Lindenwood University Rugby Team Achieves Academic Excellence
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) has announced its prestigious 2024-2025 All Academic Team, recognizing 11 student-athletes from Lindenwood University’s Women’s Rugby program. This notable achievement highlights the academic dedication of the team, which includes seven upperclassmen and four sophomores.
This accolade comes on the heels of the Lions’ recent success, including their victory in the National Championship in April and a record-setting team GPA that marks the highest in the program’s history. Head coach Trevor Locke expressed pride in these accomplishments, stating, “I am very proud of the team for what they achieved this year in the classroom. Finishing with our team’s highest ever GPA and 11 athletes on the NIRA All Academic list is a testament to the work our team puts in year round off the field.”
Academic Performance Rankings
This year, Lindenwood’s Women’s Rugby team distinguished itself by ranking in the top half among 20 recognized All-Academic teams. Other notable institutions that surpassed them include Brown University, Harvard, Bowdoin, and Queens University of Charlotte.
Members of the 2024-2025 All Academic Team
- Brianna Beath, Exercise Science
- Raegan Blair, English & Game Design (Double Major)
- Jadyn Collins, Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Ava Denner, Master of Science – Sports Performance
- Claire Ferguson, Exercise Science
- Sofia Florio, Business Administration
- Tanaka Kanyepi, Public Health
- Sophie O’Cain, Health Science
- Hailey Proctor, Psychology
- Ava Reuter, Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Sarin Rowland, Business Administration
The commitment to both academics and athletics evident in Lindenwood’s Women’s Rugby program serves as an inspiring example of student-athlete dedication. The successful balance achieved by these individuals underscores the program’s strong culture of excellence.
