Pueblo, Colo. – The Colorado State University Pueblo Volleyball squad is back, and kicks off their 2025 campaign this weekend down in Texas, with many familiar faces, along with plenty of new faces joining the Pack.
A. Head Coach Jordan Bruere: Home at Last
Jordan Bruere returns to her alma mater, named head coach on March 16, 2025. Her legacy as a player at CSU Pueblo (2012–15) and her impressive rebuild at Western Colorado—lifting a struggling team into RMAC postseason contention—bring high hopes to the program. Bruere is known for fast improvement and an emphasis on discipline, culture, and player development.
B. Chinaru Inoue: Defensive Anchor & Transfer Standout
Chinaru Inoue, a junior libero from Tenri, Japan, now plays a pivotal role for the ThunderWolves. She followed Bruere from Western Colorado and immediately stamped her impact:
- Earned 2025 Preseason All-RMAC Team honors as the team's lone representative. Coaches across the RMAC recognized Inoue's defensive prowess heading into the fall season.
- Inoue was also an Honorable Mention All-RMAC selection after a standout 2024 season at Western Colorado, ranking 6th in the conference with 474 digs, averaging 4.51 digs per set over 28 matches and 105 sets. She tallied double-digit digs in 25 matches, including back-to-back 30+ dig performances, peaking at 36 digs in a single match.
- Prior to that, at the College of Southern Idaho, she played 37 matches and recorded 595 digs, 49 aces, and 124 assists, demonstrating excellent consistency and versatility.
In short, Bruere welcomes a battle-tested defensive specialist who brings both production and collegiate experience to her rebuilding squad.
C. Team Outlook: Poised for Defensive Resurgence
The 2024 season ended with a respectable 16-11 overall record and 9-5 in RMAC play, earning a tournament berth. Now infused with a strong defensive leader in Inoue, the team can expect:
- Elevated floor coverage and back-row stability
- Improved serve-receive efficiency
- A strong presence in high-pressure matches—especially those pivoting on defense
Inoue's familiarity with Bruere's system further smooths the transition and contributes to immediate cohesion.
D. Returning Core & New Blood
The returning athletes include:
These seasoned players, paired with 12 newcomers, offer a great mix of leadership and fresh potential.
Pueblo Pride: Spotlight on Local Talent
Two members of the 2025 roster hail from Pueblo, Colorado—bringing hometown heart and regional flair to the ThunderWolves roster:
1. Grace Helzer (So., Right-Side Hitter, Pueblo, Colo. – Pueblo East)
- A sophomore right-side (RS) hitter who came to CSU Pueblo via Western Colorado.
- Listed at 5'11", Helzer blends versatility with rising experience as she settles into her role at the collegiate level. Her background at Pueblo East underscores her local roots and connection to the community.
2. Kacee Garcia (Jr., Libero, Pueblo West, Colo. – Pueblo West)
- A junior setter, standing 5'6", who also previously played at Western Colorado.
- As the team's on-court conductor, Garcia's joining the squad brings depth and precision to Bruere's offensive system, while sharing regional ties to the Pueblo volleyball scene.
Enhanced Narrative: What This Means for the Team
Local Representation Matters
These Pueblo natives aren't just roster names—they embody the local talent pipeline powering CSU Pueblo Volleyball. Their journeys from Pueblo East and Pueblo West high schools reflect a direct connection between the university and the city's athletic community.
Leadership and Continuity at Key Positions
- Garcia, with two years under her belt, provides stability and control at setter.
- Helzer, entering her sophomore season, offers fresh energy in a hitting role and potential for breakout performance as she gains experience behind established returners.
E. Academic Exodus Continues
The team recently earned its fifth consecutive AVCA Team Academic Award, posting a stellar 3.625 GPA, plus several RMAC All-Academic and All-District honors—reflecting a culture of excellence that Bruere is known to reinforce.
F. What to Watch This Fall
- Defensive transformation led by Inoue—will she anchor a top-tier backcourt in the RMAC?
- Bruere's system in action—how quickly can she ignite the Pack into NCAA Tournament contention?
- Integration of returners and newcomers, and whether that chemistry can elevate CSU Pueblo beyond its fifth-place preseason projection.
