Nestled in Miami Gardens, Florida, St. Thomas University is known for its outstanding athletic teams – the St. Thomas Bobcats. These teams have made a significant impact in the world of college sports, representing the university as a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Since the 1990-91 academic year, they have been a formidable presence in the Sun Conference, formerly known as the Florida Sun Conference (FSC). Notably, the Bobcats also have a history in NCAA Division II ranks, competing in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) from 1975-76 to 1986-87.
University and Affiliation
University: St. Thomas University
Affiliation: NAIA
Conference and Leadership
Conference Affiliation:
The Sun (primary)
AAC (men’s wrestling)
Mid-South (eSports)
Athletic Director: Bill Rychel
Location and Varsity Teams
Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
Varsity Teams: 28 in total (11 men’s, 14 women’s, 3 co-ed)
Impressive Venues
St. Thomas University’s dedication to athletics is reflected in its state-of-the-art venues. Here are some key locations where the Bobcats showcase their talent:
Football Stadium: AutoNation Field
Basketball Arena: Fernandez Family Center
Baseball Stadium: Paul Demie Mainieri Field
Softball Stadium: Col. Jaquelin J. Kelly Field
Soccer Stadium: AutoNation Field
Aquatics Center: MDC North Aquatic & Fitness Center
Lacrosse Stadium: AutoNation Field
Tennis Venue: STU Tennis Courts
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The Mascot and Nickname
The Bobcats take pride in their mascot, aptly named the “Bobcat,” and their nickname reflects their tenacity – “Bobcats.”
Diverse Sports Portfolio
St. Thomas University’s commitment to excellence extends across a diverse portfolio of sports. The Bobcats compete in 28 intercollegiate varsity sports, making their presence felt on the field, court, and track:
Men’s Sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, rugby, soccer, swimming & diving (since 2020), tennis, track & field, and wrestling (since 2020).
Women’s Sports: basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, cross country, flag football (since 2020), golf, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming & diving (since 2020), tennis, track & field, and volleyball.
Co-ed Sports: cheerleading, competitive dance, and eSports.
Championship Pedigree
An indelible mark of the St. Thomas Bobcats’ excellence is their three-time victory in the NAIA men’s basketball championship, celebrated in 1994, 1997, and 2009.
Expansion and Evolution
St. Thomas University embraced growth and evolution by introducing men’s and women’s track & field as varsity sports in 2018. In 2019, the university marked a new era with the introduction of a football team and marching band. The Bobcats football team competes in the Sun Division of the Mid-South Conference and calls Monsignor Pace High School its home for thrilling games.
St. Thomas University Introduces Varsity Track & Field
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – St. Thomas University embraces Men’s and Women’s Track & Field as a varsity sport, launching in Spring 2018.
The STU Track & Field program covers a broad spectrum of outdoor events, from Pole Vault to 10 K distance runs. In the current season, the Bobcats compete on the club level, with plans to enter Sun Conference and NAIA competitions in 2018. Major events, including The Pepsi/Florida Relays, await the Bobcats on their journey.
Carlos Maymi, an accomplished coach and athlete, leads the Track & Field program, bringing his expertise and international experience to St. Thomas University. With this addition, St. Thomas now offers 14 varsity sports as an NAIA member in The Sun Conference.
