PUEBLO, Colo. Colorado State University Pueblo Vice President for Athletics and Strategic Partnerships
Dr. Paul Plinske announced that
Bianca Duran has accepted a new head coaching position in another conference and will step down as head coach of the CSU Pueblo softball program after five seasons leading the ThunderWolves.
A Westminster, Colorado native, Duran leaves Pueblo after guiding the program through one of the most successful stretches in recent history. She compiled a 131-133 overall record, including a 113-101 mark in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play, while leading the ThunderWolves to three consecutive RMAC Tournament appearances.
Her final season at the helm was one for the record books, as CSU Pueblo captured the 2026 RMAC Tournament Championship, the program's first conference tournament title since 2001, while finishing with 40 victories, a program-record 19-game winning streak, and an appearance in teh NCAA South Central Regional.
Beyond the team's success on the field, Duran helped elevate the individual accomplishments of numerous student-athletes during her tenure. She coached 16 All-RMAC selections, four All-Region honorees, and the program's first College Sports Communicators Academic All-American in McKenna James. This past season, James also earned RMAC Pitcher of the Year after leading the conference in the circle.
Among the standout players developed during Duran's tenure were All-American Caitlyn Cole, James, Gold Glove winners Madelyn Huerta and Raelynn Rogers, along with All-Conference performers Darleen Falcon, Emma Case, Taylor Brower and Delaney Barela.
"Congratulations to Coach Duran on this outstanding opportunity in a new and very challenging league," said Plinske. "Watching her grow as a coach and build our softball program into a conference and regional contender has been a pleasure. It has been especially rewarding to see her lead with integrity by being mindful of her budget while consistently recruiting high-caliber student-athletes who excel in the classroom and represent our university with character.
"This past season was truly magical for CSU Pueblo Softball, and we hope that success continues for Bianca in her next opportunity. We wish her nothing but the very best as she begins this new chapter.
"As we move forward, CSU Pueblo is committed to building on our current success as we search for the next head coach, someone who can sustain our tradition of academic and athletic excellence while continuing to do things the right way, both on and off the field."
Duran expressed her appreciation for the university, the department and everyone who helped make her time in Pueblo memorable.
"I am incredibly grateful for my time at CSU Pueblo and for the opportunity to be part of such a special place," Duran said. "I want to thank our student-athletes, coaching staff, administration, fellow coaches and everyone who supported our program throughout my time here. While this opportunity allows me to take the next step in my coaching career, I will always be thankful for the relationships, memories and experiences I gained at CSU Pueblo. I wish the Pack nothing but the best and continued success in the years ahead."
The CSU Pueblo Department of Athletics thanks Coach Duran for her leadership, dedication and commitment to the ThunderWolves softball program and wishes her continued success in the next chapter of her coaching career.
A national search for the next head coach of the CSU Pueblo softball program will begin immediately.
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