The NCAA has given the University of St. Thomas a path to becoming a fully fledged Division I member as early as June. At the NCAA Convention in Nashville on Wednesday, the Division I Council on voted in favor of a reduction in the provisional period for Division II and Division III schools making the leap to the highest level of college athletics competition. St. Thomas vice president and athletics director Phil Esten (University of St. Thomas) The Tommies are currently in the fourth of a five-year provisional period that started in 2021. The new legislation cuts a year off that period, meaning that if St. Thomas meets a set of criteria and thresholds — such as the ability to offer scholarships and comply with NCAA rules — it can be eligible for Division I national tournaments beginning in the fall. “I’m thrilled for our student-athletes and coaches, who represent St Thomas everyday with dignity and class,” St, Thomas vice president and athletics director told the Pioneer Press. “Ultimately, this is about providing a first class experience for our student-athletes, and this will now give them potential access to the ultimate post-season experience.” Full Division I status also entitles a school to financial disbursements from national tournaments such as the mammoth NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and allows those schools to be a part of committees making decisions on a national level. “So many have worked tirelessly to make our transition possible, and this is yet another important step in our University’s upward trajectory,” Esten said. Related Articles College Sports | Rules change would make St. Thomas eligible for full Division I status in 2025-26 College Sports | Women’s college hockey: Gophers hold on to beat St. Thomas College Sports | Late free throws lift Tommies past South Dakota State in massive Summit tilt College Sports | Women’s basketball: Tommies go cold in Summit League opener College Sports | St. Thomas men extend winning streak to six with victory at Bowling Green