Colorado has had an impressive year so far, looking to do so into the Big 12 tournament.
This past Tuesday several members of the team were awarded with Big 12 honors.
Standout goalkeeper Jordan Nytes got her second Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year award along with being named First Team All-Conference. Nytes had 11 clean sheets this season, ranking her second in the Big 12 and fourth in the NCAA, as well as tying for the second-most shutouts in a season by a Colorado goalkeeper. Her five Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week awards made her a rock on the backline, not only leading the Buffs to a conference tournament berth but also making her a highly decorated candidate for the All-American team.
Sophomore Faith Leyba was also selected First Team All-Big 12. Junior Juliauna Hayward was selected to the All-Conference Second team, and Jace Holley earned All-Freshman honors.
Leyba was tagged with her first All-Conference honor as a defender, starting all games this year and leading the team with 1,536 minutes played. Leyba has been another rock in the backline taking part in the Buffs’ 11 shutouts.
Hayward is also a first-time All-Conference award winner this year with her selection to the Second Team. She logged 1,335 minutes in 18 starts this year. Hayward had career-highs in shots (45) and shots on goal (18) this season.
Holley earned her first award as a freshman this year, bagging four goals this season (all being game-winners) and leading Colorado’s frontline alongside Shyra James and Hope Leyba. Holley started 12 games and played in all 18 this year.
The Buffs look to close out the season with a bang, not only earning awards across the table but also with a strong tournament performance.
CU won Wednesday morning in a 2-1 thriller against Utah. The Buffs advanced to the quarterfinal round where they will take on TCU in a rematch on Saturday at 1pm MST (ESPN+).
Cover photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports
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