St. Thomas clears final hurdle, becoming full NCAA Division I member

The Tommies are now fully eligible to compete in postseason play, including NCAA tournaments and championships.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
June 23, 2025 at 10:00PM
St. Thomas has been part of Division I sports since 2021. (Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

St. Thomas, which has been a provisional member of NCAA Division I since leaving the MIAC and Division III in 2021, was officially approved as a Division I member on Monday.

The NCAA announced that the NCAA Division I Board of Directors had voted to confirm St. Thomas’ reclassification process was completed – making the Tommies the first Division I member to be reclassified directly from DIII to DI.

In a statement released by St. Thomas, St. Thomas Director of Athletics Phil Esten said, “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.”

In four years as a provisional member of DI, the Tommies have claimed four Summit League conference titles. In October, the Tommies basketball and hockey teams will move into a new on-campus venue — the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena.

Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton said in a statement: “St. Thomas reaching full Division I status for the 2025-26 year is a testament to [its] institutional commitment, strategic vision, and strong leadership throughout the transition process.”

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about the writer

Joel Rippel

News Assistant

Joel Rippel writes about sports for the Star Tribune.

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