UST Women’s Soccer Head Coach Nikola Barjaktarevic has been elevated to assistant athletic director, as announced by Director of Athletics Todd Smith.

“With the move to NCAA Division III, coupled with the growth in our department, this is an important time for UST athletics,” Smith said. “We needed someone committed to St. Thomas, and someone who understands the environment on campus. After working with him for the last six years, I know he will bring that same vision and work ethic to this new role.”

Barjaktarevic will begin his administrative duties immediately while also overseeing the women’s soccer program. While assisting UST in the transition to NCAA Division III, Barjaktarevic in his new role will oversee

• Compliance

• Game and event management

• Organizational and administrative support

• Sport supervision of both soccer programs and additional sports

• Staff recruiting and hiring

“Making this decision was very hard, but knowing that the women’s soccer program is in great shape to continue to grow and maintain the winning culture leaves a positive feeling about the future,” Barjaktarevic said. “This is truly an exciting time as we transition to NCAA III and continue to grow both our Athletic Department and the University.”

Barjaktarevic started the women’s soccer program at St. Thomas in 2014. His teams won four RRAC regular season championships and five league post-season titles. As Head Coach, he directed the Celts to the NAIA National Tournament in 2017 by winning the RRAC Postseason tournament championship. In the fall of 2018 the Celts captured their first RRAC Regular Season Championship. Barjaktarevic coached two All-Americans at UST.

A national search for a new head women’s soccer coach will begin immediately.