Lindenwood University Head Coach Jason Owen has not taken long to build the Lions’ program to become a national power in NCAA Division II. This year the St Louis based program will move into the New South Intercollegiate Swimming Championship after taking second in both Men’s and Women’s rankings at their former conference, the RMAC. Lindenwood has also picked up the star power in the last few years to land their women 9th and men 2nd at the 2016 NCAA Division II Nationals, and have just earned a commitment from one more potential game changer for their women’s roster.
Central Iowa Aquatics standout Lexie Winnett is a Winter Junior National Qualifier and has been the Iowa Swimming Champion in the 50 freestyle at the long course summer championship under Coach Kyle Hastings. While representing Johnston High School she was runner up in the 50 free at the recent 2016 IHSGAA Championship and has been named All-State for the 2014-2016 seasons, along with being named to the IHSGAA Senior Academic All-State Team in 2016. Lexie’s mother Leslie was a swimmer for Iowa State, and her brother Justin is currently a swimmer at Lindenwood as well.
Lexie’s accomplishments are made more notable when considering that Lexie has been recovering from a terrifying rollover car crash that sent her Toyota Camry on a nearly twenty foot drop into a creek this summer. The Des Moines Register wrote a fascinating article on the accident, and attributes her swimming background as being integral in her survival.
“I am very excited to announce my commitment to Lindenwood University! The coaches and the team made me feel right at home with their swim family and they really care about my future in swimming and academics! The team and the coaches are incredible along with a beautiful private campus and excellent academics! Lindenwood University is the best place for me! GO LIONS!”
Lexie’s top times (SCY):
- 50 free- 23.32
- 100 free- 52.11
- 200 free- 1:58.30
- 100 fly- 56.85
- 100 breast- 1:06.91
- 200 IM- 2:10.79
WHERE SHE FITS IN:
Lexie has six events that would have scored at the 2016 New South Intercollegiate Swimming Championships with four of them landing in A-final territory. The greatest asset Lexie brings to the Lions is her outstanding 50 freestyle which would not only have won the NSISC title, but might have earned her NCAA Division II All-America status as well.
