ULM introduces SJ Tuohy as new Director of Athletics at press conference

Published December 4, 2025

ULM President Dr. Carrie Castille presents new Director of Athletics SJ Tuohy with a helmet at his introductory press conference.

CAPTION: ULM President Dr. Carrie Castille presents new Director of Athletics SJ Tuohy with a helmet at his introductory press conference.  

MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe officially welcomed newly hired Director of Athletics SJ Tuohy to campus at a press conference on Thursday, December 4. Tuohy comes to ULM after having served as Deputy Athletic Director of Development at Oral Roberts University.  

“With great confidence and genuine enthusiasm, I am proud to officially introduce our new Director of Athletics, SJ Tuohy. We are thrilled to welcome him into our community and excited for the leadership and momentum he will bring,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. “SJ is a dynamic leader whose experience spans multiple levels of collegiate athletics. He has built a reputation for excellence in external relations, fundraising, student-athlete support, and competitive growth,” she added.  

Tuohy took to the podium and thanked the ULM Warhawk family for the warm welcome and for the opportunity. He spoke about the bright future of ULM Athletics and why he is excited about his new role.  

"For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an athletic director,” said Tuohy. “People have asked me, ‘Why ULM?’ This is a place that has a great opportunity and a great foundation to build on. It’s a place that wants to win. This is not a job where you just want to stay afloat. We’re going to build, and we’re going to grow,” said Tuohy.  

Offering a quote from one of his mentors, Tuohy said, “‘The privilege to lead at any level is really a responsibility,’ and that’s what I feel most taking this job. I feel responsible to Dr. Castille to make sure that she has an athletic department that represents her vision for this university. But most importantly, I’m responsible for our student-athletes. We are going to provide them with the best possible experience of what we can do to the best of our capabilities every day.” 

Tuohy spoke about the importance of bringing fun to ULM Athletics. “College sports are supposed to be fun. Winning matters. We’re in an outcome-driven business, but if we’re not having fun, then don’t be here,” said Tuohy.  

Tuohy said he’s been asked about his vision and his plan for ULM Athletics, and he referenced the old adage of “hit the ground running.” “That’s true, but I want to hit the ground listening,” said Tuohy. “We have a lot to figure out about how to build this thing. We have an unbelievable coaching staff. The student-athletes I’ve met have been very passionate. I want to listen, I want to learn, and then we’re going to grow.”  

Tuohy says ULM’s key to winning is simple. “We have to win the margins. We have to be better at small decisions about how we are stewarding money, how we are spending money, and how we are raising money, and the choices we are making for our student-athletes every day,” he stated. “We have to be the best small decision makers in the country, and I think we are capable of doing that with the staff that we have, and I’m excited to grow,” he added. 

Watch the full press conference at https://bit.ly/SJTuohyPressConferenceULM