MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – St. Thomas University announces the hiring's of Michelle Murch and Jon Leatherman, as the Manager of Digital Media/Game Operations and the Manager of Athletic Communications, respectively, as of January 3^rd, 2018.

"We are proud and excited to keep Michelle and Jon on staff within the Athletic Department" said Athletic Director, Laura Courtley-Todd. "The two of them truly embody the STU mission of "Developing Leaders for Life", as both have come through the undergraduate and graduate Sports Administration programs, while being open and accepting to any tasks and responsibilities the department or coaching staff needs."

Murch is an alumna of the St. Thomas University Sports Administration Master's and Undergraduate programs, having completing her studies in December 2018. Murch is a former student-athlete at STU, having played softball from 2014-2018. Murch was named as the Sun Conference Softball Champion of Character in May 2018, the Dr. Leroy Walker Champion of Character for the Sun Conference in 2017 as well as the A.O. Duer award in 2016.

As a student-athlete Murch was also the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President (2016-2018), served on the NAIA Association of Student-Athletes (2016-2018), and the NAIA Council of Student-Athletes (2017-2018). In August of 2018, Murch was one of two student-athletes from the United States that was selected to participate in the FISU (International University Sports Federation), which took place in Russia.

She has been working within the Athletics Department for her entire collegiate career, serving in a variety of roles for game day operations. Murch also has gained experience by working at Complete Ticket Solutions as well as volunteering with the Jason Taylor Foundation.

"I'm happy to have my first full-time position at St. Thomas University, within a department that had allowed me to gain experience within collegiate athletics" Murch said, while adding "I'm grateful for the opportunity to work in the program with such a wonderful supporting staff, who have done so much for me".

As the Manager of Digital Media/Game Operations, Murch is responsible for providing oversight as well as production of the athletic department's digital media and game day operational needs.

Leatherman, an alumnus of the St. Thomas University Sports Administration Master's and Undergraduate programs, completed his Masters of Science degree in December 2018. Leatherman spent his graduate career supporting former St. Thomas University Sports Information Director, Phil de Montmollin, as a Sports Information Assistant. He also interned within the Athletics Department in 2016, by working as part of STU Broadcasting for the production of home games of Bobcat sports. Leatherman also served as the team manager of the St. Thomas University Baseball program from 2014-2018.

"I am thrilled to officially be a part of the STU Athletics Department, the staff is incredible and I can't wait to continue working with them" said Leatherman. "I want to thank our Athletic Director, Laura Courtley-Todd, for the opportunity to stay in the University that has become "home" and to work within such an amazing department at this exciting time, is truly a blessing."

As the Manager of Athletic Communications, the responsibilities include: management of the institutions 17-varsity athletic teams, assisting the Director of Athletics with vision, leadership and direction as it relates to sports information as well as the marketing of the growing athletics program.