Southern Utah University is welcoming one of its own back home as Myndee Kay Larsen is announced as the university's next athletic director following a national search. The Cedar City native, former Thunderbird basketball standout and veteran conference leader will step into the role this summer, bringing nearly two decades of experience at the highest levels of college athletics.

Larsen has spent the last several years as Deputy Commissioner of The Summit League, where she has overseen championship events, governance and day to day operations for multiple sports. She has also served as interim commissioner and worked closely with coaches and administrators across the country, giving her a wide angle view of what it takes to run successful, student centered athletic programs.

At SUU, leaders highlighted both her professional background and her deep personal connection to the campus and community. Larsen graduated summa cum laude from Southern Utah in 1998 and made history on the court as the first women's basketball player in program history to have her jersey retired. She still holds the NCAA single season record for field goal percentage, a statistic that speaks to her efficiency and focus.

In public comments about the hire, SUU President Mindy Benson pointed to Larsen's clear vision for the future of Thunderbirds athletics and her commitment to long term student success. Larsen has served on several NCAA committees, including the men's basketball rules committee, and is known for her collaborative approach to leadership.

For Cedar City residents, the announcement is another sign of momentum as the university prepares to join the Big Sky Conference and continue raising the profile of local athletics. With a respected alum at the helm, supporters are optimistic that SUU will keep building programs that perform well on the field while emphasizing academics, integrity and strong relationships with the community.

As Larsen prepares to return to campus, she has emphasized her excitement to meet current student athletes, listen to their stories and work with coaches and staff to create memorable experiences for fans. Her homecoming marks a new chapter for Thunderbirds sports and a point of pride for the wider Cedar City community that has cheered her on for decades.