A landmark decision has officially cleared the way for Minnesota’s largest private university, the University of St. Thomas, to become the first modern NCAA era program to directly reclassify from Division III to Division I of university athletics.
At its meetings today, the NCAA Division I Council passed a motion that gives St. Thomas the ability to make the unprecedented leap. With the decision, the Tommies officially accepted invitations to join the Summit League athletics conference, as well as the Pioneer Football League and the Women’s College Hockey Association (WCHA).
“Our St. Thomas community is excited to embark on this journey of building Minnesota’s first private collegiate athletics program DI and the second DI program in the state,” said Julie Sullivan, president of the University of St. Thomas. “St. Thomas has a long history of academic and athletic excellence and embraces change with an entrepreneurial spirit. This movement continues that journey.”
After their senior year at the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), the Tommies will begin competing at their new conferences in the 2021-22 academic year. A conference decision is pending for men’s hockey.
“Today, as always, I am proud to be a Tommie as we look to the future of our university,” said Dr. Phil Esten, vice president and director of athletics for St. Thomas. “I thank the leadership of the NCAA, the Summit League, the Pioneer Football League, the WCHA, and all who have supported our efforts. This decision aligns with our university’s bold vision to move forward. I am excited to compete in Division I, while ensuring the conditions for our student athletes to seek comprehensive excellence. ”
St. Thomas is a comprehensive Catholic university that provides holistic and personalized education to more than 10,000 students. Its mission is to educate students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to promote the common good. The Tommies have won 15 NCAA team championships since 1982. They also have the top five national teams in 21 different sports. Of the more than 1,000 NCAA institutions, St. Thomas is the only one to have secured at least one NCAA team championship in men’s and women’s baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball.
“St. Thomas brings the complete package: an excellent academic reputation, experienced leadership, a massive alumni network and a winning culture,” said Summit League Commissioner Tom Douple. “With his mission and status based At values like Minnesota’s largest private university, we know the Tommies will represent the Summit League well and we are proud to welcome them. “
In the past six seasons, the school’s women’s hockey program has made two national appearances in the playoff semifinals, won nine regular season or MIAC playoff titles, and ranked No. 1 nationally for the first time. in 2018-19. The Tommies have gone 19 years without a losing season and are 202-87-36 overall in the past 12 seasons.
“The addition of St. Thomas enhances the WCHA regional footprint and further diversifies our incredible league,” said Jennifer Flowers, commissioner of the WCHA Women’s League. “We look forward to expanding our Twin Cities fan base by welcoming passionate Tommie fans. The WCHA is proud to be the home of women’s hockey for the University of St. Thomas. “
St. Thomas soccer has finished second in the NCAA twice, won seven MIAC championships and had 11 Academic All-Americans in the past decade. The show has won 19 NCAA playoff games in the past 11 years and regularly graduates more than 90% of its players. For each of the past five years, the team has also been recognized as the leading fundraiser among more than 3,500 national student groups supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“The Tommies were one of the NCAA’s most successful soccer programs at any level in the past decade and they live their college mission off the field, making them an excellent institutional choice for us,” said Patty Viverito, pioneer commissioner of the Football League. “We are delighted to expand to the Twin Cities, and proud to welcome a program with a history of graduating players, winning conference titles and playoff games, and serving their community.”
Read frequently asked questions about today’s announcement.
