A Recruiting Class Poised to Elevate Lindenwood Soccer
The 2026 signing class brings together 23 student‑athletes, marking the largest and highest‑ranked group in Lindenwood history. The influx follows a 2025 campaign that delivered a 14‑3‑4 record, the program’s first Division I regular‑season and tournament titles, and an NCAA Tournament berth, setting a strong foundation for continued growth.
Coach Kris Bertsch has stressed that the program seeks more than athletic ability; he looks for individuals who prioritize academic excellence, community involvement and a shared team culture. According to Bertsch, the new recruits embody those values while also bringing technical skill and competitive drive.
The class blends freshmen with transfers, creating a diverse mix that reflects both domestic and international talent. Recruits hail from states such as Texas and Florida, as well as from abroad, including France and Spain, underscoring the program’s expanding reach.
Among the newcomers, Miguel Adoboe, a midfielder from Sachse, Texas, joins after stints in MLS Next Pro and Spanish youth academies. Alen Agicic, a centerback from New Hartford, New York, brings experience from Rochester FC and Bosnian national team camps. Clement Baron, a centerback/midfielder from Nans‑les‑Pins, France, adds a background in French youth leagues and regional championships.
Xavier Belot, a fullback/wingback from Miami, Florida, earned a call‑up to the Haitian U‑20 National Team and has trained with European academies, while Joan Garcia, a centerback from Barcelona, Spain, previously excelled at CF Damm’s top youth setup and competed in the Copa del Rey Juvenil.
John Bowlin, a goalkeeper from Apollo Beach, Florida, captured attention by winning the Esmog Golden Glove Tournament in France and setting high‑school kicking records, further diversifying the squad’s skill set.
Lindenwood’s facilities, recent on‑field success and a strong sense of community have proven magnetic for top prospects. The program’s upward trajectory, highlighted by its rapid ascent in Division I soccer, positions it as one of the fastest‑growing soccer programs in the nation.