Lindenwood Lions - History - Move To NCAA

Move To NCAA

As, LU continued to upgrade and/or replace many of its sports facilities add new sports, and have teams consistently ranked in the top of the NAIA and other respective sport organizations for non-NAIA sports the interest in Lindenwood transitioning to the NCAA grew. In the early 2000s, the university explored options for at least a partial transition for several non-NAIA sports.

On February 12, 2009, the Lindenwood University Board of Directors authorized the administration to begin the application process for NCAA Division II membership. For two years, Lindenwood would remain a member of the NAIA and Heart of America Athletic Conference. In 2012-2013, the school would be a provisional member of the NCAA. The fourth year, 2013–2014, the NCAA would vote to make Lindenwood an active member.

On July 12, 2010 Lindenwood was accepted into NCAA Division II. Plans include the 21 sports currently competing in NAIA to move to NCAA Division II along with non-NAIA sports field hockey, men’s lacrosse, and women’s lacrosse. Women’s ice hockey and men’s volleyball will compete in NCAA Division I, and all other sports will remain in their non-NCAA and non-NAIA sport organizations. With expectation of NCAA approval in June 2010 LU applied to join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Lindenwood was approved for membership into the MIAA on September 24, 2010 with the affiliation taking place in 2012-2013 school year. LU will participate in all 17 sports offered by the MIAA. In addition men's volleyball will compete in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA). In June 2011, the Western Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (WILA) announced the Lindenwood will join the conference for men's and women's lacrosse. Lindenwood was admitted into the conference on November 11, 2011 and will begin conference play starting in the 2012-13 season.