University Of St. Thomas Tommies Women's Basketball
The University of St. Thomas Tommies Women's Basketball team is one of the most successful basketball programs in the United States. With a history that spans over a century, the Tommies have won numerous championships and produced many talented players who have gone on to play professionally.
A Brief History
St. Thomas was established in 1885, and the women's basketball program was founded in 1903. The Tommies played their first game in 1904 and have been playing ever since. Over the years, the team has won 14 MIAC championships, 9 NCAA regional championships, and made 11 appearances in the Division III Final Four.
One of the most notable players to come out of the program is Hannah Spaulding, who was named the NCAA Division III Player of the Year in 2018. Other successful alums include Sarah Smith, Kaitlin Langer, and Whitney Tinjum.
The Head Coach
The current head coach of the Tommies is Ruth Sinn. She has been coaching the team since 1999 and has an impressive record of 546-100. Sinn has been named MIAC Coach of the Year 14 times and has led the team to 10 Final Four appearances since 2001.
Current Season
The current season for the Tommies has been anything but ordinary. Due to Covid-19, the team's season was postponed until January 2021. The team also had to compete without any fans or spectators in the stands. Despite the challenges, the Tommies have put together a solid season, winning their first six games and earning a #17 national ranking.
The team is led by an impressive group of seniors, including center Hannah Spaulding, forward Kaia Porter, and guard Brynne Rolland. Spaulding has been dominant, averaging 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Porter has also been a force, averaging 13.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
What's Next?
The future of the Tommies Women's Basketball program is bright. The team has a strong core of players returning next season, including guards So. Lizzy Odegard and Fr. Rachel Heussner. The team is also bringing in a talented group of freshman recruits.
Off the court, the university recently made headlines when it announced it would be moving from Division III to Division I for all of its sports programs. While this move will not take effect until the 2021-2022 season, it is an exciting development for the Tommies Women's Basketball program.
Conclusion
The University of St. Thomas Tommies Women's Basketball program has a rich history and a bright future. With a talented group of players and a successful coach, the team is poised for continued success in the years to come.
