Student Media of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri

Lindenlink
Student Media of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri

Lindenlink
Student Media of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri

Lindenlink
Merlina San Nicolás Leyva

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva is our news editor. When she is not covering a game or interviewing athletes, she is being an athlete herself. Merlina is on the bowling team and has competed for Team Mexico in past years. A native of Mexico City, she loves watching cooking shows or video essays on Youtube from NerdWriter1. She also enjoys playing video games, going on adventures or taking naps. After graduating, Merlina hopes to move to San Francisco to continue doing communications and photography for a professional sports team.

All content by Merlina San Nicolás Leyva
Thousands gather for a protest in Downtown St. Louis on Wednesday, June 3 following the death of George Floyd.

“We have a long way to go”: BSU president after protests in St. Louis area

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
June 12, 2020
All bricks, as well as the top part of the water tower, have been removed, and the internal steel structure remains to be taken down as of June 10.

Lindenwood Water Tower demolition close to completion

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
June 11, 2020
Campus entrances have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

360 classrooms to improve virtual learning experience during COVID-19

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
June 5, 2020
The historic landmark's demolition is set to continue.

Water Tower demolition to continue, judge rules

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
June 2, 2020
Students and alumni gathered outside of the LARC entrance on May 27 to protest the layoffs of staff and faculty. Photo courtesy of Trisha Tamblyn.

LU students and alumni gather to protest staff and faculty layoffs

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
May 27, 2020
Demolition of the historic water tower began on May 13, and was put to a halt by a judge two days later. Photo provided by Drone Pro STL

Water Tower case ongoing, demolition still on pause

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
May 27, 2020
The entrances to campus are obstructed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lindenwood lays off 28 staff and faculty members due to COVID-19

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
May 22, 2020
The Lindenwood water tower is considered a historic landmark of St. Charles.

LU water tower demolition on pause

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
May 19, 2020
Sara Wagenknecht, a 22-year-old from Missouri, struggled with the pressure to be perfect on the court.

‘No pain, no gain’ mindset causes student-athletes’ mental health to suffer

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
May 14, 2020
Two Lindenwood students riding horses in the 1970s in the facility that would become the Field House and Fitness Center. Photo from the Mary E. Ambler Archives.

The history of the Field House and Fitness Center

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
May 14, 2020
The over 130-year-old water tower on campus is set to be demolished because of its decaying condition. File photo by Kat Owens.

Demolition of Lindenwood’s historic water tower begins

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
May 13, 2020
From left back row, Lindenlink's advisor Dr Neil Ralston, Alexis Montgomery, Merlina San Nicolas and Kat Owens. From left front row, James Tananan, Tyler Keohane, Mia Tebbe, Matt Hampton and Kayla Drake.

Lindenlink takes home six regional journalism awards

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
April 28, 2020
Graphic from Lindenwood University's instagram.

2020 Honors Convocation student awardees announced

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
April 27, 2020
File Photo: Normally, the Lindy Awards are held in the J. Scheidegger Center, but this year, they are announced online because of COVID-19.

Lindy Awards winners announced on Instagram

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
April 23, 2020
Anna Miyagi, who had to leave early because of the coronavirus, said she missed the beaches in her home: Okinawa, Japan.

COVID-19 university and border closures leave international students in confusing situations

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
April 8, 2020
Lindenwood student Bryan Encalada moves out of the Linden Lodge after it was announced that classes would be online for the semester because of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 updates: stay-at-home orders will stop students from retrieving items after campus closes

Matt Hampton and Merlina San Nicolás Leyva
March 18, 2020
The CDC suggests using alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% of alcohol. Photo Illustration.

LU coronavirus policies requiring 14-day quarantines, may cancel study abroad

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
March 9, 2020
Photo Illustration.

[Photo] LSG seeking to solve problems with student-staff communication

Claire Beaudry, Reporter
March 5, 2020
Freshman Jasmine Ward uses her flashlight to walk to her room in Pfremmer Hall.

UPDATE: Student charged after crashing into transformer, causing power outage at LU

Matt Hampton and Merlina San Nicolás Leyva
March 1, 2020
Photo illustration.

As coronavirus spreads worldwide, what is Lindenwood doing?

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Matt Hampton, and Kayla Drake
February 27, 2020
Lion's swimmer performs a butterfly stroke during the Lindenwood Open on Oct. 26, 2019.

Swimming and Diving teams break school records, achieve personal bests at GLVC Championship

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
February 19, 2020
The $33 million rehabilitation project of the Blanchette Bridge began on Monday.

[Photo] UPDATE: Blanchette Bridge under rehabilitation, lanes closed

Taylor Grant, Reporter
February 19, 2020
Men's volleyball players huddle up in a game vs Saint Francis on Jan. 17, 2020

Men’s volleyball to host weekend series, look to continue winning streak

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
February 7, 2020
From left, candidate Mark Arant, Cynthia Schroeder and George Reed.

UPDATE: Candidates’ presentations for provost come to an end

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva and Matt Hampton
February 3, 2020
Lindenwood has hired three new Board of Trustees members.

Provost search narrowed down to 3 candidates

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
February 1, 2020
Kirsten Martin moves the pluck during a match against Union College on Oct. 18, 2019.

Women’s ice hockey to kick off second half of the season, goalie unknown

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, News Editor
January 8, 2020
Lindenwood Senior Maya Shimizu (left) wrestles against Emmanuel College for the first home game in three years.

Women’s wrestling hosts first home match in two years

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
December 9, 2019
The Lions played Syracuse on Dec. 9 at Centene Community Ice Center. The Lions lost 1-13.

Women’s ice hockey falls on final home series of 2019

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
December 9, 2019
The hours for the Evans Commons Rec Center and other facilities on campus have changed for Thanksgiving break.

Campus hours to change for Thanksgiving break

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 26, 2019
Kaleb Bryant takes on a competitor in the 285 pound weight-class at the Lindenwood Open on Satuday, Nov. 23.

[Video] Wrestling hosts Lindenwood Open with over 600 athletes

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 25, 2019
The Lindenwood men's water polo team posing with their trophy after winning the CWPA Men's National Collegiate Club Championship on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Pennsylvania. Photo by the CWPA.

Men’s water polo wins back-to-back national championships

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 19, 2019
Erik Henneman, (right) catches a pass during a game against the Midwestern State University Texas on Sep. 14 at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium.

Lindenwood football qualifies for NCAA DII Playoffs

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 18, 2019
Lion Lokelani Antonio (21) moves the pluck into the offensive zone.

Women’s ice hockey ties on Friday, falls Saturday to St. Cloud

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 16, 2019
The Lions practice plays and drills for the last time before the National Championship

Men’s water polo heads into nationals No. 1-ranked

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 12, 2019
From left, Art Johnson stands with Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten, Ms. Laurie Westfall, ex-chairman Roland Corvington and Mark Gaertner. Photo from St. Louis County Police website.

St. Louis County police commissioners face controversy over lawsuit

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Kayla Drake, and Matt Hampton
November 8, 2019
Weekly Sports Round Up

Weekly Sports Round-Up

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 4, 2019
From left, Lindenlink's advisor Neil Ralston poses with Matt Hampton, Kayla Drake and Tyler Keohane in Washington D.C.

Lindenlink staff wins 3 awards at College Media Association conference

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 3, 2019
Libero Kaitlyn Chan sets up at the beginning of a match against the University of Missouri-St. Louis on Oct. 8.

Women’s volleyball falls twice during Pink Out weekend

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
November 2, 2019
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2019 Dark Carnival presents Halloween scenes

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva and James Tananan
October 25, 2019
Students now have access to Lindenlink photos

Students now have access to Lindenlink photos

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
October 22, 2019
Lion's Casey Adimey (4) creates a gap in between Union's defense.

Women’s ice hockey splits weekend matches with Union College

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva
October 21, 2019
Georgetown University and Rutgers University pose with the check that was given to Children's Hospital. Photo provided by William Stark.

Lindenwood lacrosse helps fundraise $15K for Children’s Hospital

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva
October 17, 2019
Setter Jenna Garrett in action during a match in Hyland Arena against Rockhurst University. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás

Women’s volleyball falls 1-4 in conference

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva
October 8, 2019
Wesley White and Michael de Waal pose for a photo with their trophies and recognitions after winning the rugby national championships for the third year in a row in May. Photo taken from de Waal's instagram.

Two Lindenwood rugby players accept offers to play on the same professional team

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva
October 5, 2019
A marquee from St. Andrews cinema, just off of I-70. Photo by Tristan Ratterman.

St. Andrews Cinema closed after small fire

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
October 2, 2019
File photo: Defender Jake Townsend (#21) keeps an eye on the puck during practice in the Wentzville Ice Arena.

Men’s ice hockey split weekend matches to open the season

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
September 30, 2019
Goalie Sophie Wolf from Ontario blocks a shot during the game opener of the season against the University of Wisconsin on Friday night at the Centene Ice Community Arena.

Women’s ice hockey starts season losing twice to No. 1 Wisconsin

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
September 29, 2019
Students during Family Day could snap a photo in the prop booth in the lower floor of Evans Commons.

How students celebrate Family Day

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
September 22, 2019
In the center, Kelly Willson (16) celebrates with her teammates after winning a point against Flagler College on Friday night at Hyland Arena.

Women’s volleyball split weekend matches

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
September 21, 2019
In the center, Kelly Willson (16) celebrates with her teammates after winning a point against Flagler College on Friday night at Hyland Arena.

The women's volleyball team practice their spikes before starting competition against Cedarville University on Sep. 13 at Hyland Arena.

Women’s volleyball falls on last game of Lindenwood Invitational, breaking winning streak

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
September 14, 2019
The women's volleyball team practice their spikes before starting competition against Cedarville University on Sep. 13 at Hyland Arena.

[Photo] Women's volleyball being led by young core

September 21, 2021
Shelley Looney celebrating the goal she scored to win the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Japan. Photo by USA Hockey.

Shelley Looney: bringing gold experience to Lindenwood

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
September 11, 2019
Archive: The Lindenwood women's volleyball team celebrates after winning a point during a match in the 2018 season. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás.

Women’s volleyball sweeps season opener

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
September 7, 2019
The Lindenwood Ice Arena, located in Wentzville is home to both the men's and women's hockey teams. Screenshot taken from Google Street View

Hockey players look forward to new rink after Wentzville one is sold

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
June 30, 2019
Men's basketball coach Lance Randall addresses his team at Hyland Arena. Photo by Don Adams Jr.

Head men’s basketball coach resigns, returns to former position in Florida

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
June 4, 2019
The Lindenwood men's rugby team celebrates with the trophy after becoming the first team in history to win back-to-back national championships, two years in a row. Photo by USA Sevens Rugby.

Men’s rugby wins back-to-back national championships, makes history

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
June 4, 2019
The women's rugby team celebrates with the trophy after winning the triple crown for a second year in a row and third national title in 2019. Photo by USA Rugby.

Women’s rugby makes history claiming a triple crown, again

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
June 3, 2019
The Lindenwood women's rugby team celebrates with the trophy after their national championship win. Photo by USA Rugby.

Women’s rugby team crowned national champions for third consecutive year

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
May 28, 2019
The Lindenwood men's rugby team poses with the trophy after winning. Photo by Nic Tyson.

Men’s rugby wins third Sevens national title

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
May 28, 2019
The team celebrates after it placed third in the national championship. Photo from Lindenwood athletics.

Synchronized swimming funds cut, coaches laid off

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Sports Editor
May 10, 2019
Roar Show awards top student life athletes

Roar Show awards top student life athletes

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
May 2, 2019
Members of the Lindenwood gymnastics team celebrate after their teammate completes a floor routine in the team finals. File Photo by Carly Fristoe

Gymnastics wins third National Championship title

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
April 14, 2019
The Lindenwood women's rugby team in Palo Alto, California, after winning the National Championship back to back. Photo by Alex Ho from USARugby.org

Lindenwood Athletics wraps up golden weekend

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
April 14, 2019
Carlos Jacquez smiles after winning his semifinal match against an opponent from the University of Central Oklahoma at the NCAA DII Super Regionals in Hyland Arena in February. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás

Wrestler Jacquez finishes season undefeated, with national championship, All-American title

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
April 11, 2019
The Lindenwood Synchronized team after competition at the Palo Alto Acuatic Center in San Antonio, Texas. Photo provided by Marialaura Villasana.

Synchronized swimming defends ranking at nationals

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
April 8, 2019
No. 8 Sam Schindler spikes the ball after senior Adam Brewster (5) sets the ball during a match at Hyland Arena on March 2019. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás.

Men’s volleyball splits weekend matches, defeats nationally ranked team

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
March 31, 2019
No. 17 Charley Havlin spikes a ball to begin the match against Ohio State on Feb. 15 at Hyland Arena. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás

Men’s volleyball defeats Ohio State in four sets

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
March 23, 2019
Kyle Sherman during the telecast on FS1 of the PBA Cheetah Championship. Photo provided by Columbia300

Lindenwood alumnus makes bowling TV finals

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
March 20, 2019
File photo: Adam Brewster (5) sets the ball during a match against Quincy University on Feb. 20 at Hyland Arena. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás

Men’s volleyball loses back to back matches in Indiana

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
March 5, 2019
No. 8 Tanner Hitchcock takes on his opponent from the University of Central Oklahoma to win 4-2 and advance to the finals on the NCAA DII Wrestling Super Regionals on Saturday at Hyland Arena. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás.

Seven wrestlers qualify for NCAA DII Nationals

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
February 24, 2019
Tanner Hitchcock prepares to approach his opponent during a match at Hyland Arena on Jan. 15. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás.

Wrestling loses final match of regular season

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
February 11, 2019
Adam Brewster during practice in October 2018. Brewster is a senior setter and captain of the men's volleyball team. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás.

Men’s volleyball falls in first 2 MIVA matches

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
February 10, 2019
Brian Schwob prepares to make a pass to his teammates during practice in October of last year. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás

Men’s volleyball hosts Lindenwood Invitational

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
February 1, 2019
Brian Schwob spikes a ball during a practice in October of last year at the Hyland Arena. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás

Men’s volleyball follows up first victory with 2 losses

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
January 21, 2019
Reem Abdalazem El Bossaty performs during the World Championships in Kazan, Russia, in 2015. Photo provided by Reem Abdalazem El Bossaty

Lindenwood alumna named Team USA synchro swimming assistant coach

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
December 1, 2018
Nick Feakes runs the ball against Navy at the 2017 Collegiate Rugby Championships in Philadelphia. Photo by Lorrie Macy

Lindenwood alumnus signs with professional rugby club

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
November 11, 2018
Tui Roberts takes the ball and breaks away from the Kansas City Jazz Women on Sept. 29. Lindenwood defeated the Jazz 82-14. Photo by Lindsey Fiala

Women’s rugby dominating season going into last two matches

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
November 1, 2018
April Larson, a freshman majoring in finance, prepares to execute a shot in the Lindenwood Billiards Arena. Larson is a professional player and billiards national champion. Photo by Merlina San Nicolás

April Larson: from the professional billiards world to Lindenwood

Merlina San Nicolás Leyva, Reporter
October 9, 2018
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