Colorado University Athletics
CU Boulder Extends Head Soccer Coach Danny Sanchez’s Contract
May 04, 2026 | Soccer
CU’s Winningest Soccer Coach has Led the Buffs to Three Straight NCAA Tournament Appearances
BOULDER, Colo– The University of Colorado has extended the contract of women's head soccer coach Danny Sanchez after a record-setting campaign in 2025 in which the team set new high marks for wins, points, goals, and assists, Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo announced today.
Sanchez, who is entering his 15th season leading the Buffaloes, has compiled a record of 162-90-42 at Colorado and has appeared in the NCAA women's soccer tournament nine times. Last year, CU had a magical season, finishing 17-4-3 while recording more points (184), more goals (59), and more assists (66) than any other team in program history. Sanchez's Buffs qualified for the NCAA tournament for the third straight year and reached the Sweet 16 for just the third time in program history, and first since 2013, before falling to host Michigan State.
"Our women's soccer program has consistently been among the country's best, particularly over the last three seasons which have seen us progress deeper in the NCAA tournament each year," said Lovo. "I'm excited for Coach Sanchez to continue the incredible momentum and excellent work he's done at CU over the last 14 years by bringing in student-athletes who have been superb both on and off the pitch."
"I can't thank (AD Emeritus) Rick George, Fernando and everyone that touches our program for their continued support of me, my family and our soccer program," said Sanchez. "Colorado is truly a special place and I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to lead this program. Our staff and I couldn't be more excited for the future of CU soccer."
In his second year in charge, Sanchez led the Buffaloes to their second Sweet 16 appearance all-time, which kicked off a string of six NCAA tournament berths over eight years, a span in which CU advanced out of the first round every time but once. Under Sanchez the Buffs have featured some of the sport's best players, including United Soccer Coaches All-Americans Taylor Korniecki, Jordan Nytes, and Hope Leyba, who along with her twin sister Faith look to be the centerpieces of Colorado's 2026 squad.
The Buffs are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the program this fall, which will feature a wall of honor at Prentup Field and recognition of past legendary players throughout the season. The 2026 campaign starts Aug. 12 when the Buffaloes play host in-state rival Colorado State. Renewals for season tickets begin on May 12 for what promises to be an exciting, and historic, season.
For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.
Sanchez, who is entering his 15th season leading the Buffaloes, has compiled a record of 162-90-42 at Colorado and has appeared in the NCAA women's soccer tournament nine times. Last year, CU had a magical season, finishing 17-4-3 while recording more points (184), more goals (59), and more assists (66) than any other team in program history. Sanchez's Buffs qualified for the NCAA tournament for the third straight year and reached the Sweet 16 for just the third time in program history, and first since 2013, before falling to host Michigan State.
"Our women's soccer program has consistently been among the country's best, particularly over the last three seasons which have seen us progress deeper in the NCAA tournament each year," said Lovo. "I'm excited for Coach Sanchez to continue the incredible momentum and excellent work he's done at CU over the last 14 years by bringing in student-athletes who have been superb both on and off the pitch."
"I can't thank (AD Emeritus) Rick George, Fernando and everyone that touches our program for their continued support of me, my family and our soccer program," said Sanchez. "Colorado is truly a special place and I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to lead this program. Our staff and I couldn't be more excited for the future of CU soccer."
In his second year in charge, Sanchez led the Buffaloes to their second Sweet 16 appearance all-time, which kicked off a string of six NCAA tournament berths over eight years, a span in which CU advanced out of the first round every time but once. Under Sanchez the Buffs have featured some of the sport's best players, including United Soccer Coaches All-Americans Taylor Korniecki, Jordan Nytes, and Hope Leyba, who along with her twin sister Faith look to be the centerpieces of Colorado's 2026 squad.
The Buffs are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the program this fall, which will feature a wall of honor at Prentup Field and recognition of past legendary players throughout the season. The 2026 campaign starts Aug. 12 when the Buffaloes play host in-state rival Colorado State. Renewals for season tickets begin on May 12 for what promises to be an exciting, and historic, season.
For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.
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