Colorado University Athletics
Photo by: CUBuffs.com
F. Leyba Named to Freshman Best XI
December 13, 2023 | Soccer
The rookie defender earned First Team recognition
BOULDER – Colorado's Faith Leyba garnered national accolades by being named First Team Freshman Best XI by Top Drawer Soccer on Wednesday
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It is the third postseason award for Leyba who was also Pac-12 All-Freshman and United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-Pacific Region. Â
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"We are very pleased that Faith has been recognized again for her fantastic freshmen season," head coach Danny Sanchez commented. "These individual accolades are a byproduct of our NCAA Tournament fall season. We are excited for Faith's future as she continues to develop."
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Leyba, a Phoenix, Ariz., native, had a strong rookie season on the backline for the Buffs. She has started all 21 matches and led all of CU's field players in minutes played. Leyba led all of Colorado's freshmen with her three goals on just five shots on goal. She helped the Buffs' backline record eight shutouts this season, marking the most since the 2020 season. Leyba ranked No. 6 in Top Drawer Soccer's Midseason Freshman 100.
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Leyba becomes the first CU freshman to earn the Freshman Best XI honor since Taylor Kornieck (First Team) and Jalen Tompkins (Second Team) who were both recognized in 2016.
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It is the third postseason award for Leyba who was also Pac-12 All-Freshman and United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-Pacific Region. Â
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"We are very pleased that Faith has been recognized again for her fantastic freshmen season," head coach Danny Sanchez commented. "These individual accolades are a byproduct of our NCAA Tournament fall season. We are excited for Faith's future as she continues to develop."
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Leyba, a Phoenix, Ariz., native, had a strong rookie season on the backline for the Buffs. She has started all 21 matches and led all of CU's field players in minutes played. Leyba led all of Colorado's freshmen with her three goals on just five shots on goal. She helped the Buffs' backline record eight shutouts this season, marking the most since the 2020 season. Leyba ranked No. 6 in Top Drawer Soccer's Midseason Freshman 100.
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Leyba becomes the first CU freshman to earn the Freshman Best XI honor since Taylor Kornieck (First Team) and Jalen Tompkins (Second Team) who were both recognized in 2016.
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Players Mentioned
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