Photo by: CUBuffs.com
Three Buffs Added to Hermann Trophy Watch List
August 14, 2025 | Soccer
First time a CU player has been on the list since 2019
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three Colorado standouts added to their preseason accolades on Thursday with the announcement of the 2025 Hermann Trophy Watch list by the United Soccer Coaches. Jordan Nytes, Faith Leyba and Ava Priest were each included on the 43-player list.
Colorado's three selections are tied for the most, along with TCU. Nine schools had more than one player selected. It's the first time CU has had any players on the watch list since Taylor Kornieck, who appeared on the list in consecutive seasons from 2017-19.
Nytes, the 2024 Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year, was one of three goalkeepers on the 43-player list. All three players were earlier selected as Players to Watch by the United Soccer Coaches at their respective positions.
A Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2024, Nytes was in net for all 11 of Colorado's shutouts last season, finishing second in the Big 12 and sixth in the NCAA. Her 11 clean sheets tied for the second-most in a season by a CU keeper. Nytes took home five Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week awards in 2024, becoming the most honored goalkeeper in a season since the award's inception in 2020. Nytes also ranked second in the Big 12 in saves (101) and save % (.821).
Leyba, a First Team All-Big 12 selection in 2024, started all 22 matches for the Buffs and led all CU field players in minutes with 1,896. She was a key contributor along the Buffs' backline, helping the team to 11 shutouts. Leyba handed out two assists last season and played the full 90 minutes in 16 matches. She closed 2024 as a First Team United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region selection.
Priest, also a First Team United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region pick in 2024, scored a career-high six goals last season. She recorded three game-winners for CU, including the clinching goal over Utah in the first round of the Big 12 Championship. Priest started all 22 matches as a sophomore and handed out five assists. She closed the season with a five-match points streak and scored goals in both CU's NCAA Tournament matches.
Colorado opens the season at home later on Thursday nightagainst No. 12 Michigan State (7 p.m. MT).
For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.
Colorado's three selections are tied for the most, along with TCU. Nine schools had more than one player selected. It's the first time CU has had any players on the watch list since Taylor Kornieck, who appeared on the list in consecutive seasons from 2017-19.
Nytes, the 2024 Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year, was one of three goalkeepers on the 43-player list. All three players were earlier selected as Players to Watch by the United Soccer Coaches at their respective positions.
A Third Team United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2024, Nytes was in net for all 11 of Colorado's shutouts last season, finishing second in the Big 12 and sixth in the NCAA. Her 11 clean sheets tied for the second-most in a season by a CU keeper. Nytes took home five Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week awards in 2024, becoming the most honored goalkeeper in a season since the award's inception in 2020. Nytes also ranked second in the Big 12 in saves (101) and save % (.821).
Leyba, a First Team All-Big 12 selection in 2024, started all 22 matches for the Buffs and led all CU field players in minutes with 1,896. She was a key contributor along the Buffs' backline, helping the team to 11 shutouts. Leyba handed out two assists last season and played the full 90 minutes in 16 matches. She closed 2024 as a First Team United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region selection.
Priest, also a First Team United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region pick in 2024, scored a career-high six goals last season. She recorded three game-winners for CU, including the clinching goal over Utah in the first round of the Big 12 Championship. Priest started all 22 matches as a sophomore and handed out five assists. She closed the season with a five-match points streak and scored goals in both CU's NCAA Tournament matches.
Colorado opens the season at home later on Thursday nightagainst No. 12 Michigan State (7 p.m. MT).
For more information on Colorado Soccer, please visit cubuffs.com/soccer. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffssoccer on Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook.
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