It was a memorable 2006-2007 school year for the University of Tampa on the athletic fields. Hat tricks, buzzer-beating victories, conference championships, national championships — the 2006-2007 year in sports was filled with unforgettable moments and memories.
The volleyball team became the first women’s team in UT history to win a National Championship. The women’s basketball team won their second consecutive Sunshine State Conference tournament and the baseball team has been nothing short of dominant as they head into the playoffs.
Here is the year in review for the UT athletic teams.
Fall 2006
Women’s Soccer
The Lady Spartans had their best season in school history as they advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Division II Tournament before falling to Grand Valley State. Shelby Kuni, Malana Winskas and Shannon Aitken were named All-Americans as Tampa ended the season with an 18-3 record, 7-1 in the SSC.
Men’s Soccer
The Spartans put together a respectable 8-9 record, 2-6 in the SSC, in what had to be considered a rebuilding year. Comprised of mainly juniors and JUCO transfers, UT had a solid run to begin the season but could not finish strong. They started the season by winning four of their first five games, but collapsed at the end of the year.
Volleyball
After 23 years of coaching and nine trips to the Elite Eight, Chris Catanach was finally rewarded with his first national championship. Stephanie Rivera, Katelen Dixon, Margeaux Sinibaldi and Alisha Green were named All-Americans. Tampa lost just one match finishing 35-1 and 15-1 in the SSC.
Winter 2006-2007
Men’s basketball
In a season filled with up and down’s the men’s basketball team finished the year 15-14 and 7-9 in the conference. The Spartans were great at times, defeating nationally ranked Rollins twice. But poor shooting and the loss of All-American Mark Borders were too much to overcome as the Spartans lost in the first round of the SSC tournament.
Women’s basketball
Despite being plagued with injuries at the beginning of the season, Tampa captured their second consecutive conference title. All-American Sheena Walton led the Spartans to a 23-8 record, 12-4 SSC, before UT bowed out in the first round of the NCAA South Regional tournament. Tampa lost just one senior to graduation, and looks to be the favorite in the conference again next season.
Spring 2007
Swimming
It is rare for a freshman to make an immediate impact in his or her sport. But that is exactly what Jessie Bardin as she became just the 16th swimmer in UT women’s history to win an individual national championship.
Softball
The Lady Spartans are currently 28-18, 13-8 in the SSC, and looking to secure a spot in the NCAA South Regional tournament. It’s been a tale of two seasons for the team as they struggled mightily at the beginning of the year before winning 22 of 25 games in the middle of the season to become a contender.
Baseball
Despite losing five players to the draft and seven seniors in all, Tampa continues to be national powerhouse once again this season. UT is 36-9, 14-4 in the SSC, with nine games left on the schedule.
Tennis
The UT tennis team finished sixth in the SSC championships. They are ranked currently 15-9 and ranked 38th in the nation. The Spartans awaiting word on whether they made the NCAA South Regional tournament, which is scheduled to start on May 3.
Crew
The UT women’s crew team enjoyed a variety of succeses this spring, from a second-place finish in the women’s pair in the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Assoc Championship (SIRA).
The Minaret congratulates all Spartans on successful athletic seasons. We look forward to the 2007-2008 season as Tampa defends its national and conference championships. Go Spartans!