Archive Posts
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In the News: Minnesota Star Tribune Names Phil Esten Sportsperson of the Year
AthleticsPhil Esten, vice president and director of athletics at the University of St. Thomas, has been named the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Sportsperson of the Year in recognition of his leadership during the university’s transition to Division I athletics and its growing impact on the state’s sports landscape. From the article:The Gophers opened their new on-campus…
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Cheryl Reeve on the Business of Leading and the Art of Disagreement
AthleticsThe Minnesota Lynx’s champion coach and team executive discussed the rise of women’s basketball and navigating divides at a Finding Forward talk at the University of St. Thomas. The rise in popularity of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been a major storyline the last few years in professional sports. Greater media visibility, increased… -
St. Thomas Names Gretta Macdonald as Head Coach of Women's Soccer
AthleticsGretta Macdonald will serve as the next head coach of the University of St. Thomas women’s soccer program, Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Phil Esten announced on Dec. 17. Macdonald, who spent 12 seasons as the head coach at St. Cloud State University, will be the fifth coach in program history at St.… -
In the News: St. Thomas Volleyball Begins Its Postseason Run
AthleticsSt. Thomas volleyball’s first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance generated broad local coverage as the Tommies prepare for postseason play. FOX 9, the Pioneer Press, the Minnesota Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio and ESPN highlighted the team’s matchup, key players and the program’s milestone moment. From FOX 9: What we know:St. Thomas (21-9) earned an automatic… -
Sights and Sounds: Tommie Volleyball Celebrates Summit League Championship Win
University NewsFresh off winning their first Division I conference championship after their 3-1 win over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, Tommie Volleyball received a joyous welcome from the University of St. Thomas community and their families. Tommie Volleyball is the first St. Thomas program to earn a Division I bid to the NCAA Tournament. As they arrived back on campus, Ellie Gustafson ’27 was the first to deboard the bus, holding high the trophy emblazoned with… -
In the News: Tommie Volleyball Wins Summit Title, Punches First Division I NCAA Ticket
AthleticsSt. Thomas volleyball made history this week, winning the Summit League championship to secure the program’s first ever trip to the Division I NCAA Tournament. After defeating top-seeded South Dakota State in a hard-fought four-set match, the Tommies celebrated a milestone nearly five years in the making as they completed their transition to full Division… -
In the News: Thanh Pham on Leading St. Thomas Volleyball Into a New Division I Era
AthleticsThanh Pham, head volleyball coach at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about his remarkable journey from refugee infant to longtime Tommies coach and how he has built the program into a Summit League contender. Pham reflected on his path from Augsburg assistant to national champion at St. Thomas and discussed… -
Leadership and Grit: A Tale of Two Defensive Backs
AthleticsWhen Branden Smith thinks back to the lessons he learned playing football at the University of St. Thomas, the fifth-year cornerback recalls a series of injuries that caused him to miss playing time. “Injuries hurt — not just physically but mentally,” he said. “But they teach you to be better than you were before. You… -
Believing in the Process: How Coach Thanh Pham Elevates Tommie Volleyball
AthleticsWhether Thanh Pham is cracking “6-7” jokes with setter Morgan Kealy ’27 or motivating his team in between sets, the 23-year St. Thomas volleyball head coach is notorious for keeping an even keel demeanor on and off the court. “He’s definitely one of the most unique coaches I’ve ever had,” right side hitter Tezra Rudzitis… -
In the News: Glenn Caruso on St. Thomas Preparing for No. 1 NDSU
In the NewsGlenn Caruso, head football coach at the University of St. Thomas, spoke with KSTP about the Tommies’ season finale at No. 1 North Dakota State and what the matchup means for the program.