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.

To support SSU Athletics as it moves into NCAA-II, join the Bear Club at the button below. Every donation makes a difference for our 350+ student-athletes.

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 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!

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!

Both the Shawnee State men's and women's soccer teams are set for competitive seasons in 2025, with strong preseason placements in the River States Conference (RSC) Coaches Poll. The women’s team was selected to finish fifth after collecting 65 points, narrowly edging out Indiana-Kokomo. On the men’s side, Shawnee State was picked to finish fourth, matching its 2024 RSC standing. The men earned 57 points in the poll, comfortably ahead of Midway (41 points), while Rio Grande, West Virginia Tech and Oakland City claimed the top three spots.

The women’s program enters the season with a deep returning core that includes four of its top five scorers from 2024. Key players such as Annie Coriell, Haynna Addy, Lucie Ashkettle, Madison Culp and Isabelle Riddle will lead the way, with Ashkettle, Culp and Riddle returning as All-RSC honorees. Nine other returners from last year’s squad provide depth and experience, including Autumn Culp, Robyn Drinkwater and Olivia Blankenship, while Lucia Arbide rejoins the team after a one-year break.

On the men’s side, the Bears return their top six scorers and eight of their top 10 overall contributors from the previous season. Players such as Nikos Pontikis, Marco Riva, Théo Cavaleiro Trindade and João Coqueti Léo highlight a seasoned lineup that also features veterans like Ephraim Mutombo and Sean Williams. With 13 total returners, Shawnee State brings back a solid foundation from a team that finished 8-8-3 overall and 4-2-2 in RSC play in 2024.

Both teams also welcome an influx of new talent. The women’s roster features 11 newcomers, including local standouts and international transfers from Canada, Spain and Texas. The men’s team brings in 13 new players from Ohio, New Jersey, California, and abroad, including athletes from France, Japan, Peru and Spain. With a balanced mix of experienced returners and fresh faces, both Shawnee State soccer programs are positioned for strong performances in the upcoming season.

To support SSU Soccer in the upcoming season, join the Bear Club at the button below!