Lincoln University Athletics Closes 2025 with National Rankings and All-American Honors

Congratulations to our Lincoln University Blue Tiger athletes on a fantastic year!

The 2025 season marked a strong year for Lincoln University athletics, with notable achievements in men’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s and men’s and track & field. From championship titles and NCAA Tournament appearances to national rankings and All-American honors, the Blue Tigers delivered success at both the conference and national levels. Read more athletics stories by Dan Carr on the Blue Tiger Athletics website. 

Men’s Soccer: National Ranking and Sweet 16 Appearance

In just its second season back as a program, the Lincoln men’s soccer team produced a breakthrough year, earning a national ranking and advancing deep into the NCAA Tournament.

Season Highlights

• Ranked No. 15 nationally in the United Soccer Coaches Division II poll
• Finished the season with a 12–2–6 record
• Advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division II Championship

Postseason Highlights

• Defeated Tiffin in the NCAA second round via penalty kicks, 4–3
• Season concluded with a 1–0 loss to Rogers State in the third round

Individual Honors

• Kevon Maitland – GLVC Offensive Player of the Year, All-GLVC First Team
• Christopher Hull – All-GLVC Second Team
• Adam Griffiths – All-GLVC Second Team
• Vincent Osei – All-GLVC Second Team
• Rajae Lawrence – James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award

Men’s Basketball: Championship Run and NCAA Return

Lincoln men’s basketball put together its best season in more than two decades, finishing with a 23–9 record and earning a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1981.

Season Highlights

• Won the GLVC Championship
• Advanced to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional
• Finished with a 23–9 overall record

Individual Honors

• Franck Yetna: All-GLVC First Team and All-Defensive Team
• Tyler Chapman: All-GLVC Second Team

Track & Field: All-American Performances on the National Stage

Lincoln track & field athletes turned in strong performances at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, combining for 18 All-American honors and multiple podium finishes.

Team Highlights

• Men’s team finished ninth at the NCAA Championships, scoring 23 points
• Women’s and men’s teams combined for 18 USTFCCCA All-American awards

National Highlights

• Men’s 4x400m relay finished as national runner-up
• Women’s 4x400m relay won the national championship

Individual Highlights

• Sharim Hamilton: Third place, 400m hurdles (first team All-American)
• Clinton Laguerre: Sixth place, 400m hurdles (first team All-American)
• Wesley Tyndall: Third place, long jump (first team All-American)
• Shevanae Thomas: First team All-American (400m), second team (400m hurdles)
• Shantae George: First team All-American (200m), second team (100m)

As the 2025 season comes to a close, Lincoln University athletics can look back on a year of historic achievements and individual excellence. These accomplishments set a strong foundation for future seasons and highlight Lincoln’s growing presence on the national athletic stage.