DeMarcus Dixon
Staff Writer

Lindenwood University announced on Friday that it will cut 10 teams, nine at the NCAA level, from its athletics program.

According to a statement released by the Lindenwood athletics department, the decision made after it was determined that the athletic department “had become too large to sustain the quality of the student experience Lindenwood expects.”

The athletic teams being discontinued are:
· NCAA Men’s Lacrosse, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Tennis, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Indoor Track & Field, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Outdoor Track & Field, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Men’s Wrestling, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Women’s Field Hockey, effective immediately since the fall season has already completed
· NCAA Women’s Gymnastics, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season
· Student Life Sports Men’s and Women’s Cycling, effective at conclusion of Spring 2024 season

“Today, and for the near future, it will be challenging as the decision to better align our athletics department with our peers also results in many of our student-athletes learning that they will no longer be able to compete in the sport they love while at Lindenwood,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer said. “As an Athletics Director, this is not a decision you ever want to have to make. Unfortunately, it is critical for the long-term sustainability of the department. I understand there will be considerable hurt felt by the ten teams impacted as well as by our staff and coaches.

Before Friday’s announcement, Lindenwood carried 30 NCAA sports. That number will now go down to 21 teams. That means approximately 284 student-athletes will be impacted and will no longer be a part of the Lindenwood athletic program.

“While I cannot erase that hurt, I will continue to do everything possible to give our impacted teams and coaches the best experience possible for the remainder of their respective seasons,” Coomer said. “Our staff will also be committed to assisting impacted student-athletes who are looking at the options they have available, including remaining at Lindenwood on their scholarships, or entering the transfer portal to find a new opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers.”

The Lindenwood student-athletes impacted by the cuts will retain their scholarships through their undergraduate years, in addition to the collegiate competitors who have signed a letter of intent.