Written Work

Sko Buffs Sports • 16th August 2026

CU Cross Country poised for consecutive breakout seasons

“Boulder is the running mecca of the world,” senior Abbey Nechanicky (Mathison) said at CU’s Fall Sports Media Day. “We have a whole community behind us here, and you don’t see that across the country.”What is so seldom is the men’s and women’s teams both finishing in the top 15 at nationals. The men’s team finished 10th while the women’s team finished 13th. Nechanicky finished 76th among all runners at nationals last year, posting a 19:44.8 8k time. Also featured inside the top 100 were rising...

Sko Buffs Sports • 14th August 2026

Chris Marve has CU defense poised to make jump

With last year’s defensive coordinator, Rob Livingston, taking a job down U.S. 36 with the Denver Broncos and Marve returning from a year off, the timing worked out for the program.“I got to really be in the rooms for some innovative coaching, teaching and leading,” Marve said. “I really was able to reinforce some things that I fundamentally believe.”With the Buffs, Marve has used those innovative techniques to bring his unit together and find starters come week one.He mentioned a win-loss rate...

Sko Buffs Sports • 13th August 2026

Colorado opens 30th season with win against rival Colorado State

Despite the delayed start, No. 13 Colorado began early pressure on the Rams, resulting in two corner kicks in the first 15 minutes.“First game of the year, so there was just a level of excitement,” Sanchez said. “They’re pros. Got a snack, took care of themselves, but they want to play soccer.”After resetting the offense, defender Faith Leyba sent a long shot on goal which Colorado State freshman goalkeeper Addison Huber couldn’t prevent a rebound on. Midfielder Sloane Phillips found the head of...

Sko Buffs Sports • 13th August 2026

CU Volleyball looks to stay the course with senior leadership

With 23 wins, CU was largely led by senior hitter Ana Burilović. Burilović led the Big 12 last season with 4.71 kills and 5.47 points per set. The All-American and All-Big 12 first-teamer was the cornerstone of Colorado’s 22nd playoff berth in program history. She helped the Buffs beat American in a three-set sweep before falling to four-seed Indiana on its home court in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.“I think last year we weren't on everyone's radar, maybe as much as we will be this se...

Sko Buffs Sports • 8th August 2026

Colorado’s offensive line will shape Buffs 2026 offense

“When you're able to have eight to nine guys that can really start, you have to find a way to get them reps,” Sanders said. “One guy goes down to practice, next man up, but we have the depth that you could do that.”Among that depth is Houston transfer Demetrius Hunter. Hunter is projected to be the starting center for the Buffs come week one. Hunter only allowed two sacks across the last two seasons and led all Cougars with 730 offensive snaps played. “We have three really good guys, veteran guy...

Sko Buffs Sports • 7th August 2026

High ambitions for CU Women’s Soccer on coattails of historic 2025 season

Colorado was picked to finish second behind preseason No. 7-ranked TCU in the Big 12 preseason poll. The Buffs received one first-place nomination. In the preseason United Soccer Coaches Poll, the Buffs are ranked 13th in the nation as they hunt for their first national title.She’s joined on the preseason team by her twin, Faith Leyba. Faith was named to the 2025 Hermann Award Preseason Watch List and made the Big 12’s Women’s Soccer First Team last year. As a defender, Faith Leyba recorded four...

Sko Buffs Sports • 4th August 2026

Julian Lewis named to Maxwell Award Watchlist

Before even taking a single snap of his redshirt freshman season, Julian “JuJu” Lewis was named to the Maxwell Award Watchlist. The Maxwell Award is one of the most prestigious awards, given to the best all-around college football player in the nation. No Colorado player has ever won the Maxwell Award, but three have been finalists. Running back Rashaan Salaam was the runner-up in 1994, running back Eric Bieniemy finished third in 1990 and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter was a finalist in...

Sko Buffs Sports • 3rd August 2026

Analyzing Deion Sanders’ future in Colorado

From national championship contenders under head coach Bill McCartney to stretches of no bowl games in the 2000s and 2010s, Folsom Field has seen its share of ups and downs. While Sanders isn’t necessarily on the hot seat, it's beginning to warm after a 3-9 season and a second-to-last finish in the Big 12.Despite this, Sanders has several successes, including coaching Travis Hunter to a Heisman Trophy, retiring Shedeur Sanders’ number and taking  CU to its first bowl appearance since 2016. Even...

Sko Buffs Sports • 26th July 2026

Colorado’s three keys to success for 2026

Scudero is a deep threat who can take the top off defenses. That skill set was on display during Colorado’s spring game, where he brought in a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Julian Lewis. Though the two only connected once, he found ways to create space more often than he was shut down, proving he can fool Big 12 defenders.After averaging just over 20 points per game last season, Marion’s 33.8 points per game with the Hornets will be what the Buffs are aiming for this year.Much like San...

Sko Buffs Sports • 18th April 2026

Colorado lands fifth transfer in Boston’s Anete Adler

From Estonia to the Northeast to the Rocky Mountains, transfers have continued to find ways to Boulder.After a disappointing NCAA Tournament exit last month, head coach JR Payne has made her fifth portal addition to the Colorado Buffaloes, signing 6-foot-5 graduate transfer center Anete Adler from Boston University on Saturday.Adler is a well-rounded forward who can fit into numerous roles for the Buffs, averaging 15.4 points, six rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per game last season, earnin...

Sko Buffs Sports • 15th April 2026

Buffaloes land four-star quarterback Andre Adams

The Colorado Buffaloes and “Coach Prime” made major moves towards the future, with four-star commit Andre Adams. The 6-foot-2 quarterback from Antioch, Tennessee, is ranked as 247sports’ 15th-best quarterback in the class of 2027. While just a junior in high school, Adams threw for 3,418 yards and 35 touchdowns to only one interception. He also added 855 yards on the ground with 13 rushing touchdowns in the 2025-26 season.Adams is a dynamic threat who can make smart decisions while being elusive...

Sko Buffs Sports • 10th April 2026

10 Portal Targets for the Colorado Buffaloes

Though she is sure to get looks from bigger programs with more resources, Crooks was the centerpiece to the Cyclones, and she’ll have to be the centerpiece to any team she joins. That might scare off those programs with established rosters who are a few additions from competing with UConn and UCLA for national titles. With so many pieces going out for Colorado, Crooks' addition could be a perfect opportunity for Payne to build around her for one year.Colorado has forwards Sophie Zadel and Jade C...

Sko Buffs Sports • 5th April 2026

Colorado’s late comeback attempt falls short against No. 5 Florida

Despite recording more groundballs, having fewer turnovers and outshooting the Gators, Colorado’s depth failed to show up where Florida's did. Eight different Gators had goal contributions while their defense was led by sophomore goalkeeper Susan Radebaugh’s career-high 12 saves.“Things got away from us a little bit in that fourth quarter, but I thought the team came out here, we battled, we competed,” head coach Ann Elliott Whidden said. “I think every single game, different people will step up...

Sko Buffs Sports • 22nd March 2026

Buffs fall in first round of NCAA Tournament

The No. 10-seed Colorado Buffaloes (22-12) fell to the No. 7-seed Illinois Fighting Illini (22-11) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, 66-57, ending their season.Colorado stayed within striking distance, but Illinois matched each score, preventing much momentum from building. Colorado led for parts of the first quarter, but didn’t after that frame, lacking an extra offensive gear.Even though Illinois was out-rebounded, it had more second-chance points than the Buffs, an area t...

Sko Buffs Sports • 19th March 2026

Career performances power Buffs to win over UConn

A well-rounded performance saw two players reach new career highs in points and goals as the Colorado Buffaloes (6-2) defeated the UConn Huskies (3-5) 11-5 on Wednesday.Senior midfielder Lily Assini tied her career-high in goals and points, scoring four while adding two assists for the Buffs.Junior attackers Jamie Hill and Teagan Ryan both added two more for the Buffs in the 11-goal performance.Sophomore goalkeeper Elena Oh made nine saves on 14 shots, the sixth time this season the Buffs have l...

Sko Buffs Sports • 12th March 2026

Too Close to Close It Out: The Buffs’ late-game management

This season, the Colorado Buffaloes have had five games decided by one possession and nine where the score was within six points. CU has won just three of them. In four of those games, the Buffs had the ball with under five seconds with a chance to tie or win the game, but they’re only 2-2 in those games. Head coach JR Payne has rolled out similar lineups in each instance, with Masogayo seeing the court in all four contests. The Buffs have leaned on her length and ability to draw contact in late...

Sko Buffs Sports • 9th March 2026

Colorado drops nail-biter to No. 9 Michigan

Turns out momentum goes both ways. After shutting out Michigan in the third quarter to capture the lead, the Buffs suffered the same fate, spelling their demise in a top-15 matchup.Senior attacker Maddie Shoup had her fifth multi-goal game of the season with two and added an assist.Michigan midfielder Ava Class found the scoresheet first, but Kennedy got a great feed from Shoup for an emphatic goal to tie the game at 1-1.Things stayed quiet for large parts of the first quarter before senior atta...

Sko Buffs Sports • 8th March 2026

Colorado gets game stolen, falls to West Virginia in Big 12 Semifinals

Is this déjà vu? The Buffaloes had a win slip from their fingertips with under five seconds, as Jade Masogayo had a Big 12 championship opportunity stolen from under her. A heartbreaking result for the Colorado Buffaloes (22-12, 11-7 Big 12), who saw chaos in the last minute not go in their favor, falling to the 2-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers (26-6, 14-4 Big 12), 48-47.Junior guard Zyanna Walker led all scorers with 16 points, her sixth game tallying double-digit points in her last seven co...

Sko Buffs Sports • 7th March 2026

Colorado defense shines, defeats Baylor in Big 12 quarterfinals

The Colorado Buffaloes (22-10, 11-7 Big 12) all but locked up an NCAA tournament spot headed into their Big 12 quarterfinals matchup with the 3-seeded Baylor Bears (24-8, 13-5 Big 12). After an ugly win in their second round match against Kansas, the Buffs’ 62-53 win was a much smoother ride to their first Big 12 tournament semifinals appearance since 2003.Junior guard Desiree Wooten recorded her third 20-point performance of the season and was a hot hand shooting from beyond the perimeter, hitt...

Sko Buffs Sports • 7th March 2026

Does the Big 12’s new court offer a competitive advantage for teams without a bye?

In a press release, the Big 12 noted that the floor had been “vetted at the highest levels,” citing its use in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, as well as in EuroLeague professional games. It said that the court will “[enable] real-time branding, in-game activations, and data-driven visuals that seamlessly adapt across basketball and other sports without compromising performance, durability, or student-athlete safety.”On Wednesday, the 3-point and half-court lines were black, difficult to see on the...

CU Independent • 6th March 2026

Colorado bounces back on the road, defeats Army

After their comeback attempt fell short against Stony Brook, the No. 15 Colorado Buffaloes (4-1) struck early and struck often to cruise to a potent 13-6 win over No. 19 Army West Point (3-2) Sunday.
The Buffaloes won more ground balls, had more draw controls, forced more turnovers and took more shots en route to their win.
Junior attacker Jaimey Hill tied her career-high three goals in her second career hat trick.
Senior midfielder Lily Assini guided two balls to the back of the net while distr...

Sko Buffs Sports • 6th March 2026

Colorado fends off Jayhawks, reaches Big 12 Quarterfinals

Five Buffs got called for fouls in the first quarter, forcing them to go to the bench early and often.Nine different Buffaloes scored points in a well-rounded effort that had Colorado get back to its identity. The Buffs outrebounded Kansas 39-25 overall, and won the offensive boards 15-10.Colorado did everything it needed defensively to stop the Jayhawks, limiting them to just 18 percent shooting. Kansas made its first 3-point attempt, but went 0-for-8 from deep over the next 35 minutes.Kansas f...

Sko Buffs Sports • 5th March 2026

Colorado takes on Kansas to begin Big 12 tournament

Kansas controlled the Knights for the entire game, even without its star guard, junior S’Mya Nichols, performing particularly well. Nichols shot just 17% from the field, well shy of her 41.4% season average, but still made her impact felt with a team-leading four assists.Freshman forward Jaliya Davis was there to pick up the slack in her third career double-double, recording 10 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists.The Buffs found success by limiting Kansas’s 3-point offense to just...

Sko Buffs Sports • 4th March 2026

JR Payne extends contract with Colorado through 2031

The House of Payne will stay standing, as the University of Colorado Boulder extended head coach JR Payne’s contract on Wednesday.Payne is in her 10th season as women’s basketball head coach and will remain so for at least another five years, through the 2031 season, by unanimous vote of the CU Board of Regents. Payne has led her team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in two of her last three seasons, including five consecutive 20-win seasons, a streak that is only surpassed by Ceal Barry's run of six 2...