Arielle DeSmet enters her third season as assistant coach in 2025-26.
In 2024-25, Lindenwood finished with a record of 5-26-5, and a 4-15-1 mark inside conference play. The Lions accumulated five weekly honors during the season, including two each from goalie Anna LaRose and forward Morgan Neitzke. Neitzke went on to earn second team All-Conference honors.
Under the guidance of DeSmet in 2023-24, the Lions saw immediate success, winning a program record 11 games, with seven of those victories coming at Centene Community Ice Center. Morgan Neitzke and Sarah Davies earned All-Conference honors with Neitzke garnering a first team selection. During the 2023-24 campaign, Neitzke broke seven program records and was first in the CHA in goals (24) and second in the conference in points (46). Overall, the Lions ranked second in the conference in goals per game (3.00), while topping the CHA in shorthanded goals (7) during the season.
DeSmet joins the staff after competing at Syracuse University the past two seasons following a three season stint at Robert Morris University. DeSmet is a two-time conference champion in the CHA with 2000 career saves. DeSmet was also the CHA goalie of the year, all-CHA first team, and all tournament team in 21-22, as well as being the Battle of the Burgh all-tournament team and tournament MVP.
DeSmet graduated from Robert Morris University in 2022 with a degree in Criminal Justice. She went on to pursue her Masters in Forensic Science from Syracuse.
