University of St. Thomas Athletics
Phil Esten named Minnesota Star Tribune Sportsperson of the Year
12/21/2025 7:13:00 AM | Baseball, Football, Athletics, Men's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Men's Golf, Men's Hockey, Men's Soccer, Men's Swimming & Diving, Men's Track & Field, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Golf, Women's Hockey, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Track & Field, Volleyball, Lee & Penny Anderson Arena
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. – The University of St. Thomas Vice President and Director of Athletics Phil Esten has been named the Minnesota Star Tribune Sportsperson of the Year. Esten is the first collegiate administrator to win the award since its inception in 1998.
Esten earned the award after leading St. Thomas through an unprecedented transition from Division III to Division I. This summer, St. Thomas was instated as a full Division I member, making the Tommies eligible for NCAA postseason play. The university also opened the new, state-of-the-art Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in October 2025.
Phil Esten's steady leadership takes St. Thomas to new heights
