Lindenwood University has found the architect it believes can turn a rising program into a perennial Division I powerhouse.
In a move that signals a bold commitment to championship-caliber basketball, Lindenwood Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer announced on Tuesday that Phil Sayers has been named the next head coach of the Lions’ women’s basketball program.
Sayers arrives in St. Charles with a resume that reads like a masterclass in sustained excellence. For the past 14 seasons, he has been the tactical engine behind the Grand Valley State (GVSU) juggernaut. As Associate Head Coach, Sayers helped steer the Lakers to an era of Division II dominance that few programs in any sport can replicate—headlined by the rare, coveted feat of back-to-back national championships.
While “national champion” is the headline, the substance of Sayers’ tenure at GVSU is what truly sold the Lindenwood search committee. Known as a meticulous offensive strategist and a relentless recruiter, Sayers was the primary architect of an offense that balanced clinical efficiency with high-volume scoring.
Under his watch, the Lakers didn’t just win; they overwhelmed. His 2023-24 squad averaged north of 73 points per game while consistently ranking among the nation’s elite in field goal percentage. It is that brand of disciplined, modern basketball that Lindenwood hopes will translate to the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).
“When you look at Phil’s track record, you see more than just wins,” Coomer said. “You see a developer of talent, a recruiter with a national reach, and a coach who has operated at the highest level of the game for over a decade. He knows what a championship culture looks like because he’s spent 14 years building one.”
Sayers takes over a program that is no longer a “project.” Following the departure of Amy Eagan—who recently accepted the head coaching position at the University of New Mexico—Sayers inherits a roster that has already proven it can compete at the Division I level.
Eagan left the cupboard far from bare, having guided the Lions to a 25-8 record and a share of the OVC regular-season crown last season. For Sayers, the challenge isn’t rebuilding the foundation; it’s raising the ceiling.
The hiring of a WBCA National Assistant Coach of the Year winner suggests that Lindenwood isn’t content with just being a “good” OVC team. By poaching a top-tier mind from a dynasty like Grand Valley State, the Lions are signaling that they intend to be the OVC’s standard-bearer.
Sayers’ philosophy revolves around three pillars:
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Offensive Fluidity: Expect a team that maximizes spacing and prioritizes high-percentage looks.
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Player Empowerment: A reputation for turning talented recruits into All-American caliber guards.
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Mental Toughness: Bringing the “big-game” pedigree required to navigate the March madness of conference tournaments.
As the Lions prepare for the 2026-27 campaign, the message from the Hyland Arena is clear: The transition period is over. With Phil Sayers at the helm, the championship window for Lindenwood women’s basketball has officially swung wide open.
