The University of Colorado Buffs soccer team is gearing up for the NCAA Tournament, driven by the exceptional performance of identical twins, Hope and Faith Leyba. The Buffs will face Utah Valley in the first round on November 12, 2025, at 19:00 local time at Prentup Field in Boulder. This season marks the third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for the team, and the Leyba twins have played a pivotal role in their success.
Hope, a forward, and Faith, a defender, have developed an unbreakable bond that translates into their on-field synergy. “Growing up, we would have this saying that we just ‘twinned’ the other team because I would score and Faith would block every shot, and that’s how we would win,” Hope shared, reflecting on their childhood experiences. Their unique connection has proven effective even at the Division I level, exemplified during their regular-season finale against the Arizona Wildcats on October 26.
In that match, Faith executed a well-timed pass to Hope, allowing her to score, which marked the 18th goal of the season for Hope. Since then, she has raised her tally to a remarkable 21 goals. Meanwhile, Faith has solidified her position as a key player at center-back, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive strength after being named to the first team of the All-Big 12 in 2024.
Under the guidance of head coach Danny Sanchez, the Leybas have flourished. “From two goals as a freshman to 21 this year, Hope has bought into the coaching and added intricacies to her game,” Sanchez stated, praising Hope’s development. He also noted Faith’s impressive communication and leadership in defense, which have become essential to the team’s performance.
The Leyba twins’ journey began early, with both sisters showcasing their skills in recreational leagues before joining a club in Royals Arizona. Their competitive nature was evident from the start, as coaches often needed to rein in their aggressive play. This fierce competitiveness has only intensified as they transitioned to collegiate soccer.
In high school, the twins attracted attention from Division I programs, receiving numerous recruitment calls after their sophomore year. Their first official visit was to Boulder, where they ultimately committed to the Buffs. “We were young and excited at 16, and looking back, maybe we should have thought about it more,” Hope reflected on their decision. Nonetheless, their commitment has paid off, as they have become central figures in CU’s soccer program.
This season, the Buffs achieved a notable milestone, earning a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament after recording an impressive 15-3-3 overall record. The team set program records for goals (52), assists (58), and points (162). If they secure a victory against Utah Valley, the Buffs will host at least one more game against either Dayton or Xavier on November 20.
The Leyba twins are not the only standout players on the roster. Goalkeeper Jordad Nytes has been a crucial asset, and Sanchez has labeled her as “the best goalkeeper in the country.” Nytes has set a program record with her 26th career shutout, further enhancing CU’s reputation in collegiate soccer.
Sanchez, who has led the Buffs to nine NCAA Tournament appearances in his 14 seasons, emphasizes the importance of maintaining competitive intensity during practice. He recalled a training session where Faith relentlessly pursued a male practice player, showcasing the twins’ relentless mindset. “Their intensity and competitiveness are unmatched,” he added with a chuckle.
As they prepare for their upcoming match, the Leyba twins and their teammates aim to make a significant statement in the NCAA Tournament. The Buffs have previously reached the third round, or Sweet 16, in 2006 and 2013, but this season holds the potential for even greater achievements. “This run the last three years has really put CU on the map as one of the top programs in the country,” Nytes remarked.
With the support of their home crowd at Prentup Field, where they remain unbeaten this season, the Buffs hope to capitalize on their momentum and advance further in the tournament, solidifying their status among the elite in Division I soccer.
