Medina Honored at Final Four After Historic Season for UST

Anthony Medina, head coach of the University of St. Thomas men's basketball team, was honored during halftime of the NCAA Division I Men's Final Four on April 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers.

Medina was recognized alongside Bryan Rooney, head coach of men's basketball at California State University East Bay, following a historic season for the St. Thomas program, taking his team all the way to the DIII Elite 8.

The National Association of Basketball Coaches named Medina the 2026 NABC Division III Coach of the Year, highlighting a landmark year for the Celts. He also earned NABC District 10 Coach of the Year and D3hoops.com Region 10 Coach of the Year honors, completing a sweep of major postseason accolades and becoming the first coach in program history to receive the national award.

Medina said after an incredible season, he is grateful to represent the UST men's basketball program and recognized as NABC National Coach of the Year.

"UST is my home and we value the opportunity to bring national recognition to such an incredible community and institution," he said. "Thank you to our student athletes for their relentless dedication and sacrifice, and thank you to our coaching staff for their investment in UST. I would like to thank my wife, Samone, and my sons, Memphis and Julian, for all their love and support for me and our program."

Under Medina's leadership, St. Thomas posted a record-setting 29-2 season and advanced to the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship quarterfinals for the first time in program history. The Celts' run included a program-best 26 consecutive wins and their first appearances in both the Sweet 16 and Elite 8.

The season came to a close in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where St. Thomas fell 63-59 to Christopher Newport University in the Elite 8.

The recognition at the Final Four underscores a milestone moment for the University of St. Thomas, as its men's basketball program continues to gain national prominence and student athletes continue to standout for their talent and character.

"Additionally, none of our success would be possible without our Athletic Director Todd Smith, and his unwavering belief in men's basketball and the entire Athletic Department that he built at St. Thomas."

Read more about UST men's basketball and more about UST Athletics at ustcelts.com.