The excitement and momentum is mounting as the University of St. Thomas Celts continue to build a tradition of excellence in athletics.

In 2007, The UST Women’s Volleyball team finished their second season ranked 10th in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Region Six ratings. In their inaugural season the Celts Men’s Soccer Team got off to a great start winning their first two matches of the season and finished with a final record of six wins, nine losses, and one tie.

Significant wins during the season included the season opener vs. Our Lady of the Lake University with a score line of 1-0. At a hostile away environment UST defeated UT-Brownsville, the eventual Red River Conference Champions, with a final score of 3-2. Men’s basketball is on the horizon, with plans to recruit a team which will take the court for the first time in 2009-2010 school year.

Todd Smith, newly hired athletic director and men’s basketball coach said, “Now with two years of our volleyball program underway, and one season of soccer, the University is taking steps to build a more comprehensive athletic program.”

UST President Dr. Robert Ivany welcomed Smith to the University and applauded his sense of athletic direction and leadership. “We are very pleased to have Todd Smith join our St. Thomas community,” Dr. Ivany said. “He understands our commitment to the student-athlete model and to winning with integrity. We look forward to a growth of spirit and pride in our intercollegiate athletic program under his leadership.’