The University of St. Thomas women’s hockey team is nationally ranked for the first time in the Division I era, landing at No. 13 in this week’s USCHO poll.
Head coach Bethany Brausen told reporters on Tuesday the news came as a surprise to her players, who found out after practice on Monday.
“(The players) just lost it. They were so excited,” Brausen said. “I said, ‘In particular, we’re actually 13.’ Their jaws dropped, their eyes got big, and we had some tears.”
Brausen said the ranking confirms the team’s steady climb since joining Division I just four years ago.
“(The players) are the ones that are putting in hours of sustained effort and energy to build a program into division one,” Brausen said. “I feel like as we move into (Lee & Penny Anderson Arena), we’re playing here for the first time, we get that top 15 ranking. It feels like St. Thomas has finally arrived.”
The Tommies faced conference opponent No. 11 St. Cloud State twice last week, losing the first game 4-3, but winning the second 4-3. UST’s record is 6-2 and are fifth in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
The recognition comes at a historic moment for Tommie athletics. St. Thomas will open the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on Friday. The Tommies face Providence in their home opener at 2 p.m.
Reagan Boschulte can be reached at bosc3829@stthomas.edu.
