Reagan Kotschau: Colorado’s new attacking midfielder

Colorado midfielder Reagan Kotschau is looking to make an instant impact as a recent transfer from Washington State. (Photo by Aramis Loma-Guzman/Sko Buffs Sports)

Following the departures of all-time leading goal scorer Shyra James and creative midfielder Juliauna Hayward, the Colorado Buffaloes were left with a gaping hole in the offensive side of their game. Through five spring games, it is clear that Washington State Cougars transfer Reagan Kotschau has stepped up to fill the shoes left by James and Hayward.

In her two seasons with the Cougars, Kotschau started in 38 games and provided 13 goal contributions. The attacking midfielder was a part of the 2023 Pac-12 All-Freshman team.

After her sophomore season, Kotschau decided to return to her home state and transfer to CU. While on Broomfield High School’s soccer program, she put the ball in the back of the net 35 times and assisted another 16 scores. She led the school to a state title in 2021.

“It was a tough decision, but overall I think I just had to do what was best for me,” Kotschau said. “Now it's time for me to move forward.”

Through the first five games of the spring season, Kotschau has played in the No. 10 role, a playmaking attacking midfielder that blends elements of the No. 8 central midfield position previously held by Hayward and the No. 9 striker role formerly filled by James.

Without James and Hayward, Kotschau must fill the responsibilities of distributing the ball to her teammates and scoring goals on a regular basis.

Reagan Kotschau at the Colorado Cup on Saturday. (Aramis Loma-Guzman/Sko Buffs Sports)

On every soccer team, the 10 is the most important position, and Kotschau has been playing the spot perfectly. The midfielder is constantly creating chances out of thin air while also having the ability to blast a shot from anywhere on the pitch. 

“I’m ready to step into those positions,” Kotschau said. “I’m just ready to go play, do my best and go contribute.” 

In Colorado’s first spring game against the Air Force Falcons, Kotschau curled a free kick into the top right corner of the net from beyond the box and also assisted a goal. Against the Calgary Wild, a professional Canadian team, the midfielder calmly blasted a penalty into the back of the net.

Kotschau’s recent form allowed her to fulfill a lifelong dream, getting called up to the United States Youth Women’s Team camp.

“It’s an honor. I’ve worked really hard my whole life, and finally getting a call-up was really fulfilling,” Kotschau said. “I’m still going to work hard to hopefully get another call back.”

Colorado head coach Danny Sanchez is already starting to trust Kotschau with the keys to the team. She is trusted to run the offense and also to take set pieces, which is usually reserved for the team's most reliable player.

A team would rarely let a new transfer lead the way, but the fact that Kotschau is leading the herd thus far speaks volumes about her quality as a player and as a teammate.

“We want to win everything,” Kotschau said. “We want to win every game, keep shutouts, stay tight with really good teams and just overall go really far in the tournament.”

The Buffs begin their regular season at home against the Michigan State Spartans on Aug. 14.