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. Located in Portsmouth, Ohio, 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, a public university with around 3,500 students, is recognized for its strong academic programs in game design, health sciences, and engineering technologies. It currently competes in the River States Conference and will follow a transition path similar to Point Park University, which recently joined the MEC. SSU 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.

To support the university as it moves into NCAA-II, supporters can join the 25-26 Bear Club at the button below.

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.

To support the SSU Men’s Basketball program and all Shawnee State Athletics, join the 25-26 Bear Club at the button below.

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.

To support SSU Swimming and all Shawnee State Athletics, join the 25-26 Bear Club at the button below.

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 Video Interview with Head Coach Devan Spriggs and seniors Aya Jenkins and Reagan Lewis.

Shawnee State, who was selected to finish fifth in the 2025 River States Conference Preseason Volleyball Poll, finished the 2024 season with an overall record of 16-13 -- including a 9-7 mark in RSC play. The finish resulted in Shawnee State's third winning season in four years under Head Coach Devan Spriggs, who begins her sixth season as the head coach of the Shawnee State women's volleyball program in 2025.

“We went through growing pains with this group because we had so many of them that were playing on the floor when they were freshman and sophomores,” Spriggs said. “I want to say that they made a pivotal point in this in this program. They took on challenges when they were young and changed the way that we were going to do things here. And because of that, they have set a standard and I'm very excited for that standard to pay off for them and the program as a whole.”

Senior Aya Jenkins is confident than the new members of this year’s team will fit right in with the enstablished core of veterans.

“We have a lot of new people coming in and I'm not too worried about it at all because they're all are working in the weight room at practice,” said senior Aya Jenkins. “They're all paying attention and they're really dedicated to getint better and to grow. And we're a goofy bunch and they just get right with that. I think we'll do good this year.”

Senior Reagan Lewis agreed, sighting the groups quick commraderie on the court during summer practices.

“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. I think it's going to be good.”