A look into the future: Colorado women's soccer reloads

Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez (left) watches the Buffs against Arizona State. (Photo by Fidel Gonzalez/Sko Buffs Sports)

The No. 12-ranked Colorado Buffaloes women’s soccer team is gearing up for the 2026 fall season after signing eight new freshmen, head coach Danny Sanchez announced on Nov. 12.

“We are losing five seniors, and we feel each of these student-athletes has the potential to make an immediate impact,” Sanchez said. The incoming class brings “depth and quality in goal, three new defenders, three new midfielders and a striker,” he added.

After their season came to an end in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament with a 2-1 loss against No. 9-ranked Michigan State, these fresh faces are just what Colorado needs. Here’s a closer look at the newest Buffaloes.

Sienna McAthy, midfielder, Huntington Beach, California — As a three-year varsity captain and recent team MVP, McAthy scored 32 goals across three high school seasons. She is ranked No. 37 in Southern California in Top Drawer Ranking, a ranking system for athletes based on performance, achievements and evaluations from coaches and scouts.

Sloane Phillips, midfielder, Temecula, California — Scored 10 goals and had 12 assists as a high school freshman before advancing to higher-level club play. She was selected for the 2025 GA National Talent ID Program and National Selection Games. She is ranked No. 136 by IMG Academy and No. 23 in Southern California in Top Drawer Ranking.

Bianca Willis, defender, Scottsdale, Arizona — Two-time 6A State Champion and a participant in the United States Youth National Team Talent IDC. She is ranked No. 24 in the Rocky Mountains and Southwest region in Top Drawer Ranking.

Jaiden Sidhu, defender, Oceanside, California — Named her high school’s 2024 Defensive Player of the Year and 2023 Rookie of the Year. She is ranked No. 61 in Southern California in Top Drawer Ranking.

Lindsey George, midfielder, Centennial, Colorado — Won state cups in 2018 and 2019 and helped her team to be 2022 Elite Club National Team Conference Champions and 2025 ECNL national champions.

Brooke Goerish, goalkeeper, Blaine, Minnesota — Three-time all-conference selection and played on the all-Minnesota team. She has 38 career shutouts and 679 career saves. She is ranked No. 32 in the Midwest in Top Drawer Ranking.

Ellyse DeBolt, defender, Littleton, Colorado — Competed in the ECNL selection game, on the ODP national team and attended the 2023 U15 USYNT camp in Florida as well as the 2024 U16 USYNT camp in Germany. She helped her high school team to the Class 5A state semifinals in 2022 and 2023. She is ranked No. 79 in IMG Academy and No. 7 in the Rocky Mountains and southwest in Top Drawer Ranking.

Kaia Santomacro-King, forward, Los Angeles, California — Named to the 2023 Los Angeles Daily News All-Area Team and the 2024 U17 ECNL All-Southwest first team. She is ranked No. 34 in Southern California in Top Drawer Ranking. 

“They all understand the culture of our program and are motivated to continue to push our program to even greater heights,” Sanchez said.