Lindenwood University women's cross country and track & field athlete Kadence Berry represented Lindenwood and the Ohio Valley Conference at a press conference on September 14 in Washington, D.C., with the Senate sponsors of the Protect College Sports Act.

"We are extremely proud of Kade for representing the Ohio Valley Conference and our student-athletes in Washington, D.C., and for lending her voice in support of the Protect College Sports Act," said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer. "As Chair of the Ohio Valley Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Kade has earned the respect of her peers through her commitment, character, and willingness to advocate for the student-athlete experience. She has clearly established herself as a leader, and we are proud to see her represent our conference and student-athletes on a national stage."

The Protect College Sports Act is a bipartisan bill designed to stabilize college athletics.  The bill ensures fair opportunities, stability, and long-term success for college athletes while preserving the integrity of collegiate athletics.

"Kade is an absolute All-Star with how she handles school, sport, and making an impact with being involved in multiple extra curriculars," said Cross Country and Track & Field head coach Kayla Kregel. "I'm very proud of the voice she's established with representing our program, Lindenwood Athletics and now the OVC on a national level."

Thirty athletes from across the country attended the press conference, as well as coaches John Calipari, Mark Few, Rick Barnes, Craig Bohl, Kelvin Sampson, Ed Cooley, and Craig Robinson. Senators Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell, Shelley Moore Capito, John Hickenlooper were among the legislators in attendance.
During her time in D.C., Berry met with members of Senator Josh Hawley's staff, wrote an op-ed for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and participate in a short video supporting the PCSA.

"It was a privilege to be able to advocate for student-athletes in D.C.," said Berry. "Not only was I able to see some of the proposed legislative changes in collegiate athletics firsthand, but I was able to be a part of that process!"

Berry is a four-year member of the Lindenwood women's cross country and track & field programs but provides so much more outside of the track. Currently a senior, Berry has made her mark in the St. Charles community by acting as the Student Government Senator in Lindenwood SAAC and was a member of the Executive Board.  Berry also is the president of the Pre-Law Society at Lindenwood where she is a triple major studying Political Science with a Pre-Law emphasis, Philosophy & Religion, and Applied AI. She is the president and founder of AI Club, member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society while also being a member of the National Board.

She is the president of the Honors academy, while also acting as a mentor. Berry is a member of the Athletic Advisory Committee alongside university faculty and staff. During Lindenwood's reclassification process, Berry was a steering committee member of the NCAA Self Study where she attended and acted as a Lindenwood student-athlete representative. In her spare time between school and cross country, Berry also serves as a volunteer middle school track coach helping teach and grow new student-athletes in the community.