Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould attended Colorado State University’s pep rally last weekend, where she witnessed a program‑record crowd fill Canvas Stadium during Border War weekend, underscoring the excitement surrounding the school’s entry into the conference.
Strategic Vision for Year One
Gould highlighted the university’s elite academic standing and the strong institutional leadership provided by President Amy Parsons and Athletic Director John Weber, arguing that these qualities will help the Pac-12 elevate its overall brand while pursuing its primary athletic ambitions.
The commissioner noted CSU’s decades‑long volleyball tradition and the fervent community passion that she believes matches the conference’s goal of enhancing its marketability and competitive depth.
Personal ties also informed Gould’s perspective; she revealed family connections to the region and prior experience working in Colorado, which she says gives her a nuanced understanding of the university’s culture and potential impact.
Looking ahead, Gould outlined the Pac-12’s Year 1 targets: capturing a conference championship and securing a berth in the College Football Playoff, metrics she says will be measured by stadium attendance, fan engagement and national television viewership.
By prioritizing wins, attendance and viewership, the conference positions itself as a top‑five league, focusing on tangible performance indicators rather than external labels of conference power.