University of St. Thomas Athletics has had an incredible year of milestone achievements and “first-ever” moments that have been recognized in both the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
UST Director of Athletics & Recreational Sports Todd Smith said achievement comes in finding prospective coaches and student-athletes that fit in with UST, the Athletic Department, and each individual program.
“Success in college athletics is all about identifying and recruiting talent that fits your team,” he said.
Nikola Barjaktarevic, UST Assistant Athletic Director, agrees that recruiting matters.
“Recruiting fuels the culture, competitiveness, and character of our athletic program,” Barjaktarevic said. “It directly shapes the success of our teams and the Athletic Department as a whole.”
See some of the highlights from UST Athletics this year.
UST Athletics Overall
UST Athletics- Came in 2nd Place for SCAC President Race
UST made school history by finishing second overall in the 2024–25 SCAC Presidents' Trophy standings – its highest-ever placement since joining the conference just six years ago. Read more.
Track & Field
Matthew Hicks Becomes First National Qualifier Matthew Hicks made UST Track & Field history by qualifying for the 2025 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, becoming the first Celt in program history to earn a spot at nationals. Read more.
Softball
UST Captures Second SCAC Softball Championship
The Celts captured the SCAC Softball Championship crown, going a perfect 3-0, over the course of three days, and qualified for the National Tournament. Read more.
Golf 
Celts Crowned SCAC Golf Champions
The UST Men's Golf team is back on top of the SCAC, capturing the 2025 championship for the second time in three seasons, and qualifying for the National Tournament. Read more.
Men’s Basketball
Celts Advance to Second Round of NCAA Tournament
Men’s Basketball had much to be proud of this year including winning the regular season championship, winning the SCAC Conference Tournament, bringing March Madness to UST by hosting the NCAA DIII regional round for the first time ever, and getting their first post-season win, going all the way to the second round of the NCAA DIII Tournament.
All-SCAC Men’s Basketball Honors, Coach of the Year Awards go to UST 
The UST Men's Basketball program earned high recognition at the SCAC honors, led by Head Coach Anthony Medina, who was named SCAC Coach of the Year for the third time in his tenure. Medina's leadership has propelled the Celts to a remarkable 23-2 record, with an impressive 15-1 mark in SCAC play. Read more.
Women’s Basketball
UST Earns Multiple All-SCAC Honors, Coach of the Year
UST Head Coach Mansa El, in just her second season at the helm, was named the SCAC Coach of the Year. Under her leadership, the Celts closed the regular season on an 11-game winning streak – the longest in program history – securing the No. 2 seed in the Blue Division heading into the SCAC Tournament. Read more.
UST Spirit 
UST Spirit Heads to Daytona Beach for NDA College Nationals
For the first time in school history, the UST Spirit Team headed to the National Dance Alliance (NDA) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, competing in the Division III Pom category. Read more.
Smith is proud of the success of UST Athletics this year, but knows that true competitors look ahead.
“Our department had a remarkable year, highlighted by a strong 2nd-place finish in the SCAC President’s Cup – a significant achievement and a testament to our collective effort,” he said. “But as we close the chapter on 2024–25, it’s time to refocus. Success in athletics doesn’t carry over; every new season demands renewed commitment and drive. In sports, there’s always another challenge, another opponent.”
Smith imparts to student-athletes that honors and recognition are meaningful, but the journey, the competition, and the relationships built along the way are what truly matter.
With this in mind, Barjaktarevic said they never lose sight of the fact that student-athletes are students first.
“They are an integral part of our academic community – contributing to our excellence,” he said. “Our coaches play a pivotal role in identifying and attracting student-athletes who are not only exceptional competitors but also align with our university’s mission and values.”
This speaks directly to the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan for Educating Students for Purpose, an initiative that nurtures the holistic development of our students, promoting their personal, academic and spiritual growth.
Barjaktarevic said the Athletics Department aims to graduate champions of life – young men and women of faith, character and integrity.
“Our ‘win the day’ attitude is about giving our best in every moment – on the field, in the classroom, and in how we live our daily lives,” he said. “When we focus on the small victories – how we study, train, eat, sleep and support one another – we cultivate the right culture. And where culture leads, success naturally follows.”
Visit UST Athletics for more information, photos and student-athlete news.