Five Buffs receive preseason All-Big 12 nominations

Hope Leyba, Faith Leyba and Reagan Kotschau earned preseason honors. (Photo by Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports)

As the Colorado Buffaloes’ season draws closer with their first match just over a week away, the Big 12 announced the preseason All-Conference team as well as preseason rankings. 

The Buffs had the most nominees for the 27-person team with five selections. Those five included Hope and Faith Leyba, Jace Holley, Caley Swierenga and Reagan Kotschau.

Hope Leyba led the Buffs in scoring last season with not only a career high, but also a program record.  She scored 22 goals, becoming the first in CU history to surpass the 20-goal mark. Her  All-Big 12 nomination was one of two unanimously selected, joining BYU forward Ellie Walbruch. 

Faith Leyba was a standout defender for the Buffs during the 2025 season. She had four goals and four assists, but more importantly, she started in all 24 of the Buffs matches. 

Holley had a standout sophomore season, netting 12 goals, including two game-winners, and six assists. 

Kotschau finished her junior year with seven goals and six assists, finishing tied for eighth in the NCAA for game-winning goals. 

Swierenga had quite the defensive year alongside nine assists, becoming the second player in CU history to have 2-plus assists in a game. 

The Buffs were also ranked 2nd in the Big 12 preseason polls as well as 13th overall in the NCAA. Their Big 12 ranking is the highest preseason mark in CU soccer history. 

Colorado plays its first exhibition match against Utah on August 5, before the season officially starts against CSU on August 12.