ST CHARLES, Mo. — Lindenwood University announced Friday it will cut 10 of its athletic teams, including nine Division I programs.
The university said the decision was made after it determined that the athletic department "had become too large to sustain the quality of the student experience Lindenwood expects."
The NCAA sports being cut include:
- Men's Lacrosse
- Men's Swimming and Diving
- Men's Tennis
- Men's Indoor Track & Field
- Men's Outdoor Track & Field
- Men's Wrestling
- Women's Field Hockey
- Women's Gymnastics
- Women's Swimming and Diving
The men's and women's cycling program that's part of the university's Student Life Sports department was also cut. The program does not compete in NCAA competition.
The women's field hockey program was cut effective immediately as they played during the fall semester. All other sports will be eliminated following their spring 2024 seasons.
"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," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer. "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."
The decision will impact around 284 student-athletes, Lindenwood said. Scholarships for those student-athletes and those who signed letters of intent will be honored through their undergraduate education.
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