In a bid for NCAA Tournament success, the University of Colorado Boulder women’s soccer team is turning heads with the dynamic contributions of identical twins, Hope and Faith Leyba. The Buffs, who have qualified for the tournament three consecutive years, will face Utah Valley in the first round on November 10, 2025, at 19:00 local time at Prentup Field in Boulder.
The Leyba sisters have developed a remarkable on-field chemistry, with Hope playing as a forward and Faith serving as a defender. Their unique bond has been a game-changer for the team, helping to drive their success. “Growing up, we would say we just ‘twinned’ the other team because I would score and Faith would block every shot,” Hope Leyba remarked. This synergy proved beneficial even at the Division I level, as evidenced during a recent match against the Arizona Wildcats, where they executed a perfect play that ended with Hope scoring the winning goal.
In a pivotal moment during the Buffs’ regular-season finale on October 26, Faith promised to assist her sister in breaking the university’s single-season goal record. Following a free kick by Caley Swierenga, Faith deftly set up Hope, who capitalized on the opportunity, bringing her total to 21 goals for the season. As they prepare for the tournament, Hope is currently ranked second in the NCAA for goals scored, just behind Utah Valley’s Faith Webber.
Danny Sanchez, the head coach, praised the contributions of both sisters. “Hope has developed her game with more creativity and intricacy, while Faith has become a cornerstone of our defense,” he said. Their hard work has contributed to CU’s remarkable season, marked by record-setting statistics: 52 goals, 58 assists, and 162 points in total.
The Leyba twins’ journey began in their childhood backyard in Phoenix, where they honed their competitive edge playing against their older brother, Jackson. Their father, Joe Leyba, described those backyard matches as intense, often referring to them as a “war zone.” “Jackson was known for kicking the ball hard and far, so the girls had to be aggressive to keep up,” he said. This fierce competitiveness carried over into their early soccer experiences, including a recreational league where Faith was recognized as the most improved player, while Hope was noted for her scoring prowess.
By the time the twins joined a club team in Royals Arizona, they had developed raw skills but lacked passing ability. Their coach, Tiffany Roberts, recognized their potential and positioned them as a forward and defender, respectively. “It was clear they had a natural instinct for the game,” Roberts said, noting the challenge of managing their fierce competitiveness in practice.
The Leybas quickly became sought-after recruits, attracting attention from numerous Division I programs. Their official recruitment began after their sophomore year, and during their first visit to Boulder, they felt an immediate connection to the university, where their parents had met. After receiving an offer, the sisters committed to CU before even leaving the airport. “Looking back, we might have taken more time, but following our instincts led to a good choice,” Hope reflected.
With the Buffs now having secured a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, they are looking to build on their recent successes, which include reaching the tournament’s third round in both 2006 and 2013. The team aims to capitalize on the home-field advantage at Prentup Field, where they remain unbeaten this season with a record of 10-0-2.
Goalkeeper Jordad Nytes has also been instrumental, setting a program record with her 26th career shutout earlier this season. Sanchez has called Nytes the best goalkeeper in the country, and she will be crucial as the Buffs look to make a deep tournament run.
As the CU Buffs gear up for their match against Utah Valley, the Leyba twins are not just key players; they are emblematic of the team’s spirit and determination. With their competitive nature and undeniable talent, they aim to lead the Buffs further into the tournament and solidify their status as a top program in NCAA soccer.
