Colorado University Athletics
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Weber State
Rosenbaum Making Solid First Impression
September 07, 2024 | Soccer
The grad transfer from UCLA has been impactful for the Buffs early
BOULDER — Colorado newcomer Michaela Rosenbaum didn't have much time to get acquainted with her new Colorado teammates before hitting the field in the Black & Gold.
Unlike the Buffaloes' two other transfers for the 2024 season, Laura Gouvin (Boston College) and Sami Fisher (Florida), who joined the team in the spring, Rosenbaum arrived in Boulder at the start of preseason training.
It wasn't like Rosenbaum was unfamiliar with the Buffs, having previously visited Prentup Field with UCLA in previous seasons. The Santa Rose, Calif., native started 20 matches and played in 65 over her four-year career for the Buffs' former Pac-12 rival from 2020-23, including helping the Bruins in their run to the 2022 national championship.
With one remaining COVID year of eligibility, Rosenbaum went to the transfer portal and found a new home in Boulder for 2024.
"I wasn't sure if I was going to take it [the extra year]," Rosenbaum explained of her decision. "I entered the portal to keep my options open, Danny [Sanchez] reached out, and [I] had a call with him, and he really piqued my interest. He talked about the team a lot, and the team culture here is really great. That stood out to me. I went to visit the school, and I loved it. I felt very welcomed."
CU head coach Danny Sanchez recalled that the interest in Rosenbaum was immediate.
"Obviously, we coached against her for four years, and once we saw that she was in the portal as a grad student, I reached out probably day one," Sanchez said. "Fortunately, she'd been to Boulder and was familiar with us and a little familiar with our coaching staff. She wanted a change of scenery for her fifth year, and maybe we thought she would have an opportunity to make a big impact on the field, and she's been great so far."
Colorado already had a large portion of the 2023 roster back for 2024. The addition of Rosenbaum brought the incoming class to five players. But in reality, Rosenbaum and freshman Hannah Puff are the only true newcomers, as Gouvin, Fisher and freshman Jace Holley all trained with the team in the spring and got to accompany the Buffs to Europe in May.
"I didn't really know anyone coming in," Rosenbaum noted. "I went to a camp one time with Lola [Stanley] a long time ago. Rachel [Rosen] reached out to me so I was kind of talking with her before I came in. I was a little nervous, but I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I feel like I'm just building relationships every day here."
Rosenbaum has been a fixture in the Buffaloes midfield this season, having started all six matches. She had her best performance as a Buff in Thursday's 1-0 win over Denver, playing 76 minutes and recording a season-high three shots.
"I have the backline of Faith [Leyba], Phoenix [Miranda], and Greer [Maguire] all behind me, and they're always communicating with me," Rosenbaum noted about the on-field play. "I love playing with Jay [Hayward]; she's so technical and crafty. I really respect her as a player and a person. Same with Ava [Priest]. Everyone in front of me has been really communicative, supportive and positive on the field. That's always really great."
The 5-2 midfielder may be petite in stature, but her early impact has not surprised the CU staff.
"All of our conversations with UCLA's coaches and everyone else said she's a great person and a great teammate," Sanchez added. "When you have those qualities, you're going to be able to jump into a team in July and just seamlessly fall into the group. She seemed like she'd been with us for four or five years, and she'd only been with us for four or five days. We kind of knew what we were getting from that side of it. From the soccer side, she's done everything we've asked and more. I think as she gets more comfortable, she has even more potential."
It's still early in her Colorado tenure, but the vision is clear.
"I want to win the Big 12," Rosenbaum exclaimed. "I think we're in a great position to hopefully get to that championship game and do well in league play. But like I said, I'm just taking every day, one step at a time, focusing on tomorrow against Weber State. We need to focus, keep our positive mentality, and come out every game playing to the best of our ability."
Like a true Californian in Colorado, Rosenbaum also looks forward to experiencing the cold weather and the chance of playing in the snow down the road.
"I didn't grow up in the snow at all," Rosenbaum laughed. "I think I once went to Lake Tahoe when it was snowing as a baby. It's definitely going to be a new and interesting experience, but I'm excited. I only have a little scooter taking me around campus, so we'll see how it goes in the snow, but everyone on the team has been great with offering me rides."
Micky, as she's called around the team, has brought her own fan base from the West Coast. Her family has already made the trip to Boulder, and more are scheduled.
"It's been great having them come to as many home games as possible," Rosenbaum expressed. "It's not like in LA, where they are somewhat close. I love having my family out here. My mom is coming later this month for my birthday, so I'm really excited to spend the week with her."
Rosenbaum and the No. 18 Buffs close the non-conference schedule with Weber State on Sunday (Noon). It is the team's First Responders Game. There will be a pregame Touch-a-Truck event featuring first response vehicles.
Brad Thompson will have the call on ESPN+.
