I think the hidden gem for Andrew is U of Utah. Right now it is club lacrosse, but it is trying to get to varsity D1 in two years (and if that were to happen, it will likely be announced soon, to start recruiting for 2020-21). If not, it will remain a club sport. There are a lot of merit scholarships available, good D1 sports, excellent skiing nearby, a Delta hub so good flights from the east coast. The school itself offers a variety of schools and majors, including a top computer gaming design program and good engineering. It also has theater and dance.
Others above have recommended U of Denver. People from the west might think it is preppy, but those from the east wouldn’t. I think DU offers a lot. It is urban, right on the light rail to get downtown or to the airport, but it is a campus with a campus feel. The sports complex is very nice with two sheets of ice, a very nice pool (very cold), the lax complex, a work out area with a climbing wall, two gyms for gymnastics and another gym for, I think, volleyball. DU doesn’t have football but some kids follow the professional Denver sports that are nearby. Skiing available 2-3 hours away, but lots of groups and rides to get there.
Colorado School of Mines is not a good fit for everyone. It is more like WPI or RIT as it is very STEM and even more specifically engineering focused. It is closer to the ski areas by about 30 minutes. It is D2, does have a football team. Club lacrosse only and not real competitive but that’s comparing them to CU and CSU clubs, that are very competitive and often win the national championship. It’s just one of those schools that if you fit, it’s perfect but if you don’t there aren’t a lot of changes you can make to your major.