October 28, 2026 | Soccer
IRVING, Texas — Colorado senior defender Faith Leyba has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after making her mark at both ends of the field during the Buffaloes' road sweep of Arizona and Arizona State, the conference announced Wednesday.
The Phoenix, Ariz., native scored two goals and helped anchor a Colorado back line that did not concede a goal across 180 minutes. The Buffs defeated Arizona 4-0 on Oct. 22 before completing the weekend with a 2-0 victory over Arizona State on Oct. 25. Leyba played 170 minutes between the two matches.
In Tucson, Colorado held Arizona to five shots without allowing a single attempt on goal. Leyba added the finishing touch in the 75th minute, rising at the near post to head home a corner kick from Reagan Kotschau. The assist was Kotschau's 10th of the season, tying Colorado's single-season record.
Three days later, Leyba delivered a crucial defensive stop in the 22nd minute against Arizona State, closing down an attacker and getting a foot to the ball to deny an open look at goal. She took contact on the play but remained in the match.
Leyba then helped put the game away in the 62nd minute. After Kotschau drew a foul near midfield, Caley Swierenga sent the ensuing free kick into the box, where Leyba rose near the penalty spot and buried a header into the upper-right corner for a 2-0 lead.
Leyba's defense contributed to two shutouts, bringing Colorado's season total to 10, including five in Big 12 play. The victories also completed a three-match road sweep that began at Kansas State.
The trip carried added meaning for Leyba, who returned to her home state alongside twin sister Hope Leyba. Both sisters scored in Sunday's win, with Hope opening the scoring before Faith doubled the advantage.
"We're just happy for our team. We all get to enjoy this together," Faith said following the Arizona State victory.
Leyba's two goals were her first of the season, bringing her 2026 totals to two goals, two assists and six points in 17 starts. Earlier this season, the senior made the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List on Sept. 30, adding to an impressive list of career accolades. She was a Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2025 and has earned First Team All-Big 12 honors in each of the past two seasons.
UP NEXT: Colorado (12-4-1, 6-3-0 Big 12) has secured a berth in the Big 12 Tournament and returns to Prentup Field on Friday, Oct. 30, to host Cincinnati at 7 p.m. MT. Tickets for the battle with the Bearcats are available here. The match will stream on ESPN+.
SOCIALS: For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.
The Phoenix, Ariz., native scored two goals and helped anchor a Colorado back line that did not concede a goal across 180 minutes. The Buffs defeated Arizona 4-0 on Oct. 22 before completing the weekend with a 2-0 victory over Arizona State on Oct. 25. Leyba played 170 minutes between the two matches.
In Tucson, Colorado held Arizona to five shots without allowing a single attempt on goal. Leyba added the finishing touch in the 75th minute, rising at the near post to head home a corner kick from Reagan Kotschau. The assist was Kotschau's 10th of the season, tying Colorado's single-season record.
Three days later, Leyba delivered a crucial defensive stop in the 22nd minute against Arizona State, closing down an attacker and getting a foot to the ball to deny an open look at goal. She took contact on the play but remained in the match.
Leyba then helped put the game away in the 62nd minute. After Kotschau drew a foul near midfield, Caley Swierenga sent the ensuing free kick into the box, where Leyba rose near the penalty spot and buried a header into the upper-right corner for a 2-0 lead.
Leyba's defense contributed to two shutouts, bringing Colorado's season total to 10, including five in Big 12 play. The victories also completed a three-match road sweep that began at Kansas State.
The trip carried added meaning for Leyba, who returned to her home state alongside twin sister Hope Leyba. Both sisters scored in Sunday's win, with Hope opening the scoring before Faith doubled the advantage.
"We're just happy for our team. We all get to enjoy this together," Faith said following the Arizona State victory.
Leyba's two goals were her first of the season, bringing her 2026 totals to two goals, two assists and six points in 17 starts. Earlier this season, the senior made the 2026 MAC Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List on Sept. 30, adding to an impressive list of career accolades. She was a Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2025 and has earned First Team All-Big 12 honors in each of the past two seasons.
UP NEXT: Colorado (12-4-1, 6-3-0 Big 12) has secured a berth in the Big 12 Tournament and returns to Prentup Field on Friday, Oct. 30, to host Cincinnati at 7 p.m. MT. Tickets for the battle with the Bearcats are available here. The match will stream on ESPN+.
SOCIALS: For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, October 27
Tuesday, October 27
Saturday, October 17
Saturday, October 17
