The Mountain East Conference (MEC) has extended an invitation to Shawnee State University (SSU) to become its 12th full-time member, with official membership beginning in July 2026, pending NCAA Division II approval. Shawnee State plans to compete in 19 MEC-sponsored sports, including football by the 2028 season. MEC Commissioner Reid Amos emphasized that SSU’s leadership and mission align well with the conference’s values and strategic goals.

Shawnee State is recognized for its strong academic programs in game design, health sciences, and engineering technologies. The university has a strong athletic history at the NAIA level, highlighted by national championships in men's basketball (2021) and women’s basketball (1999), and will continue offering all MEC championship sports. University and conference leaders praised the move as a mutually beneficial step toward enhancing student-athlete experiences and strengthening the MEC.

"This move marks an exciting new chapter for Shawnee State University," said Dr. Eric Braun, President of Shawnee State University. "The Mountain East Conference shares our values of community, collaboration, and innovative growth. We are impressed by the leadership of the MEC and its member schools. As an MEC member, Shawnee State will have exciting opportunities to elevate our programs, expand our reach, and deepen our commitment to academic and athletic excellence."

Shawnee State will submit its NCAA Division II membership application by October 1, 2025, with plans to begin MEC competition in the 2026-27 season.

Read the original story here.

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Fred Lymas has been named the sixth head coach in Shawnee State men’s basketball history, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong reputation for developing programs. Most recently serving on the coaching staff at Florida A&M, Lymas played a key role in helping the Rattlers more than double their win total from the previous season. Known for his defensive acumen, Lymas helped improve the team’s scoring margin and overall defensive efficiency, leading to Florida A&M’s best defensive performance in three seasons. Athletic Director Gerald Cadogan praised the hire, calling Lymas a proven developer and strong fit for Shawnee State’s mission.

Lymas’ coaching journey has taken him through a wide range of programs and levels, from high school to NCAA Division I and II, NAIA, and the USCAA. His most notable stints include helping turn St. Thomas University into a national NAIA powerhouse and playing a major role in Washington Adventist’s 2013-14 USCAA National Championship. Lymas has worked closely with mentor and longtime colleague Patrick Crarey II at multiple stops, developing a consistent reputation as a tactician and builder of winning cultures. His coaching resume is marked by both competitive success and player development.

A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, and a former college standout himself, Lymas brings a player-first mentality to Shawnee State. A graduate of Shepherd University, where he scored over 1,000 points, Lymas emphasizes high-paced, physical basketball rooted in communication and situational awareness. Off the court, he values relationships above all.

"The biggest thing with me is relationships," Lymas said. "I believe in having and keeping relationships, and that's with everybody -- whether it's players, fellow coaches and staff in athletics, to the cafeteria lady, the president, and the community. I believe that relationships win championships."

With a background in social work and a passion for mentorship, Lymas is poised to make a meaningful impact on and off the court in his new role at Shawnee State.

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After a breakout debut season leading the Shawnee State men’s and women’s swimming programs, Tricia Boggs has been elevated to a full-time head coaching role. In just her first year at the helm, Boggs earned Mid-South Conference (MSC) Coach of the Year honors after guiding the men’s team to a program-best third-place finish at the MSC Championships and the women’s team to a strong fifth-place showing. Under her leadership, seven swimmers earned NAIA Provisional Cuts, with Abigail Bosler and Katie McCafferty qualifying for the 2025 NAIA Women's Swimming and Diving National Championships.

Boggs brings deep roots and a lifelong connection to the sport of swimming. With over seven years of experience coaching USA Swimming and a long family history in competitive swimming, she has developed talent across southern Ohio, many of whom have gone on to compete at Shawnee State. Her experience extends beyond the pool as well, with 15 years of volleyball coaching at the high school and club levels. Her family legacy is especially notable: her grandparents, Frank and Anna Bruch, were foundational figures in local swimming, and her daughter Emily has both swam and played volleyball under her direction at SSU.

Reflecting on her elevation to full-time head coach, Boggs expressed gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.

“It means the world to me to see this program grow and to have the chance to build on the momentum we created last season,” Boggs said. “These student-athletes have bought into the vision, and I’m incredibly proud of the work they’ve put in. I’m excited to keep pushing forward and continue putting Shawnee State swimming on the map.”

With her proven leadership, deep community ties, and passion for athlete development, Boggs is poised to lead the program into a new era of sustained success.

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Kristen Bradshaw’s leadership has sparked a rapid rise in the Shawnee State softball program, and her efforts have now earned her a full-time role within the university’s athletic department. In just two seasons, Bradshaw has led the Bears to a combined 63-29 record, including a 36-11 mark in 2024 that culminated in a River States Conference East Division Championship and a runner-up finish in the conference tournament. Her first year also saw Shawnee State lead the RSC in batting average and tie for the fifth-most wins in a single season in program history. Shawnee State Athletic Director Gerald Cadogan announced the promotion, citing Bradshaw’s immediate and sustained impact on and off the field.

Bradshaw’s influence extends far beyond the diamond. The program has become an academic powerhouse under her leadership, with 22 of 24 players earning GPAs above 3.0 in 2025 and 16 of those finishing above a 3.5. For the second straight year, five players were named to the College Sports Communicators' Academic All-District Team. Additionally, player Cameryn Davidson made history by becoming Shawnee State’s first-ever CSC-NAIA Academic All-American. Seven players earned All-Conference honors in 2025, reflecting Bradshaw’s commitment to excellence in both athletic and academic performance.

Reflecting on the growth of the program, Bradshaw shared her gratitude and motivation for the future.

“I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’re building here,” she said. “These student-athletes continue to raise the bar in the classroom and on the field, and I’m honored to help lead a program that reflects such dedication and heart.”

With Bradshaw now full-time, Shawnee State softball is poised to continue its ascent as one of the most competitive and academically successful programs in the region. To support SSU Softball and all Shawnee State Athletics in the upcoming season, join the Bear Club at the button bleow.

SSU Women’s Volleyball PREVIEW

Shawnee State Volleyball is off to a strong 8-3 start in the 2025 season, putting the program on pace for its first 20-win campaign since 2012. Under sixth-year head coach Devan Spriggs, SSU Volleyball has built a culture of competitiveness, and this year’s team may be her most complete yet.

“We don’t want to peak too early,” Spriggs said. “There’s still things that we have to work on, but our players have made it very hard on us, as a coaching staff, to narrow down a rotation because they are so competitive and talented. They’re bringing it every single day.”

The Bears' frontline has flourished thanks to a blend of experienced returners and impactful newcomers. Sophomores Camille McIntosh, Camille Hall, and Whytney Faulkner anchor the offense, while freshman Natalie Reida has emerged as a standout, already earning all-tournament honors. Local freshmen Katelynn Boerger and Bree Hicks are also making immediate contributions, while transfers like Hallie Oyer, Nuria Calvo, and Jayden Luette have added valuable size and experience to the rotation.

On the back line, the Bears boast a seasoned core led by seniors Ava Jenkins and Megan Steele, who have combined for over 2,100 career digs. Jenkins is confident that the new members of this year’s team will fit right in with the enstablished veterans.

“I'm not too worried about it at all. They're all are working in the weight room and at practice,” Jenkins said. “They're all paying attention and they're really dedicated to getting better and to growing. And we're a goofy bunch and they just get right with that. I think we'll do good this year.”

Setter duties are shared by veterans Makaela Lovely and Reagan Lewis, while freshman Cally Carpenter has impressed in limited action. Defensive depth continues with solid performances from Brooke Bossert, Joey Neal, and the multi-talented Faulkner. Lewis, a senior, agreed with Jenkins’ assesment of the team.

“I think as far as team chemistry goes, we're meshing really well,” Lewis said. “We've spent like two weeks together as a team and I feel like we've been playing together forever. “

With balance across all areas, Shawnee State Volleyball looks poised to finish its final NAIA season on a high note before transitioning to NCAA Division-II competition. To support Shawnee State Volleyball and all SSU Athletics, join the Bear Club at the button below.

 The athletic department at Shawnee State University held its annual 2025 Meet the Teams event Sunday, August 17, which was held at Waller Gymnasium on the Shawnee State University campus.

T-shirts for Meet the Teams were handed out, each sponsored team sport at Shawnee State University was introduced to the capacity crowd. Fans and family were given the opportunity to meet, greet and get autographs from their favorite players and teams. View the entire Meet The Teams photo gallery here.

We at Shawnee State Athletics are looking forward to a terrific 2025-26 season. To support SSU Athletics, we invite you to join the Bear Club! Financial support from family, alumni, and community members is crucial to the continued growth of SSU Athletics. To join the Bear Club, click the button below!

SSU CROSS-COUNTRY AND TRACK & FIELD TEAMS LOOK TO FINISH NAIA TENURE ON TOP

The Shawnee State women's cross-country team enters the 2025 season determined to capture its first conference title since 2019. That hunger was reflected in the RSC Preseason Poll, where the Bears were ranked second out of 11 teams with 90 points and a first-place vote. Indiana-East led the poll with 99 points and nine first-place votes, while rival Rio Grande followed close behind Shawnee State with 83 points and a first-place nod.

Shawnee State’s women's roster brings both experience and depth, returning all eight of its top runners from last season. Leading the pack is Olivia Cisco, the RSC Runner-Up and a top-60 national finisher, alongside Second-Team All-RSC honoree Jessica Elick. Veterans such as Juniper Allen, Natalie Brammer, Kirsten Evans, Beth Middleton, Sydney Reed and Amanda Salmons provide a solid foundation, while a strong recruiting class adds to the team's potential. Newcomers include Whitney Adams and Hadlee Cisco, as well as Riley Colestock, Maddison Dietrich, Emma Hurst, Payton McQuirt, and sisters Allison and Maggie Taylor.

On the men’s side, Shawnee State enters its final season in both the River States Conference and the NAIA aiming to go out on top, having already claimed RSC titles in 2023 and 2024. The Bears narrowly edged Rio Grande in the preseason poll by a single point, with 95 points and six first-place votes to the RedStorm’s 94 points and four top nods.

The men's team will again be led by the Lanoy triplets — Isaiah, Trevor and Kaiden — with Isaiah and Trevor having finished in the national top-100 last fall. Supporting the trio are returners like Connor Darnell, back from injury, and scoring threats Garrett Carver, Jerry O'Dell and Eli Lengl, a Division II transfer. Graduate student Malachi Shugert and upperclassmen Jared Flowers, Rowen Lloyd and Walker Pannell add further depth, while freshman Dakotah Sanders brings new talent into the mix. With this combination of experience and emerging talent, both Shawnee State programs appear poised for a championship push in 2025.

To support the Men and Women’s Cross Country and Track teams at SSU, join the Bear Club at the button below! Follow the SSU Women’s Team here and follow the Men’s team here all season long! Go Bears!

Shawnee State women’s soccer looking to take next step forward under McCauley

The women’s soccer program at Shawnee State established solid footing in 2024 by going 3-3-3 over its final nine games. With three of its four all-conference players returning from 2024, Head Coach Joe McCauley’s second season could see Shawnee State contend for a top-half conference finish.

Between veteran Haynna Addy and rising leaders Lucie Ashkettle and Annie Coriell, Shawnee State has 37 career goals between the three local products. Addy’s 18 career goals is tied for 13th most in Shawnee State history through the first four matches of the 2025 season.

Led by Madison Culp, Robyn Drinkwater, Lucia Arbide and incoming freshmen Lexi Conkel and Anna Sas, the Bears have a talent-rich midfield. Shawnee State’s true strength, however, may lie at the back end of its defense, which is led by sophomore Izzy Riddle along with fellow sophomore Jelena Krpan. Junior Elizabeth Brown, a multi-year starter, and freshman Alex Kennedy have held down the starting positions in the back. Ariane Davis also is an experienced player who sees significant minutes off of the bench.

The lead group is rounded out by sophomore goalkeeper Harlee Brand, who brings a physical edge to the position. The Adams County native made over 60 saves despite starting just over half of Shawnee State’s 16 matches in 2024.

Considering Shawnee State’s early returns in 2025 – which has seen the Bears either be tied with or hold leads against their opposition in all four of its matches so far this season – the Bears are coming. It’s just a matter of when, not if, their breakthrough moment occurs.

Shawnee State Men’s Soccer off to hot 4-1-1 start to 2025 season.

Shawnee State’s Men Soccer team is building momentum early in the season. With a strong returning core and an infusion of new talent, the Bears, now 4-1-1 on the season, are making an strong statement as a team to watch in their final year of NAIA competition before making the leap to NCAA-II.

Senior midfielder Alfie Maynard is off to a blistering start, leading the team with seven total points. The Bears have shown a balanced offensive effort with 10 different goal scorers, led by Maynard and Marco Riva. Several players have earned River States Conference Player of the Week honors. Marco Riva and Toby Forsythe each swept the River States Conference's Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors on Aug. 25, while Belo Bitencourt won the RSC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 1. Yokohama, Japan native Sei Aitoku, who notched his first two goals of his career at SSU in the team’s win over UC-Clermont, recently took home Offensive Player of the Week honors on Sep. 15.

The Bears are returning their top seven scorers from last season, a group that combined for 26 goals and 14 assists in 2024. Among them are senior captain Nikos Pontikis, Marco Riva and Cameron Thompson. New goalkeeper Toby Forsythe has been a standout so far in 2025, boasting a 0.92 goals-against average, on track to break the school’s single-season record. Overall, Shawnee State brings back 13 letterwinners while also welcoming 13 newcomers to a balanced 2025 roster that is at least two players deep at every position.

Shawnee State’s men’s soccer team aims to secure another upset as they face No. 16 Marian in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Sep. 17. To support the Men and Women’s soccer programs at Shawnee State, join the Bear Club at the button below. Every dollar makes a difference for our 350+ student-athletes.

To follow along all season with the Men and Women’s Soccer Teams at Shawnee State, visit the following links: Men’s Soccer | Women’s Soccer

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