It’s the dawn of a new era for Lindenwood University athletics as effective Aug.1, 2025 they will have completed their period of transition from the division-II level to the division-I level. Lindenwood completed their period in just three years, one year shorter than the normal process takes.

Back in Jan. of 2025 Lindenwood notified the NCAA of its intent to expedite their reclassification process one year earlier than planned. 

Reclassifying schools were required to participate in an academic review, satisfy all Division I core guarantees and attestation requirements, complete an NCAA self-study program and meet new financial aid requirements, such as a scholarship offering that exceeds the 10th percentile of active Division I members.

“This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and entire campus,” Lindenwood University President, John Porter said in a press release, “Competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics will continue to elevate our university’s profile and foster pride within the community. We are proud of what this means for our university and excited for the future of Lindenwood Athletics.”

Having officially completed their reclassification, Lindenwood athletic teams will now be officially eligible to participate in division-1 postseason tournaments if they qualify.

This big step comes at what is looking to be the “golden age” of Lindenwood athletics as the school enters the 2025-2026 calendar year.

Lindenwood women’s volleyball and women’s soccer are both coming off Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championships and return key pieces that will look to repeat as champs and punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament.

Autumn Bax and Ashley Geluck headline a core group of returners for Lindenwood women’s volleyball. Bax, reigning OVC freshman of the year, racked up 329 kills during her first go around with the Lions while hitting .261. Anna Kraemer, Faith Atkins and Jade Roth all return in the front row while defensive specialists Dana Gribb Lexi Menne and Izzy Herbold return in the back.

The program is coming off a 23-11 season that ended with a 3-0 sweep of Morehead State in the OVC championship a night after the Lions took down Tennessee Tech in a thrilling five-set thriller. Their 23 wins was their most wins in a season since 2011 when they won 27 matches as a part of the MIAA. 

“Lindenwood becoming a full division-I program is something I never thought myself and many others would be a part of,” said Lily Sutter, a senior forward, “Knowing that every moment on and off the field has helped Lindenwood get to this milestone is something I will always be proud of.”

Women’s soccer finished 11-5-4 last season good enough for second in the OVC before running through the OVC tournament and taking down Morehead State 3-2 in the championship game. They return several key players including top goal scorer from a year ago and OVC freshman of the year Mackenzie Compton who netted eight goals and six assists in her freshman year. Compton was also named MVP of the 2024 OVC tournament for her efforts.

Along with Compton, Anna Johnson, Tasneem Dizdarevic, Sophia Mueller, Lily Sutter, Allison Schrumpf, Maddy Vasiloff and Rachel Jackson on the attack. Goalkeeper Caroline Ritter returns for her sophomore campaign and anchors a defensive line along with Jessica Dodd, Ava Blum and Mattie Ohlson. 

Another program on the rise is the Lindenwood women’s basketball team who fell in overtime of the OVC championship game to the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles but return a core group of players that continue to thrive under head coach, Amy Eagan.

Ellie Brueggemann, Brooke Coffey, Mya Skoff and Gracy Wernli, Lindenwood’s top four scorers from a year ago all return along with Gracie Kelsey, Alyssa Nielsen and Aalayah Wilson.

The other program on the hardwood at Lindenwood continues to slowly improve each season under head coach Kyle Gerdeman and returns one of the premier players in the OVC in reigning freshman of the year, Jadis Jones.

“An exciting day for our men’s basketball program and the entire university. Congratulations to all of our coaches, who took the challenge, built first class programs, and have our teams ready for what’s ahead.” Coach Gerdeman said when asked about the new era athletics at Lindenwood are entering into.

Lindenwood has started to become a place for high school athletes to continue their playing careers at whatever sport they excel at and has become a destination to become better athletes, better students and compete for championships. 

Lindenwood has also become a spring board for athletes to develop their skills and have begun to see payoffs at the professional level. Athletes such as Connor Devos and Chad Tinney were both taken in the Major League Rugby draft, with Devos going #4 overall to Old Glory DC and Tinney going with the first pick in the third round to Anthem RC.

Markeith Browning II, ​​will continue his basketball career in Uppsala, Sweden after signing with Sloga Uppsala earlier this week of the Sweden professional basketball league. The 6’4 guard spent his final season of his college career at Lindenwood in which he was an All-OVC Second Team Selection where he averaged 12.4 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and a team-high 3.5 assists per game.

Former Lindenwood players Tre Bell and Jeff Caldwell have also taken their talents to new heights after first making a stop in St. Charles with Bell now a Cyclone at Iowa State and Caldwell now playing wide receiver at Cincinnati University.

Bennett Stice has begun to get attention at the professional baseball level since graduating from Lindenwood in 2025 after a stellar senior campaign in which he appeared in 17 games, pitching 40.2 innings with a 2.21 ERA. Stice signed a contract with the Gateway Grizzlies of the Independent Frontier League after leading the Lions with five saves while compiling a 4-1 record. He struck out 34 batters and held opponents to a .212 batting average.

“We approached the NCAA reclassification process with great intention and care, understanding that achieving full Division I status would not only elevate the experience of our current student-athletes but also instill a deep sense of pride across our campus, among our alumni, supporters, and the entire St. Charles community,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer. “With full eligibility for NCAA postseason play, our focus now shifts to winning championships and raising banners that will define this new era.”

With the fall sports less than a month away from getting under way, Lindenwood football, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and late into October men’s and women’s hockey will begin their season with a new goal and playing behind a new era at Lindenwood.

“This accomplishment is the result of a campus-wide effort, with countless individuals working behind the scenes to help us reach this remarkable moment,” Coomer said in a press release. “Today is a celebration of their dedication, vision, and belief in what Lindenwood can achieve.”