LOUISVILLE, KY — The St. Thomas softball program is making noise on the national stage in 2026.

The Celts have climbed to No. 16 in the latest NFCA/GoRout Division III Top 25 Coaches Poll, moving up from their preseason position and continuing to build momentum early in the year.

St. Thomas sits at 9-3 overall and 7-1 in conference play, a start that has quickly turned heads across Division III. The defining moment so far came in a statement win over No. 5 Texas Lutheran University, a program ranked among the nation's top 10. The victory not only strengthened UST's conference standing but proved the Celts can go toe-to-toe with nationally ranked competition.

At the top of this week's poll, reigning national champion Trine University remains the unanimous No. 1, while Virginia Wesleyan University and Linfield University continue to anchor a competitive top tier. The national landscape is loaded — and St. Thomas is firmly in the conversation.

Through the first stretch of 2026, the Celts have shown balance in the lineup, confidence in the circle, and poise in key moments. The move up to No. 16 reflects not just early success, but consistency against quality opponents.

With conference play underway and momentum building, one thing is clear: UST softball isn't just earning respect — the Celts are climbing the rankings and proving they belong among the nation's best in 2026.