Five Lindenwood baseball student-athletes were named to the 2026 Academic All-District Team, all boasting 4.0 GPAs. The honored players are Seth Benes, Kam Edwards, Josh Newell, Filip Sarota, and William Zareh. Benes and Newell also qualified as Academic All-America finalists. This recognition reflects their academic excellence alongside impressive athletic performance, as the Lions achieved back-to-back 30-win seasons for the first time in their Division-I history.

By the Numbers
  • All five players have 4.0 cumulative GPAs.
  • Lindenwood finished the 2026 season with a record of 30-28.
  • Seth Benes led the OVC with 75 strikeouts and a 2.33 ERA.
  • Kam Edwards set a Lindenwood record with 54 career stolen bases.
  • Josh Newell posted a 2.51 ERA and led the league in innings pitched with 93.1.
Yes, But

While the achievements are commendable, there are potential challenges ahead as balancing academics and athletics at the collegiate level can lead to burnout or inconsistent performance in either area. The pressure to maintain high academic and athletic standards may affect future results.

State of Play
  • The Lions are coming off back-to-back 30-win seasons, a new milestone for the program.
  • Five players being named to the Academic All-District Team highlights a strong culture of academic achievement.
  • Recent accolades showcase a blend of success both on the field and in the classroom.
What's Next

The Lions will need to build on their recent success, aiming to improve their record and secure a spot in postseason play. Continued focus on both academics and athletics will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

Lindenwood's achievement of having five players on the Academic All-District Team underscores the successful integration of academic and athletic excellence. Maintaining this balance will be key as they strive for greater achievements in the future.