*Editor’s Note: A new head coach has already been selected as of publication. This article–from a series featuring junior guest writers from the MAE 220 Professional Media Writing class–was written prior to that hiring and has been sparingly updated to reflect that. The new head coach is Thomás Pazo Tourinho.
Blackwell’s Departure
Nick Blackwell, CSU Pueblo men’s soccer head coach, has stepped down after one season leading the program. As the Thunderwolves aim to maintain their recent momentum, this prompted an international search for his successor.
Blackwell spent five seasons as an assistant under former head coach Oliver Twelvetrees, before leading the program himself. Athletic department officials say that his transition to head coach reflected the growing reputation of CSU Pueblo soccer.
“I’d say it had a positive impact,” said Andres Madrid, assistant sports information director. “When Oliver left, Nick stepped in nicely. He was able to keep a lot of his guys that were eligible to stay in Pueblo and have a successful season in 2025 in his first year.”
Before becoming head coach, Blackwell helped guide the Thunderwolves to back-to-back championship game appearances and three consecutive Final Four trips. His work in recruiting and player development helped shape the program’s competitive identity.
“He was involved in recruiting and doing all the things that make a program successful,” said Ben Greenberg, director of sports communications. “He recruited a lot of the players and took over as head coach this past offseason. He did a pretty good job, enough to earn a Division I opportunity.”
Blackwell is moving on to Louisville, which competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference, widely considered one of the top conferences in college soccer.
Jenna Fall, associate athletics director, said the move highlights the strength of the program.
“It proves that we’ve been good for a while now,” Fall said, “Oliver moved on to a Division I opportunity, and now Nick moves on to Louisville. It proves that we have hired good coaches and that we can continue the success.”
The university launched an extensive search for its next head coach. According to Madrid, more than 40 applicants across the country and internationally expressed interest in the position.
“It’s a highly sought-out job,” Madrid said, “They see how up-and-coming the program has been over the last five to seven years, with championship runs, and we have a nice facility. The RMAC is competitive year in and year out, which draws interest from coaches everywhere.”
Fall said the department followed a structured hiring process once notified of a coaching change.
“We write up a job description, it goes through the approval process around campus, and then it goes through a job search,” Fall said, “We review all the candidates and move them through the process in that way.”
Athletic administrators also prioritized player involvement to ensure roster stability and maintain recruiting momentum, particularly with a roster that includes several international student-athletes.
“We asked some of the team leaders to be involved,” Fall said, “Five players have been part of the interview process. They’ll get to meet the candidates and sit down with them.”
Madrid added that student input has been valued throughout the transition.
Looking Forward: Thomás Pazo Tourinho
Greenberg said the next coach they selected will need to connect with players while reinforcing discipline and program values. We now know that is Thomás Pazo Tourinho.
“To understand and be relatable to student-athletes,” Greenberg said. “We have a lot of international kids, so being able to communicate and connect is important. Discipline is also key, along with continuing to build on what CSU Pueblo is known for a premier Division II soccer program in the RMAC.”
While another coaching change presents challenges, administrators expressed confidence that the foundation built in recent years will keep the Thunderwolves competitive.
