Soccer

CU’s Leyba and Nytes, TCU’s Castain Named MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalists

Colorado’s Hope Leyba and Jordan Nytes joined TCU’s Seven Castain as semifinalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy, announced Tuesday by United Soccer Coaches and the Missouri Athletic Club. The award is given to the top college soccer players, voted on by NCAA Division I soccer coaches.
Fifteen student-athletes were named as semifinalists, with three finalists being announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The yearly winner will be announced on Jan. 9, 2026.

The three semifinalists from the Big 12 mark the most from the league since its five selections in 2023. The Conference has had at least one women’s soccer player listed as a semifinalist since 2010.

Leyba, the 2025 Big 12 Forward of the Year, tallied a nation-leading 22 goals in 24 appearances during the 2025 campaign. Throughout the season, she procured two hat tricks to become CU’s first player with two three-goal performances in the same season. Additionally, the junior set the program’s single-season records for goals and points (45). Leyba earned a selection to the award’s midseason watchlist.

Nytes was the only goalkeeper to be named a semifinalist. Her 2025 season included a program single-season 17 wins, while earning seven shutouts and grabbing 121 saves in 24 games. The 2024 and 2025 Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year also captured the league’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year title. Nytes began the season as a selection to the Hermann Trophy Preseason Watch List.

Castain leads the Horned Frogs this season in goals (17), points (38) and game-winning goals (7). The senior is one goal away from setting TCU’s single-season record with 23 appearances ahead of the team’s first College Cup appearance. She has recorded four braces and two hat tricks this season. Castain appeared in both of the preseason and midseason watch list updates, the only offensive Big 12 player to earn a selection to both updates and be named a semifinalist.

Three finalists will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10, with the winner being revealed on Jan. 9.

Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite player. Go to MACHermannnTrophy.org for the women’s semifinal ballot.