COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 22, 2026) - The Colorado State University Pueblo softball team was picked to finish in fifth place according to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced Thursday by league officials.

In her fifth season at the helm, CSU Pueblo Head Coach Bianca Duran and the ThunderWolves begin the season at the CUI Kickoff Classic from January 30-February 1 in Irvine, California and hosted by UC Irvine. 

Two Pack players were named to the 2026 Preseason All-Conference team including All-American Caitlyn Cole (Sr., Merced, Calif.) and Madelyn Huerta (Sr., Azusa, Calif.). Both players earned all-conference honors in 2025 and Huerta secured her third gold glove at shortstop for the ThunderWolves.

Colorado Christian was picked to finish first and earned seven first-place votes and 117 total points. Colorado Mesa was picked second (109 points), including three first-place nods, followed by MSU Denver (102 pts) and two first place votes.

UCCS was picked fourth with 87 total points, followed by the ThunderWolves (75 points) and Colorado School of Mines (68 pts) represent the top half of the league.

Black Hills State (64), Regis (57), New Mexico Highlands (35), Fort Lewis (32), Chadron State (30) and Adams State (16) rounds out the poll.
 
CSU Pueblo opens the home portion of their schedule and along with UCCS, will host the Southern Colorado Classic from Feb. 6-8 on both campuses. The ThunderWolves are scheduled to face Texas A&M-Kingsville, Minnesota-Crookston, and Pittsburg State over the three day event.