The University of Colorado Boulder women’s soccer team is poised for a significant run in the NCAA Tournament, led by the dynamic twin duo of Hope and Faith Leyba. The identical sisters have been instrumental in securing three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the Buffs. Their journey continues as they face Utah Valley in the first round on November 10, 2025, at Prentup Field in Boulder.
The Leyba sisters have developed an on-field synergy that has been crucial to their team’s success. Hope, playing as a forward, and Faith, positioned as a defender, share a bond that transcends typical teammate dynamics. “Growing up, we would say we just ‘twinned’ the other team because I would score, and Faith would block every shot,” Hope recalled. “It’s harder to do that at the Division I level, but it still happens.”
Their connection was evident in a recent match against Arizona, where they showcased their skills in a victory that highlighted their complementary styles. Faith set up Hope for her 18th goal of the season, contributing to a 1-0 win. As of now, Hope has raised her total to 21 goals, ranking second in the NCAA, just behind Utah Valley’s Faith Webber.
CU Boulder head coach Danny Sanchez has praised the twins for their competitiveness and intensity. “Their mindset is unmatched. We often have to dial them back in training,” he stated. The Leybas, known for their aggressive play, have a history of pushing each other to excel, a trait that began in their childhood in Phoenix. Their father, Joe Leyba, described backyard soccer games against their older brother as intense battles that sharpened their competitive edge.
The twins began their journey in recreational leagues, where their skills quickly set them apart. When they joined a club team, coach Tiffany Roberts recognized their raw talent and placed them in different positions to maximize their strengths. “Their instinct has always been to seek and destroy,” Roberts noted, underscoring their formidable presence on the field.
The Leybas’ shared commitment to excellence has attracted attention from Division I programs, leading to numerous recruitment offers following their sophomore year. Their first official visit was to CU Boulder, a decision that was influenced by their family ties to the university. “We were young and excited at 16, and looking back, making that decision in the moment felt right,” Hope reflected on their commitment to the Buffs.
The Buffaloes have had a record-breaking season, achieving a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament with a remarkable overall record of 15-3-3. The team has set program records for goals, assists, and points, with a total of 52 goals, 58 assists, and 162 points. If they prevail against Utah Valley, they are guaranteed at least one more home game against either Dayton or Xavier.
In addition to the Leyba sisters, the team features standout players like goalkeeper Jordad Nytes, who has been recognized as one of the nation’s best. Nytes set a program record with her 26th career shutout earlier this season, contributing to CU’s defensive strength.
This season marks Sanchez’s ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in 14 seasons with the Buffs, further solidifying his reputation as a successful recruiter and coach. His strategy has focused on developing local talent, with several players returning to CU after initially leaving the state.
As the Buffaloes prepare for their NCAA Tournament opener, the expectation is high. “This run the last three years has really put CU on the map as one of the top programs in the country,” Nytes stated. The team’s performance in the upcoming matches could further enhance their national standing, and the Leyba sisters aim to lead the charge toward the program’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013.
