University of Colorado Athletics
Leybas and Holley Named to MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List
August 26, 2026 | Soccer
BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes soccer team has three standouts who are in contention for one of the sport's most prestigious honors, as seniors Hope Leyba and Faith Leyba and junior Jace Holley were named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.
The annual MAC Hermann Trophy, presented by the Missouri Athletic Club, is the highest individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer and recognizes the men's and women's National Players of the Year. The award is determined by voting from Division I head coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches.
The watch list was compiled by members of the Division I Women's All-America Council from returning 2025 All-Americans and First Team All-Region selections. The field will be narrowed to 15 semifinalists on Dec. 4 following NCAA Division I All-America voting. Division I head coaches will then vote to determine three finalists, with the 2026 recipient set to be announced Jan. 8, 2027, at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.
Hope Leyba enters her senior season following one of the most prolific offensive campaigns in Colorado history. The Phoenix native led the NCAA with a program-record 22 goals in 2025 and established a CU single-season record with 45 points. Leyba was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and earned First Team United Soccer Coaches All-America honors. She was also one of 15 semifinalists for the 2025 MAC Hermann Trophy.
Faith Leyba was a fixture along Colorado's back line in 2025, starting all 24 matches and logging 2,097 minutes. She added four goals and four assists while helping anchor the Buffs' defense. The senior defender earned First Team All-Big 12 and First Team All-Midwest Region honors before being selected Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-America.
Holley followed her Big 12 All-Freshman debut with a breakout sophomore campaign, totaling career highs of 12 goals, six assists and 30 points. Her 30 points tied for the fourth-most in a single season in program history, while her 12 goals tied for third. The Fort Collins, Colo., native earned First Team All-Big 12 and First Team All-Midwest Region honors following the season.
