Lindenwood baseball's Josh Newell has been selected to receive the Ohio Valley Conference's prestigious Scholar-Athlete Award for 2025-26. The award is the highest individual honor that can be earned by OVC student-athletes and is given annually to three men and three women student-athletes for their accomplishments in both the classroom and athletic arena, and because of their leadership qualities.

The six winners were selected from a group of finalists by a vote of OVC Faculty Athletics Representatives. Honorees must have performed athletically with distinction, earned at least a 3.5 grade-point average and conducted themselves in a manner which has brought credit to the student-athlete, his or her institution, intercollegiate athletics and the OVC. The award is based on academic and athletic criteria/accomplishments achieved during the 2024-25 school year.

Newell was named OVC Pitcher of the Year after he compiled a 10-2 record in 15 starts last season. The 10 wins led the OVC and set a Lindenwood single-season record. He has a 3.97 grade point average in sport management with a minor in marketing. Newell has been named to the OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll, earned the OVC Academic Medal of Honor and been a Dean's Honor Roll selection. He has volunteered on campus with "Lions Late Night" and "Frozen Roar" sports management department initiatives, volunteered with football and hockey operations and Marcy's Project, a non-profit organization who helps those in need across St. Charles County.

"There is not a student-athlete more deserving to win the OVC Scholar Athlete Award than Josh Newell", said Lindenwood head baseball coach P.J. Finigan. "Josh is an amazing ambassador for Lindenwood University and the baseball program. What he has accomplished this year in the field and in the classroom is nothing short of remarkable. We are fortunate to have Josh help lead this program and continue to be recognized for all that he has done".

"I can't think of a more deserving winner than Josh Newell", remarked Lindenwood Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Success and Development Roy Tippett. "Josh was an ace on the mound for the Lions, leading the OVC in ERA, wins, complete games, and innings pitched. He was just as effective in the classroom earning a 4.0 for the year. We couldn't be prouder to have Josh represent Lindenwood."