Athletics
During the 1950s and '60s, when racial segregation was the norm, the CU Athletic Department delivered its message—making it clear that civil rights would not be denied to young men who had eaten, trained, sweated and bled together.
Explore the many ways Buffs pride has taken shape over the past 150 years, from iconic sports moments to the shared traditions that continue to define what it means to be a Buff—from the founding era to today.
In 1905, CU women's field hockey made history as the first women's team to play at CU's Gamble Field. The student-run Women's Athletic Association organized the team as part of its efforts to cultivate more competitive women's sports on campus.
With a final score of 10–9 on May 8, the Colorado Buffaloes overcame a two-goal deficit and withstood a wild fourth quarter to edge the Jacksonville Dolphins and earn an NCAA Tournament first-round victory.
The University of Colorado Athletic Department's signature sustainability program, Ralphie's Green Stampede, continues to achieve national recognition, earning 2025 GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge honors from the National Wildlife Federation.
Three athletes with ties to CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï competed on the world's biggest stage at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, highlighted by Brett Bolton helping Team USA capture its fifth-straight gold medal in para ice hockey.
The Colorado women's basketball team was awarded one of the 37 at-large berths into the 2026 NCAA tournament, the selection committee announced on March 15.
The Colorado Buffaloes ski team saw the 2026 NCAA championships come down to the final lap of the final race, taking second place.
With the Olympic Winter Games complete, attention is now on the Paralympic Winter Games through March 15, where several athletes with ties to CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï are competing.
CU has extended Payne's contract through the 2031 season, Director of Athletics Fernando Lovo announced after unanimous vote by the Board of Regents.