provide width in the final third and thus provide service to the forwards from wide positions. In ‘24 they sat back more and weren’t regularly part of the attack. Newcomer Caley Swierenga playing on the right was credited with nine assists and fellow newcomer Jordan Whiteker with a good left foot, seven - although some of these came from set pieces.


Early Goals​


Eleven times this season CU scored the game’s first goal in the first twenty minutes. Eight of those goals were from Hope Leyba and Jace Holley, which given the combination of their ability to generate quality shots with CU’s direct style of play isn’t a surprise.

The Buffs played either a 4-3-3 or or diamond 4-4-2, which allowed the forwards to roam near the center stripe when out of possession. The opposition’s defense generally responded by allotting three to four defenders and still Hope was often able to get on the end of a lot of direct balls in dangerous spots. She’s deceptively fast and strong and thus able to win one v one sprints to the ball.


Individual Heroics

Of course there are times when an individual needs to meet the moment. Midfielder Reagan Kotschau scored seven times with six being game winners. She had a knack for getting her head on the ball in critical moments to give the Buffs a winner. The most pronounced was her golden goal v Utah Valley.

Lack of Injuries​


None of the regular starters suffered long term injuries which helped with team continuity and confidence. Ava Priest wasn’t able to play the first few matches and when she returned it took her a number of matches to get her form back. Later in the season Emerson Layne missed a couple of matches. Kenzie Gillispie (backup) and Lilian Zamorano (part time starter) had season ending injuries - but with the team’s depth the Buffs didn’t miss a beat.


Next Season?​


CU graduates three starters, Jordan Nytes (G), Greer Maguire (CB), and Emerson Layne (F/M). With eight starters returning the Buffs look to be in good position to for run in the NCAA tourney next season.



 
Best wishes to Ms. Leyba!







Article - https://cubuffs.com/news/2026/1/15/h-leyba-set-to-attend-us-soccer-development-camp

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H. Leyba Set to Attend U.S. Soccer Development Camp​

One of 24 players invited to Los Angeles

By: Seth Pringle, Athletic Communications

ATLANTA — Colorado forward Hope Leyba was one of 24 players named to the U.S. National Team Development Camp that will run concurrently with the USWNT January training camp at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

The players named to the camp, which will run from Jan. 17-2, are primarily collegiate players (21). The roster features players from six different birth years – 2003 through 2008 – with 11 of the players age-eligible for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup.

U.S. Under-23 Women's National Team head coach Heather Dyche will run the camp, with all other women's and girls' YTN head coaches serving as assistants.

Leyba is one of six forwards invited to the camp. She is one of three Big 12 players on the roster, along with Texas Tech's Macy Blackburn and TCU's Seven Castain.

Leyba, a First Team United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2025, exploded in production for the Buffaloes in 2025. Leyba, who had had 10 goals in 43 games in her first two seasons at CU, closed the season as the nation's leading goalscorer with 22 goals in the Buffs' 24 matches.

She set CU program records in goals and points (45) this season, helping her to Big 12 Forward of the Year honors. Leyba recorded two hat tricks in 2025, becoming the first CU player to have multiple three-goal efforts in the same season and just the second Buff to tally multiple hat tricks in a career. She got off to a scorching hot start to the season, posting goals in each of CU's first five matches. She had three multi-goal games in the five-match span, totaling a CU record nine goals through the first five matches, including two of her six game-winners. Leyba posted a second five-game scoring streak later in conference play, helping the Buffs go 4-0-1 with seven goals in the stretch.

The standout forward led the Big 12 in just about every offensive category and ranked fourth in the NCAA in total points, fourth in goals per game (0.92), ninth in points per game (1.88), 16th in both shots per game (4.04) and shots on goal per game (2.00).

Leyba was also selected as a finalist for Top Drawer Soccer's Player of the Year and was a semifinalist for the 2025 MAC Hermann Trophy.
...
"
 
Article on Ms. Nytes' signing - https://cubuffs.com/news/2026/1/16/soccer-nytes-signs-on-with-denver-summit-fc

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Nytes Signs on with Denver Summit FC​

CU's all-time shutout leader to begin professional career in Denver

By: Seth Pringle, Athletic Communications

BOULDER — Colorado native and two-time All-American goalkeeper Jordan Nytes will continue her soccer career locally, signing her first professional contract with Denver Summit FC in its inaugural season in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the club announced on Friday.

Nytes, the 18th player to be announced by Denver Summit FC, is the second goalkeeper signed by the team, joining NWSL veteran Abby Smith. She is also the fifth Colorado native on the team's initial roster, joining Jordan Baggett, Ally Watt, Janine Sonis and Lindsey Heaps.

"For Jordi to have the opportunity to play in the inaugural season for Denver Summit FC, in her hometown, couldn't be more perfect," CU head coach Danny Sanchez expressed. "She has proven herself as a leader and All-American with us, and we have no doubt she will excel at the next level. Myself, and the rest of the staff couldn't be prouder, and we are excited to support her on this journey."

Nytes leaves Colorado as one of the most decorated players in program history. She earned her second United Soccer Coaches All-American honor this season, becoming one of the first CU players, along with teammate Hope Leyba, to earn First Team status in CU soccer history. She was one of 15 semifinalists for this season's MAC Hermann Trophy Award, a three-time First Team All-Big 12 selection and was also selected the Co-Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 2025.
"Jordan represents everything we want to build at Denver Summit FC," said Curt Johnson, General Manager of Denver Summit FC. "She's an elite goalkeeper, a proven leader, and a Colorado native who understands what soccer means to this community. Her success at Colorado and on the national stage makes her a cornerstone addition as we prepare for our inaugural season."

Nytes, an Aurora, Colo., native, set the Colorado single-season record with 17 wins in net for the Buffs in 2025, earning her second straight and third overall Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2025. The repeat All-American goalkeeper posted double-digit wins in each of her four seasons, totaling 52 career wins and ranks second in CU history with 42 wins in her three seasons.

Nytes matched her career-high with 12 saves in the Buffs' second-round NCAA Tournament win over Xavier. She finished the season fifth in the NCAA with a career-high 121 saves and closed her career third in CU program history with 295 saves. Nytes finished her three seasons at CU as just the fifth goalkeeper to record at least 4.00 saves per game, ranking fourth overall with 4.40.

She backstopped the Buffs to seven shutouts this season, on her way to setting the CU career mark with 26 total clean sheets in 67 career appearances as a Buff. Nytes added six more shutouts as a freshman in 2022 at Oklahoma State to have 32 combined in her collegiate career and ranked third overall among DI goalkeepers with a 0.381 shutout %.

Nytes earned three Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week honors in 2025, pushing her career total to 10, the most individual Goalkeeper of the Week honors in the conference since the award began in the 2020-21 season and the second-most honors in conference history. Nytes also earned two Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Week awards in the 2023 season.

In four seasons, Nytes posted a 0.88 goals against average and an .831 save % in 84 career starts.

Nytes joins former CU standout Taylor Flint (Kornieck) as the two active CU alumni currently on NWSL rosters. She's also the first Colorado player to sign a free-agent NWSL contract after the elimination of the league's entry draft.

Denver Summitt FC will open its inaugural season on March 14 at Bay FC. The team's first home match is set for March 28 against the Washington Spirit at Empower Field at Mile High.
...
"
 
congrats to Jordon. Wish they had better colors. hate green and orange. She will be tough to replace
 
CU keeper Jordan Nytes will be joining Taylor Flint (nèe) Kornieck as a forever Buffs in the NWSL this season. With the draft eliminated through a collective bargaining agreement, college players have the ability to sort through offers and sign with an NWSL club that is in their best interest. Of course there are professional leagues in other countries to consider as well, but coming out of college the most likely start to a professional career for collegians is in a domestic league.

Signed by Denver Summit FC, Nytes currently looks to be the backup to Abby Smith who is an NWSL veteran. It should be noted that Summit is looking to bring in French national team keeper Pauline Camille Peyraud-Magnin who would be the starter, likely moving Nytes to #3 on the depth chart.

Nytes signed a one year contract with Summit FC, as did two other collegiate players. So Nytes is going to have a season to prove she is an NWSL caliber keeper, most likely through training sessions. For both Nytes and Summit FC they have the freedom to determine what’s best once the season is over.

With two new franchises in the NWSL this season there are around 45 more roster spots available. And with the draft no longer an impediment, Summit FC took advantage by signing six players straight out of college including MAC Hermann award winner Jasmine Aikey from Stanford. Had there been a draft it’s likely that they would have not gotten more than one of their top three college signings.

Between college players being free agents and two expansion teams, the chances are increased Hope and Faith Leyba will be pursued by multiple NWSL sides. Should Hope score at roughly the same rate she did last season, she will be attractive to a lot of clubs. With Summit FC in the CU’s backyard they will not only be able to scout her easily, she would be another local signing that would provide a young goal scoring option. Faith may also be in Summit FC’s sights as they don't have young center backs on their roster, so she could be signed with an eye to the future.

Looking at the college players signed by Summit FC, both Hope and Faith stack up well talent wise. Both should be in the mix for a roster spot on an NWSL side in a year.
 
Article after this year's annual awards gathering - https://cubuffs.com/news/2026/1/24/soccer-buffs-celebrate-historic-2025-season
(OF course, the event was all about celebrating a GREAT season and the GREAT players who contributed to that. But, did want to methion that, looking forward, CU is returning a LOT, but still good news for their potential ability to help the team next season that it sounds like 3 of the frosh Buffs are early arrivals so will get to train with the team (both on the field and in the gym) this spring, as well of course getting a head start on their collegiate academic journey.)

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Buffs Celebrate Historic 2025 Season​

By: Seth Pringle, Athletic Communications

BOULDER — Colorado soccer gathered Saturday evening at the BOK Financial Byron R. White Stadium Club to celebrate the Buffaloes' historic 2025 season.

Head coach Danny Sanchez and his squad broke record after record in 2025 on their way to the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Colorado finished the year 17-4-3, setting a new mark for program wins in a season. The Buffs also set records in points (184), goals (59) and assists (66) in a season.

2025 Team Awards
MVP – Jordan Nytes
Offensive MVP – Hope Leyba
Defensive MVP – Faith Leyba
Newcomer of the Year – Vivi Zacarias
Herbst Academic Award – Jace Holley
Strength and Conditioning Award – Jamie Campbell
Buff Cup – Ava Priest
Goal of the Year – Reagan Kotschau

Colorado finished third in the Big 12 with an 8-1-2 record and became the first team in CU history to finish unbeaten at home, going 11-0-2 at Prentup Field.

Individually, the Buffs saw junior Hope Leyba and senior Jordan Nytes set individual season and career marks.
...

The Black & Gold spent six weeks in the United Soccer Coaches' Top 25 rankings. The team climbed as high as No. 11 and finished 12th in the nation in the final poll of the season.

Colorado said goodbye to seniors Greer Maguire, Josie Master, Mallory Allen, Layne and Nytes. But the team has brought in Denver transfer Emma Thielbahr and freshmen Ellyse Debolt, Brooke Goerish and Sloane Phillips for the spring.
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