Lindsey Schmidt, a dedicated and highly respected Academic Advisor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Athletics passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, following a traffic collision.
Schmidt had served in her role at SIUE since April 2008, becoming an integral part of the student-athlete success team and contributing to the university’s exceptional academic achievements for nearly two decades.
A native of the St. Louis area, she brought a wealth of personal experience as a former student-athlete to her work, having excelled in volleyball at the University of Tennessee at Martin from 1999 to 2003, where she was a four-year starter and helped lead the team to Ohio Valley Conference regular season championships in 2001 and 2002, as well as an OVC tournament title in 2002, earning Most Valuable Player honors.
Her academic journey included a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UT Martin in 2003 and a master’s degree in Sports Exercise & Behavior from SIUE in 2009, blending her athletic background with expertise in student development.
Schmidt’s professional path before SIUE included roles such as Grant Coordinator with Missouri MERS/Goodwill, Youth Specialist for the Missouri Division of Youth Services, and Psychiatric Tech at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis, experiences that deepened her understanding of support systems for young people facing challenges.
Upon joining SIUE Athletics, she focused on advising student-athletes in critical areas like career development, leadership training, campus resource navigation, and course scheduling, while ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, and university regulations. She collaborated closely with Deputy Athletic Director Jaci DeClue for nearly 17 years, helping to build and sustain one of the nation’s premier academic support programs. In 2024, her outstanding contributions earned her the Ohio Valley Conference Thurston Banks Award for Distinguished Academic Service, recognizing her commitment to student-athlete learning and development.
Under Schmidt’s guidance and passion, SIUE student-athletes achieved an extraordinary milestone of 39 consecutive semesters with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, a streak that underscored the department’s emphasis on balancing athletic competition with academic excellence. This success culminated in November 2025, when SIUE was honored with the top Graduation Success Rate among all Division I public institutions nationwide.
She also initiated the Leadership Development Academy, an annual program that selected student-athletes to enhance their leadership skills and improve team performance, further demonstrating her proactive approach to holistic growth. Her behind-the-scenes efforts directly influenced thousands of Cougar student-athletes, fostering an environment where academic achievement was celebrated as equally vital as on-field accomplishments.
Schmidt’s presence at SIUE was defined by her infectious energy, positive attitude, kindness, humility, and genuine care, qualities that made her a beloved figure among colleagues, current students, alumni, and the broader athletics family. She possessed a remarkable ability to make every individual feel seen, valued, and supported, creating lasting connections through her warmth and dedication.
This irreplaceable spirit extended beyond daily advising sessions, as she provided unwavering encouragement that helped student-athletes navigate both academic hurdles and personal transitions. In the Edwardsville campus community, known for its scenic bluffs, strong sense of unity, and commitment to student success, Schmidt’s influence helped reinforce a culture of compassion and excellence that will endure long after her passing.
The loss of Lindsey Schmidt has created a profound void within SIUE Athletics and the wider university, where her legacy of compassion, dedication, and positive impact continues to inspire those she served. Her work not only elevated academic standards but also exemplified the power of mentorship in shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for life beyond college sports.
Colleagues and former students alike recognize the depth of her contributions, from building robust support structures to celebrating individual milestones. In honoring her memory, the community reflects on the profound difference one person can make through consistent, heartfelt service in a university setting that prioritizes both achievement and personal growth.