The decision was made after an extensive evaluation of the athletic department. Over the last year, the university, with support from external consultants, formulated a set of data-informed recommendations. It was determined that the athletic department, which sponsors 30 NCAA sports, had become too large to sustain the quality of the student experience Lindenwood expects. The choice is part of a broader initiative dedicated to ensuring the sustainability and quality of both academic and athletic programs. The university is working to rebalance investments in athletics, academics, and staffing while carefully monitoring expenditures to create an environment where excellence flourishes in all aspects of university life.

There is no ideal time to announce sport reductions. The University felt it was right to let student-athletes know as soon as the decision was final. The timing of this announcement was purposeful to allow student-athletes and coaches to make informed decisions about their future plans.

The reduction will impact approximately 284 student-athletes. The University will honor all scholarships for affected student-athletes through their undergraduate education.

Lindenwood evaluated many factors and worked through a variety of scenarios. These included, but are not limited to, facility considerations, compliance, fiscal sustainability, geographic competition scheduling opportunities and a comparison of the number of sports sponsored by the other Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) schools.

Yes, Lindenwood has provided affected student-athletes with information regarding transfer options. Administrators will continue to be available to assist and support as needed.

Lindenwood provides support in several areas. Academics, compliance, sports medicine and mental health resources will continue to be available to both student-athletes and employees. Lindenwood University Athletic Department administrators are available to discuss scholarship and transfer information.

Yes, the University will honor scholarships for all student-athletes at Lindenwood who are currently on a discontinued team, as well as incoming student-athletes who have signed a letter of intent who choose to complete their degrees at Lindenwood.

Lindenwood is not considering the discontinuation of other sports at this time.

Donor support would not impact the final decision. The reduction of these sports was determined by several factors, such as facility considerations, compliance, fiscal sustainability, geographic competition scheduling opportunities and a comparison of the number of sports sponsored by schools in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).

No, the University is not planning to reclassify these programs as SLS sports.