Inaugural Soccer Ball Set for August 20

BOULDER—Head coach Danny Sanchez and the Colorado Soccer team will host the inaugural Soccer Ball as part of the Buffaloes' opening weekend festivities.

"We can't be more excited to host our Inaugural Soccer Ball," Sanchez stated. "It is going to be a fabulous night. We really are looking forward to connecting with our alumnae, supporters and the soccer community as a whole."

The dress-up or dress-down event is open to all CU supporters and will take place inside Folsom Field's Byron R White Club on August 20. Registration is $99 per person. The night will include a sit-down dinner, silent auction and a paddle raise with all proceeds directly impacting the Colorado soccer program. The night will be emceed by CU graduate and 9News anchor Kim Christiansen.

"The Alumni C-Club is excited to welcome our soccer alumnae home to kick off the 2022 season," C-Club Executive Director Kimbirly Orr exclaimed. "We designed The Soccer Ball to occur on opening weekend with hopes of welcoming back alumnae from the program's 26 years along with season ticket holders and the Colorado soccer community."

All Soccer Ball registrants will receive a ticket to Colorado's August 21 match against San Diego (1 p.m. MT) and a free beverage courtesy of the C-Club.

"Merchants and restaurants from the Boulder Community have been extremely generous to our silent auction," Orr added. "The addition of legendary Buff, Kim Christiansen, as our emcee is icing on the cake."

Colorado soccer boasts 22 alumnae who have played professionally after graduating. Of those 22, 13 have played in the NWSL. Taylor Kornieck, CU's most recent player to get drafted, was selected No. 3 overall by the Orlando Pride, becoming the highest-drafted CU athlete since Chauncey Billups in 1997 (No. 3 to the Boston Celtics). Kornieck is currently with San Diego Wave FC and in the midst of her first U.S Women's National Team call-up.

The quest for a 13th NCAA Tournament appearance kicks off for the Buffs against Weber State on August 18 (4 p.m. MT).