Colorado University Athletics
Soccer Buffs Report For Preseason Training
August 06, 2015 | Soccer
BOULDER – With the calendar now flipped to August many college students across the country have started to think about classes that are right around the corner. But in the case of student-athletes at the University of Colorado, it also means preseason training has begun for those who compete in a fall sport. The CU women's soccer team reported for preseason training this week with its first practice taking place on Wednesday.
The Buffs return 18 letterwinners to their 2015 roster, including five starters and four with starting experience. Four of the team's top six scorers return, led by junior Brie Hooks, who recorded 23 points off eight goals and seven assists in her sophomore season. All but four goal scorers will be returning to the Buff attack, while defenders Kahlia Hogg, Alex Huynh and Heather Ward will help anchor the back line.
CU also welcomes eight newcomers- seven freshmen and one transfer. West Coasters Erin Greening, Brooklyn Varnadore and Stephanie Zuniga-Herrera look to make an early impact on the attack, while Canadian Sarah Kinzner, and Colorado natives Amy Alexander and Alex Vidger will add a strong presence in the midfield. The Buffs also add goalkeeper Jalen Tompkins from Phoenix, Ariz. Danica Evans, a transfer from Portland and Lakewood, Colo. native will continue her collegiate career with the Buffaloes, adding depth to the offense.
In 2014, the Buffaloes made a statement and will look to build upon their success in the upcoming season. The team posted a 14-7-1 overall record last season and went 6-4-1 in conference play, earning a program-best third place finish in the Pac-12 and also its first winning Pac-12 record since becoming a member in 2011. The Buffs also punched their ticket back to the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive season, advancing to the Round of 32. Their attack found the back of the net 33 times, tied for sixth-most all-time and tied a school record with 35 assists over 22 matches. The defense, also had a strong showing, posting 12 shutouts, which tied a single-season team record, held opponents to a combined 17 goals and tallied a 0.76 goals-against average.
Head coach Danny Sanchez enters his fourth year at the helm of CU. He has been an outstanding leader for the Buffs, guiding them to a combined 36-22-7 record in three seasons and two straight postseason appearances.
The team will train throughout the month, leading up to its opening weekend, Aug. 21-23. CU will kick off its 2015 campaign with back-to-back Colorado Cup tournament matches as it looks to defend its title. The Buffaloes first travel to Fort Collins to face Colorado State at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21 and then return for their home opener at Prentup Field on Sunday, Aug. 23 against Colorado College at 3:30 p.m.
Season tickets start at just $25 for general admission and are on sale now by visiting CUBuffs.com/tickets or by calling 303-49-BUFFS. Also, new this year is the Women's Sports Pass, which gives you general admission seating to all home soccer, volleyball and women's basketball games for just $125. The sports pass is also available for purchase by contacting the CU ticket office to save over 50 percent off the single game price.
