University of St. Thomas Athletics
Our Commitment
Our University's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rooted in our Catholic identity at St. Thomas. Archbishop John Ireland founded the University of St. Thomas for immigrants who weren't welcomed elsewhere. Our convictions call us to protect and enhance the dignity of every human and to work for a more just and equitable society. We strive to be a university characterized by radical hospitality and are steadfast in our commitment to embedding a shared sense of belonging where all feel welcomed.
Shed A Little Light
The St. Thomas department of intercollegiate athletics is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. As such, Tommie athletics has set about making positive and lasting change. Student-athletes, coaches, and staff have engaged in meaningful conversation together, listened to other perspectives, volunteered in our community, and begun to build a framework that will leave a lasting impact on the department and the institution.
As a part of this framework, Tommie athletics has formed two key groups to lead the department's efforts to combat social injustice. The Athletics Alliance 4 Change is comprised of athletics coaches and staff who are instrumental in building a sustainable structure to bring about change. The committee is grounded in four key pillars: Education, Exposure, Empathy, and Equity and will work to promote awareness and use these four pillars to create a move diverse, equitable and inclusive community. The SAAC Racial Justice Workgroup is populated by Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members who represent the student-athlete voice on the topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This group sets the foundation for student-athlete participation and engagement.
Together, the AA4C and the SAAC Racial Justice Workgroup have worked to engage staff and student-athletes, as well as developed a new initiative to promote positive change: Shed A Little Light. The Shed A Little Light initiative encourages all to do their part in making positive change. Inspired by the James Taylor song "Shed A Little Light," it recognizes that we are all human beings bound together on this earth by ties of hope and love.
Learn more about the Shed A Little Light initiative by visiting this link or watch the video below.
St. Thomas Athletics Affinity Groups
International Student-Athlete and Allies Affinity Group
Advisors: Brian Matthews and Allison Berg
Black Student-Athlete and Allies Affinity Group
Advisors: Keturah Cox and Jaren Nickleson
LGBTQIA+ and Allies Affinity Group
Advisor: Jen Trotter
Affinity groups are open to all Student-Athletes without regard to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or other protected characteristic.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
On February 2, 2022, Tommie Sports celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day, as well as the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX, with a program hosted by US Olympian and National Champion, Carrie Tollefson. In addition to several speakers sharing their unique stories about empowerment, personal and professional development, Fran Egan, Sr. Tommie Volleyball Player, shared how her experience at the University of St. Thomas has impacted her life and shaped her future. Read the story of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
NCAA Inclusion
As a core value, the NCAA believes in and is committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion improve the learning environment for all student-athletes and enhance excellence within the Association.
- NCAA Inclusion Statement
- NCAA Inclusion Home
- NCAA Inclusion Statement
- NCAA Inclusion Home
Land Acknowledgement
The following statement has been developed to not only recognize how past actions of colonialism in the United States have been central to the marginalization of indigenous peoples, particularly in Minnesota, but also how the University of St. Thomas can frame its mission priorities in developing an environment of moral leadership in the education of our students. In addition, the statement can direct the university in its actions to rectify the injustices of the past and present against Indigenous peoples.
- University of St. Thomas Land Acknowledgement
- Other University Resources
- Supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
- Office of International Students and Scholars
- Supporting our LGBTQIA+ Community
- Disability Resources
- Resources for Undocumented Students
- Veterans Resources
- Luann Dummer Center for Women
- Education Playbooks
- University of St. Thomas Land Acknowledgement
- Other University Resources
- Supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
- Office of International Students and Scholars
- Supporting our LGBTQIA+ Community
- Disability Resources
- Resources for Undocumented Students
- Veterans Resources
- Luann Dummer Center for Women
- Education Playbooks
