GopherLady
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This is the press release from UST from a few days ago, I don't think it's been posted:
HISOTRY IN THE MAKING: ST. THOMAS INSTATED AS FULL DIVISION I MEMBER
Tommie athletic teams now eligible for postseason play, including NCAA Tournaments
ST. PAUL, MINN. – The University of St. Thomas is officially a full Division I institution, as announced by the NCAA Monday evening. Following a vote by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, St. Thomas has officially completed its reclassification process, making the University a full member of the NCAA and the only NCAA member to reclassified directly from Division III to Division I. With the approval, the Tommies are now fully eligible to compete in postseason play, including NCAA tournaments and championships.
In the first four years of Division I competition, St. Thomas has excelled in multiple venues, claiming four conference championships from 2021 to 2025. The Tommies additionally saw both its men’s basketball and men’s hockey programs advance to the championship round of their respective conference tournaments, while several teams found success on and off the playing surface in the first four years of Division I competition. St. Thomas also began construction of Lee & Penny Anderson Arena, a state of the art basketball and hockey facility set to open in October 2025.
Quote from Dr. Phil Esten, St. Thomas Vice President and Director of Athletics:
This is an historic day for the University of St. Thomas and Tommie Athletics, which would not have been possible without the support of many. Over the past four years we have demonstrated a commitment to comprehensive excellence through our accomplishments in the classroom, community and competitive venues while building a Division I infrastructure that will allow for sustainable success. I’m particularly excited for our student-athletes, whose commitment to their holistic experience had an impact on both St. Thomas and paved the way for generations of Tommies to come.
While there are too many to list, I want to formally thank the NCAA Division I Board of Directors for their support of our reclassification materials, the NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee for their work over the last four years, and the NCAA staff for their counsel and support throughout the process. This was a community effort, which would not have been possible without many spending countless hours preparing the Tommies for this moment. The leadership alignment at St. Thomas, from the Board of Trustees to President Vischer to our athletics leadership and coaching staff, has allowed the Tommies to make this unprecedented transition, positioning us with tremendous momentum as we begin the 2025-26 year. The stage is set for a bright future in Tommie Athletics, and I could not be more excited about the next chapter in our journey.
Quote from President Rob Vischer, University of St. Thomas:
Earning full Division I membership is an important milestone in our university’s trajectory, and achieving it in four years under unprecedented circumstances is an incredible accomplishment made possible by the work of so many. This process required guidance from our Board of Trustees, support from leaders from every corner of the university, generous contributions from our donors, collaboration from the NCAA, and meticulous planning and execution by our Athletics Department leadership. Years of hard work has now earned the opportunity for generations of future Tommies to compete on the biggest national stages in college sports. And as we’ve said all along, this move was always about more than athletics. By enriching our students’ experience on campus, strengthening alumni engagement, and raising our national visibility, our move to Division I helps us to live out the distinctive St. Thomas mission in new and compelling ways.
Quote from Josh Fenton, Commissioner of the Summit League:
St. Thomas reaching full Division I status for the 2025-26 year is a testament to their institutional commitment, strategic vision, and strong leadership throughout the transition process. Their accelerated transition reflects the strong foundation they have built and hard work by many across the institution and athletics department. We are proud to have them as a full member and look forward to all their teams being eligible to compete at Summit League and NCAA Championships in 2025-26.
HISOTRY IN THE MAKING: ST. THOMAS INSTATED AS FULL DIVISION I MEMBER
Tommie athletic teams now eligible for postseason play, including NCAA Tournaments
ST. PAUL, MINN. – The University of St. Thomas is officially a full Division I institution, as announced by the NCAA Monday evening. Following a vote by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, St. Thomas has officially completed its reclassification process, making the University a full member of the NCAA and the only NCAA member to reclassified directly from Division III to Division I. With the approval, the Tommies are now fully eligible to compete in postseason play, including NCAA tournaments and championships.
In the first four years of Division I competition, St. Thomas has excelled in multiple venues, claiming four conference championships from 2021 to 2025. The Tommies additionally saw both its men’s basketball and men’s hockey programs advance to the championship round of their respective conference tournaments, while several teams found success on and off the playing surface in the first four years of Division I competition. St. Thomas also began construction of Lee & Penny Anderson Arena, a state of the art basketball and hockey facility set to open in October 2025.
Quote from Dr. Phil Esten, St. Thomas Vice President and Director of Athletics:
This is an historic day for the University of St. Thomas and Tommie Athletics, which would not have been possible without the support of many. Over the past four years we have demonstrated a commitment to comprehensive excellence through our accomplishments in the classroom, community and competitive venues while building a Division I infrastructure that will allow for sustainable success. I’m particularly excited for our student-athletes, whose commitment to their holistic experience had an impact on both St. Thomas and paved the way for generations of Tommies to come.
While there are too many to list, I want to formally thank the NCAA Division I Board of Directors for their support of our reclassification materials, the NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee for their work over the last four years, and the NCAA staff for their counsel and support throughout the process. This was a community effort, which would not have been possible without many spending countless hours preparing the Tommies for this moment. The leadership alignment at St. Thomas, from the Board of Trustees to President Vischer to our athletics leadership and coaching staff, has allowed the Tommies to make this unprecedented transition, positioning us with tremendous momentum as we begin the 2025-26 year. The stage is set for a bright future in Tommie Athletics, and I could not be more excited about the next chapter in our journey.
Quote from President Rob Vischer, University of St. Thomas:
Earning full Division I membership is an important milestone in our university’s trajectory, and achieving it in four years under unprecedented circumstances is an incredible accomplishment made possible by the work of so many. This process required guidance from our Board of Trustees, support from leaders from every corner of the university, generous contributions from our donors, collaboration from the NCAA, and meticulous planning and execution by our Athletics Department leadership. Years of hard work has now earned the opportunity for generations of future Tommies to compete on the biggest national stages in college sports. And as we’ve said all along, this move was always about more than athletics. By enriching our students’ experience on campus, strengthening alumni engagement, and raising our national visibility, our move to Division I helps us to live out the distinctive St. Thomas mission in new and compelling ways.
Quote from Josh Fenton, Commissioner of the Summit League:
St. Thomas reaching full Division I status for the 2025-26 year is a testament to their institutional commitment, strategic vision, and strong leadership throughout the transition process. Their accelerated transition reflects the strong foundation they have built and hard work by many across the institution and athletics department. We are proud to have them as a full member and look forward to all their teams being eligible to compete at Summit League and NCAA Championships in 2025-26.