PUEBLO, Colo. – After missing out on the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Tournament a season ago, the Colorado State University Pueblo women's basketball team enters the 2026–27 campaign with renewed expectations, an experienced group of returners and an impressive collection of newcomers as eighth-year head coach Tommie Johnson looks to guide the ThunderWolves back into conference contention.

The ThunderWolves finished the 2025–26 season with a 13–15 overall record and a 9–11 mark in RMAC play, missing the conference tournament for the first time since 2021. Despite the disappointing finish, Johnson believes his retooled roster has the pieces necessary to not only return to postseason play but also establish itself among the conference's top programs.

"I think we got enough pieces to jump right back into contention, not just to make the RMAC playoffs, but to be a force in the RMAC," Johnson said. "I think this group has come back with a different hunger. They've got something to prove. We all do."

CSU Pueblo was picked seventh in the 2026–27 RMAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, earning 129 points and one third-place vote. Colorado Mesa topped the poll with 192 points, followed by MSU Denver (166), UCCS (157), Black Hills State (155), Fort Lewis (143) and Mines (133).

That renewed optimism comes following an offseason in which the ThunderWolves added several experienced transfers, including multiple players with NCAA Division I backgrounds, while retaining a core of six players who saw action for the Pack last season.

Replacing Key Production with Experienced Newcomers
One of the biggest challenges facing the ThunderWolves entering the new season will be replacing the production and leadership of guard Seneya Martinez, guard Genesis Sweetwine and guard Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck, three key contributors who helped anchor CSU Pueblo's lineup last season, but have each graduated.

Martinez, a First Team All-RMAC selection, led the ThunderWolves in scoring at 14.7 points per game, finishing with 412 points, 59 three-pointers and a team-high 58 steals. Sweetwine averaged 9.9 points per game while leading the team with 127 assists and starting all 28 games. Sweeney-Spitzeck added 7.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest, shooting a team-best 90.5 percent from the free-throw line.

Combined, the trio accounted for 900 of CSU Pueblo's 1,776 points last season, representing just over 50 percent of the team's offensive production.

To help replace that production, Johnson turned to the transfer portal and landed one of the conference's most accomplished returning scorers in senior forward Kate Gallery (Pueblo, Colo./Regis).
A native of Pueblo, Colo., and graduate of Pueblo West High School, Gallery returns to her hometown after spending time at both Fort Lewis College and Regis University. Last season at Regis, Gallery averaged 17.7 points per game, ranking seventh in the RMAC, and earned Second Team All-RMAC recognition. She was also selected to the 2026–27 Preseason All-RMAC Team.
Gallery's arrival provides the ThunderWolves with an established offensive weapon capable of scoring from multiple areas of the floor. Although known for her scoring ability, Johnson has been particularly impressed with her versatility throughout preseason preparations.

The 6-foot-1 forward has demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions, operate on the perimeter, handle the basketball in pick-and-roll situations, and contribute in the post. That versatility should allow Johnson to move her around the floor and create favorable offensive matchups.

"I think she's a lot more well-rounded than I thought she was," Johnson said. "She can play guard, she can play post, she can get on the wing. She can handle the ball screen. Very versatile."
Joining Gallery among the newcomers are several players bringing experience from the NCAA Division I level.

Fifth-year guard Gabby Louther (Pueblo, Colo./UC San Diego), a fellow Pueblo West High School graduate and former high school teammate of Gallery, returns to Pueblo after spending the past four seasons at UC San Diego. The 5-foot-10 Louther adds another experienced presence to the ThunderWolves' backcourt while reuniting with Gallery in their hometown.

Senior guard Shelomi Sanders (Rockwell, Texas/Alabama A&M) joins the Pack after previously competing at Jackson State, Colorado and Alabama A&M. The 5-foot-6 Sanders adds additional Division I experience to the roster, while senior Karys Washington (Fort Smith, Ark./Wichita State University), a 5-foot-10 guard, arrives following stops at Coffeyville Community College and Wichita State.

Johnson believes the Division I experience of those newcomers has already made an impact on the program, particularly in the team's approach to preparation, accountability, and daily practice habits.
The ThunderWolves also added senior Jaz Salon (Melbourne, Australia/Eastern New Mexico), a 5-foot-3 guard who arrived in Pueblo after spending last season at Eastern New Mexico University.

Salon appeared in 28 games with nine starts for the Greyhounds, averaging 2.6 points and 1.7 assists per game while recording 47 assists, 20 steals, and 12 three-pointers. She helped Eastern New Mexico finish with a 20–11 overall record and a 15–5 mark in Lone Star Conference play.

Salon also brings a unique connection to the ThunderWolves, having spent this past summer playing alongside former CSU Pueblo standout Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The duo helped their team capture the Big V Championship, giving Salon a familiar connection to the Pack program before arriving on campus.

Salon is expected to compete for a significant role in the ThunderWolves' backcourt alongside returning redshirt freshman guard Talia Strode (Aurora, Colo./Cherokee Trail) as CSU Pueblo looks to replace the production and leadership of Sweetwine. Johnson has been particularly impressed with the defensive capabilities of both guards, who have demonstrated the ability to pressure opposing ball handlers the length of the floor and set the tone for the team's aggressive defensive approach.

Returning Core Provides Leadership and Continuity
While the additions have generated excitement surrounding the program, CSU Pueblo also returns six players who saw action last season and will be counted on to provide leadership and continuity throughout the upcoming campaign.

Among the most experienced returners is senior forward Dasani Nesbit (Billings, Mont./Gillette College), who started all 28 games last season and led the ThunderWolves in rebounding at 6.6 boards per game. Nesbit also averaged 5.6 points, dished out 75 assists, and recorded 46 steals while playing 26.4 minutes per contest.

Joining Nesbit in the frontcourt is senior Laci Roffle (Aurora, Colo./MSU Denver), who appeared in 27 games with 19 starts last season. Roffle averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while contributing 33 steals and 16 blocked shots.

Sophomore forward Jada Bobb (Aurora, Colo./Eaglecrest) also returns after an impressive freshman campaign in which she averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Bobb appeared in all 28 contests, making eight starts, and shot 47.4 percent from the field while adding 11 blocked shots.

Another key returner is senior guard/forward Anila Owens (Colorado Springs, Colo./Otero JC), who averaged 4.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 27 appearances last season. Owens provided a significant perimeter presence, connecting on 41 three-pointers, the second-most on the team behind Martinez. Owens tied a single-game school record with nine made three-pointers last season against Western New Mexico.

The ThunderWolves also junior forward Malorie Byrne (Arvada, Colo./Chadron State), who played in 15 contests and connected on six three-pointers.

Johnson has praised the returning players for embracing the newcomers and helping create an environment centered around accountability, teamwork, and pride in representing CSU Pueblo.
Rather than relying solely on individual production, the ThunderWolves will look to their experienced returners to provide stability and leadership as the team adjusts to a faster and more aggressive style of play.

Nesbit, Roffle and Bobb are expected to play important roles in CSU Pueblo's transition offense, where their ability to run the floor and finish in open space could create additional scoring opportunities.
Strode, meanwhile, is expected to take on increased responsibilities in the backcourt as one of the team's primary ball handlers and defensive leaders.

Johnson believes the returners have already demonstrated their leadership by welcoming the incoming players and ensuring the team's culture remains a priority.

Freshmen Add Youth and Potential
Along with the experienced transfers, Johnson is excited about the potential of his freshman class, particularly guard Kjani Anitielu (Kirtland, N.M./Farmington) and guard Karson Chaney (Aurora, Colo./Cherokee Trail).

Anitielu arrives in Pueblo with strong basketball connections and familiarity with the RMAC through her family, including a sister, Kilyani, who scored an RMAC single-game scoring record of 52 points against Westminster in 2025 competing at Adams State.

Despite entering her first collegiate season, Anitielu has impressed the coaching staff with her basketball intelligence, composure, and ability to contribute at multiple positions.
Johnson believes her understanding of the game has allowed her to adjust quickly to the collegiate level, while her offensive skill set and versatility could make her an important contributor as the season progresses.

"She doesn't play like a freshman," Johnson said. "She's poised, smooth. We've been able to throw different things at her and have her play different positions."

Joining Anitielu in the freshman class is Chaney, a 5-foot-8 guard, who attended the same high school as Strode.

Johnson believes the freshman duo, combined with the program's returning underclassmen, gives CSU Pueblo a promising young foundation while maintaining the experience necessary to compete immediately.

Defense, Conditioning and Tempo Highlight Preseason Preparations
A trademark of Johnson's teams throughout his tenure has been their commitment to the defensive end of the floor, and the ThunderWolves are expected to continue that identity during the upcoming campaign.

Last season, CSU Pueblo allowed just 62.8 points per game while forcing opponents into 17.5 turnovers per contest. The ThunderWolves also averaged 10.6 steals per game, demonstrating their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create additional possessions.

However, this year's group could feature a different dimension, with Johnson emphasizing full-court pressure, increased tempo and an aggressive transition attack.

Much of that approach began during the summer, when the ThunderWolves worked with CSU Pueblo Director of Track and Field Matt Morris on a conditioning program designed to prepare the team for the physical demands of the season.

According to Johnson, the results were evident when the players returned to campus, allowing the coaching staff to spend less time building conditioning and more time implementing its offensive and defensive systems.

"It's the most conditioned team I've had since I've been here, the best conditioned team, no question," Johnson said.

That improved conditioning should allow CSU Pueblo to pressure opposing ball handlers throughout the length of the floor, disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers that lead to transition opportunities.

Johnson has been particularly encouraged by the defensive capabilities of Strode and Salon, who have demonstrated the ability to apply pressure in the backcourt and force opposing offenses into uncomfortable situations.

The ThunderWolves also feature several athletic wings capable of disrupting passing lanes and making it difficult for opponents to initiate their offensive sets.

Offensively, CSU Pueblo will look to improve upon last season's average of 63.4 points per game while capitalizing on its depth and athleticism by playing at an increased pace.

The ThunderWolves have already tested those principles during preseason competition, including scrimmages against the University of Denver, Air Force, and Northeastern Junior College.

Those early opportunities have allowed Johnson and his staff to evaluate different lineups, defensive rotations and offensive combinations before the beginning of the regular season.

Challenging Nonconference Schedule Awaits ThunderWolves
As has become customary under Johnson, the ThunderWolves will face a demanding nonconference schedule featuring several opponents from the LSC, one of the strongest leagues in the NCAA Division II South Central Region.

CSU Pueblo will open its season on Friday, Nov. 13, against Lubbock Christian University at 5 p.m. MT in Lubbock, Texas, as part of the Food King Classic. The ThunderWolves will conclude the two-game tournament on Saturday, Nov. 14, against UT Tyler at 3 p.m. MT.

The Pack will then return to Pueblo for its home opener on Friday, Nov. 20, against Western New Mexico University at 5 p.m. inside Massari Arena, before hosting Chadron State College on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m.

Following its opening homestand, CSU Pueblo will travel to Canyon, Texas, for the West Texas Thanksgiving Classic, where it will face UT Permian Basin on Friday, Nov. 27, at noon MT, followed by a matchup against host West Texas A&M on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 2 p.m. MT.

The ThunderWolves will open RMAC play on Thursday, Dec. 3, when they host Fort Lewis College at 5:30 p.m., followed by another home contest against New Mexico Highlands on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m.

After a pair of conference road games at Western Colorado and Westminster, the Pack will conclude its nonconference slate with home matchups against Midwestern State on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. and St. Edward's on Saturday, Dec. 19, at noon.

Johnson believes competing against strong regional opponents provides valuable opportunities to measure his team's progress while preparing the ThunderWolves for the challenges of RMAC competition.

With regional results playing a significant role in determining NCAA Tournament selections, Johnson understands the importance of not only scheduling quality opponents but also finding ways to earn victories against them.

The veteran coach also believes the RMAC has an opportunity to continue strengthening its reputation nationally following Colorado Mesa's historic postseason run last season.

The Mavericks advanced to the NCAA Division II national semifinals where they fell 75-70 to Indiana (Pa.), providing another example of the level of success programs from the conference can achieve on the national stage.

Johnson, who has a close relationship with Colorado Mesa head coach Taylor Wagner, believes the Mavericks' success has helped motivate programs throughout the RMAC to raise their expectations.

Among the highlights of the conference schedule is a home matchup against Colorado Mesa on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 5:30 p.m. inside Massari Arena, with the contest also serving as CSU Pueblo Athletics Hall of Fame Charter Legacy Night.

The ThunderWolves will conclude their regular-season schedule with a pair of home contests against Regis University on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m. and MSU Denver on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m.

The RMAC Tournament is scheduled to begin March 2, with the conference semifinals and championship set for March 5–6, while the NCAA South Central Regional is scheduled to begin March 12.

For CSU Pueblo, the challenging schedule will serve as an important measuring stick as the ThunderWolves work toward their ultimate goal of returning to postseason competition.

Johnson Nearing Career Milestone with Expanded Coaching Staff
The 2026–27 season also presents a potential personal milestone for Johnson, who enters his eighth season at the helm of the ThunderWolves with a 96–97 career record, just four victories shy of reaching 100 career wins.

After navigating a difficult beginning to his head coaching tenure, including a COVID-19-impacted season, Johnson has steadily worked to build the program into a competitive presence within the RMAC.

Although he remains focused on the team's success rather than individual accomplishments, Johnson acknowledged the significance of reaching the century mark in career victories, particularly considering the challenges he faced during his first two seasons.

The milestone would represent not only longevity but also the continued progress of a program that has experienced both challenges and postseason success during his tenure.
Johnson will also benefit from an expanded coaching and support staff this season.

Assistant coach Taylor Proctor returns for her second season with the program, bringing extensive familiarity with the RMAC following a decorated collegiate playing career and previous coaching experience at MSU Denver.

Johnson believes his working relationship with Proctor has continued to develop, with the former RMAC standout serving as an important connection between the coaching staff and student-athletes.

The ThunderWolves have also added Mike Donnell in a general manager role, helping oversee several responsibilities away from the court, including fundraising and other administrative duties.

Additionally, assistant coaches Dakota Stupar and Maya Austin have joined the staff, providing additional support in player development, practice preparation, and the program's daily operations.

With a strengthened staff, an experienced group of transfers and a returning core committed to the program's culture, Johnson believes the ThunderWolves have put themselves in a position to take an important step forward.

After an offseason defined by renewed energy, improved conditioning and increased competition throughout the roster, CSU Pueblo now turns its attention toward translating that preparation into results.

For Johnson and the ThunderWolves, the objective is clear: return to the RMAC Tournament, compete among the conference's best and position the program for another opportunity on the national stage.