According to a report on Beyond The Dashers, the Lindenwood University women’s team will make the jump from ACHA to Division I varsity next season.
Lindenwood, located in St. Charles, Mo., is moving all of its athletic programs to the NCAA level and will be in the first of a two-year candidacy period before being granted full NCAA membership. The Lions will play as an independent in women’s hockey for at least the 2011-2012 season.
“Lindenwood is excited to elevate its women’s ice hockey program to NCAA status,” said athletic director John Creer in a statement. “The women’s team has already established a winning tradition in the ACHA and we now look forward to future success in the NCAA at the DI level of play.”
The Lady Lions began the program in 2003-04 and have qualified for the national tournament in all eight years of their existence, winning four national titles, a runner-up finish and most recently, a third-place finish. Lindenwood has also captured three league titles in the Central Collegiate Women’s Hockey Association.
