For the first time since 2020, Colorado soccer earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Buffs concluded their final Pac-12 season in fourth place — the team’s best mark since 2016 — before losing 1-0 to Texas A&M in the first round of NCAAs on Nov. 10, 2023.
The Buffs (13-5-3, 5-3-3 Pac-12) started off with an 8-1-0 non-conference record that included the first games under lights at the newly updated Prentup Field, a seven-game winning streak and a 2-0 victory over No. 14 Michigan State.
Pac-12 play brought challenging matchups and a five-game winless streak. After a 1-1 draw at Washington on Oct. 22, the Buffs had three matches left. One more loss or draw would sink their postseason hopes.
“We all understood the assignment. We pumped each other up. Even if we played different positions, teammates were helping teammates,” said striker Shyra James (MediaSt’24).
Colorado responded with consecutive wins over Arizona, No. 18 Arizona State and Utah to earn a trip to NCAAs.
James led the Buffs with 15 goals and 32 points, both career highs. The four-year starter was Third Team All-America and finished second in goals (40) and third in points (86) all-time at Colorado.
While James was one of eight graduating seniors, the Buffs are well-stocked for the future. The team began 2023 with 14 newcomers, including eight first-years and six transfers.
“The standard in our program is to be a great teammate … no matter your role,” said head coach Danny Sanchez. “Their ability to quickly build relationships and push each other on and off the field was a huge part of our success.”
Oklahoma State transfer Jordan Nytes (Soc’26) started in goal, posting eight shutouts and twice winning Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Week.
First-years Faith Leyba (ExplorSt’27) and Ava Priest (EnvSt’27) earned additional honors. Leyba, who led all Buffs field players in minutes, was named Third Team All-Pacific Region. Priest was named the Pac-12’s All-Freshman and second on the Buffs with 10 points.
“This team is close and willing to fight for each other,” said Leyba.
