PUEBLO, Colo. (November 2, 2026) – Colorado State University Pueblo has announced that ThunderWolf Recreation will transition from Student Affairs to Athletics effective January 1, 2027, bringing the university's intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation programs together under a shared organizational structure designed to enhance the student experience, expand programming opportunities and strengthen engagement with the Pueblo community.
The organizational realignment will create opportunities for greater collaboration between the two departments, more efficient utilization of university facilities and the development of additional recreational, athletic and community-based programs.
Under the new organizational structure, ThunderWolf Recreation will report directly to CSU Pueblo Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Partnerships
Dr. Paul Plinske, who oversees the university's intercollegiate athletics programs. The transition is intended to build upon the existing strengths and resources of both departments while identifying new ways to serve CSU Pueblo students, student-athletes and the greater Pueblo community.
"This is an exciting opportunity for CSU Pueblo Athletics and ThunderWolf Recreation to come together and build upon the outstanding programs, facilities and resources we already have in place," Plinske said. "Both areas play an important role in the overall student experience, and by working more closely together, we can expand programming, maximize the use of our facilities and strengthen our connection with the Pueblo community.
"Our goal is to continue supporting our student-athletes at the highest level while expanding recreational and wellness opportunities for our entire student body. We also see tremendous potential to bring more people to campus through camps, clinics, tournaments and other special events. This transition is about collaboration, responsible stewardship of our resources and finding innovative ways to grow and better serve our students and community."
One of the primary goals of the transition is to expand the university's athletic and recreational offerings through increased collaboration between the two departments. CSU Pueblo will explore opportunities to develop additional youth camps, instructional clinics, recreational tournaments and community events that take advantage of the university's existing facilities, experienced staff and coaches, and established relationships throughout Pueblo and Southern Colorado.
The university also plans to examine opportunities to increase facility utilization during the summer months and other periods when campus facilities may be underused. By coordinating programming and scheduling between Athletics and ThunderWolf Recreation, CSU Pueblo hopes to create additional opportunities for students and community members to participate in recreational and athletic activities on campus.
In addition to expanding programming, the realignment will provide opportunities for greater operational collaboration and more strategic use of existing resources. The university views the transition as part of its broader commitment to financial sustainability, responsible resource management and identifying opportunities for future growth and additional revenue generation.
While the two departments will operate under a shared organizational structure, each will maintain its distinct mission and responsibilities.
CSU Pueblo Athletics will continue to focus on intercollegiate athletic competition, the development and success of its student-athletes, and representing the university through its 19-sport NCAA Division II athletic program.
ThunderWolf Recreation will continue to provide recreational and wellness opportunities for the broader CSU Pueblo student body, including club sports, intramural sports, outdoor pursuits and other recreational programming designed to promote student engagement, health and well-being.
Additionally, student fees designated for campus recreation will continue to support their intended purposes, ensuring that recreational programs and services remain focused on meeting the needs of CSU Pueblo students.
The transition also provides an opportunity to strengthen the university's connection with the Pueblo community by exploring new partnerships, increasing access to campus facilities through organized programming and developing additional events that bring students, families and community members to CSU Pueblo.
As the January 1 transition approaches, staff members from Athletics and ThunderWolf Recreation will work collaboratively to review existing programs, evaluate facility usage and identify opportunities for expanded programming and operational efficiencies. The knowledge and experience of employees in both departments will play an important role in shaping the new organizational structure and identifying opportunities for future growth.
The realignment reflects CSU Pueblo's continued commitment to enhancing the student experience, strengthening relationships throughout Pueblo and Southern Colorado, and maximizing the impact of its athletic and recreational facilities, programs and resources.
