PUEBLO, Colo. (Jan. 20, 2026) – Colorado State University Pueblo men's soccer head coach Nick Blackwell has announced his decision to step down from his position, Vice President for Athletics and Strategic Partnerships Paul Plinske announced on Monday.

Blackwell concludes his tenure with the ThunderWolves after six seasons with the program, including five as an assistant coach before taking over as head coach prior to the 2025 season.

In his lone season at the helm, Blackwell led CSU Pueblo to a strong 9-3-7 overall record and a 5-2-3 mark in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play, guiding the ThunderWolves to continued success within one of Division II's most competitive leagues.

"I cannot thank Oliver Twelvetrees, Dr. Plinske, the CSU Pueblo athletic administration, our campus community, our alumni, the amazing city of Pueblo, and all of the student-athletes I've been able to work with over the past six seasons," Blackwell said. "I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and believing in me. I have loved every moment of my time here and the program is poised to continue to compete at the highest levels of NCAA Division II. I am so grateful and humbled to be a part of this program's history but most important, I am most grateful for the student-athletes and people I have gotten to work with over my time here."

Blackwell added, "CSU Pueblo is a special place, I will cherish forever the special moment's we've created and I will always be a supporter of the Pack! I cannot thank CSU Pueblo enough for everything it has provided for me and changed my life for the better. I wish the next head coach nothing but the best and excited to see them continue the tradition of excellence that has been established here!"

During Blackwell's six seasons on staff, the ThunderWolves compiled an impressive 83-24-19 overall record and went 34-11-11 in RMAC competition, including three consecutive trips to the National Semifinals and back-to-back appearances in the championship, establishing themselves as one of the conference's premier programs.

Beyond the win column, CSU Pueblo student-athletes earned significant recognition on both the regional and national stage during Blackwell's tenure. The program produced 11 All-Americans, two RMAC Offensive Players of the Year, four RMAC Defensive Players of the Year, and one RMAC Freshman of the Year. A total of 35 All-RMAC selections and 26 All-Region honors were also earned by ThunderWolves players.

In 2024, then-head coach Oliver Twelvetrees was named RMAC Coach of the Year and his staff earned United Soccer Coaches Regional Staff of the Year, a further reflection of the foundation and continuity of success Blackwell helped maintain within the program.

"Nick Blackwell's growth and leadership have been instrumental in elevating our men's soccer program," said Plinske. "From his early days as a part-time assistant to a full-time role, and ultimately stepping in as head coach following Oliver Twelvetrees, Nick has helped raise our program to national prominence. He leaves Pack men's soccer in an outstanding position, with a strong foundation and clear direction."

"While we will certainly miss his leadership, we are proud of him for receiving this opportunity at the University of Louisville—his home and Alma mater—and wish him nothing but continued success. Our focus now turns to sustaining the momentum of the program and thoughtfully planning its next chapter."

Assistant Coach Mariano Fazio will serve as interim head coach this spring.