This is the fifth of seven articles highlighting the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees, and today's fifth article features former Pack women's basketball player (2007-11)

When Rachel Espinoza, one of the newest inductees into the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame, thinks back to her days at the school, her thoughts are about "building trust and relationships with my teammates on and off the court and helping each other succeed."

And the Pueblo Central High graduate also had great memories in the classroom, where the Mass Communication major "enjoyed Mr. (Sam) Ebersole's classes because he made us really think and gave us room to use our imaginations and not limit ourselves."

Espinoza will join Reco Burt (men's basketball, 1993-1995), Bryan Hawkins (wrestling, 1983-1985), Marcelo Lagüera (men's cross country, track & field, 2015-2020), Molly Rohrer (women's basketball, 2015-2018), and Andrea Tuck (women's track & field, 2012-2017) as the newest inductees into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame at the Occhiato Student Center on October 10.

Also being inducted that evening at the Occhiato Student Center Ballroom on the CSU Pueblo campus will be contributor Jim Brooks (radio broadcaster, 1987-1991, 2010-present), who also played golf at the school in the 1980s, where he was on the school's 1981 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championship team.  

"I'm excited to return to Pueblo and am very honored to be inducted," said Espinoza, who initially entered the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 when she and her teammates were inducted as a group. "It's always great to come home, and when home is where you played in college, it's always special.

In four seasons (2007-2011) with the ThunderWolves, where she had an injury-plagued junior campaign, Espinoza averaged 12.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.   

Espinoza shot 48 percent from the field, 35 percent from behind the arc, and a CSUP career record 83 percent from the free throw line.  She ranks fifth all-time in Pack scoring, and third in assists and steals.  As a freshman (2008), she made the postseason all-tourney team and was the event's most valuable player as a sophomore (2009).

During her career, the Pack posted an 80-41 record, with three RMAC post-season titles and advancing to three NCAA appearances.  Espinoza led the Pack in scoring her last three seasons and was an All-RMAC selection. She also served as a Pack assistant while finishing her degree.

After being her team's top player during her Central career, where she led the state in scoring as a junior and senior, Espinoza said, "It was an easy decision to stay home.  I had the opportunity to meet the coaches and meet my future teammates. Everything felt right.  And, it was special for me to have my grandma in the stands at every home game."

Espinoza credits her high school coach (Zach Odell) for "encouraging me to play to my potential and helping me through the process of college recruiting.  Coach (Kip) Drown and Coach (Leslie) Haywood supported me and made sure I was set up for success on and off the court.  All my teammates played a special role in my college experience."

An onboarding coordinator for Guideline since June 2024, Espinmoza supports and guides customers through the implementation of a new Guideline 401(k) and educates them on the retirement platform.

"I'm sitting on the sidelines these days, being the biggest cheerleader for my nieces and whichever sport/event they are involved in," added Espinoza, who served as a Pack assistant coach for a year after completing her eligibility.  "I got married in July 2022 in Fraser to my wife, Kristin.  We have two dogs, Benny and Jet."

Espinosa and Rohrer now join Tuileisu Anderson (2024, 2014-2018), Ann DeBoe (2020, 1978-1982), Lisa (Knafelc) Osleson (2017, 1977-1981), Sherry Vallejos (2011, 1988-92) and Shelly Watts (2023, 1985-1988) as women's basketball players in the CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame.

Other women in Hall of Fame with basketball ties are Nadia Fercha (2009, 2000-2004, soccer), Fran Price (2024, 1967-1969, softball), Suzanne Gonzales (2013, 1986-1989, volleyball), Deborah Hunter (2023, 1985-1987, volleyball), Reji Pollard (2022, 1986-1990, volleyball), Ruth Shelton (2024, 1967-1969, volleyball), and Sue (Northrup) Trahern (2015, 1979-1980, volleyball).

Headlining the women's inductees is long-time coach and administrator Jessie Banks, who was part of the inaugural CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2008.