How Lynn University Athletics Creates More Than Winners: A Look at Championship Teams, International Recruiting and a Culture That Shapes Student-Athletes for Life.

October 1st, 2025

As the fall semester kicks off, Lynn University Athletics isn’t just defending championship titles. They’re doing it while cultivating a competitive culture that extends far beyond the scoreboard. Athletics Director Kathy Kroupa shared her perspective on sustaining success, the importance of culture, and the exciting upgrades coming to the Fighting Knights program.

Sustaining Success, One Championship at a Time

With rosters full of fresh faces, both Men’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball are off to strong starts after claiming national titles, thanks, Kroupa says, to outstanding coaching. “It speaks volumes to the way our coaches have developed their culture and prepare their programs. The Sunshine State Conference is a beast, highly competitive day in and day out, so you never really get a break. Coaching here is kind of like being a ringmaster.”

The Fighting Knights also recently celebrated a milestone, as longtime coach John Rootes reached his 500th career win early in September. “For him, it was just another day at the office, but for everyone else, it was nice to recognize his lasting contributions,” Kroupa said.

New Facilities, Global Reach

The new basketball and volleyball gym floor has already made an impact. “It’s beautiful, it really lightens the space, and it plays great. It shows our commitment to student-athletes, and it’s something we’re proud to show off,” Kroupa noted.

Recruiting at Lynn stretches far beyond Florida. With 17–20% of Lynn’s student-athletes coming from overseas, and over 30% of the student body international, the program thrives on diversity. “When students visit, they feel at home quickly,” Kroupa said. Men’s soccer brings in players from Germany and Austria, while swimming has drawn standout athletes from Poland and Israel.

Culture Over Championships

While winning titles is always the goal, Kroupa stresses that culture is the foundation. “The process to success is about motivating kids, defining what you do, and preparing them properly. Sometimes winning an SSC championship is harder than winning a national one, it’s that competitive.”

That mentality carried Lynn volleyball into uncharted territory last season, reaching the regional championship rounds for the first time. “They went in with no expectations and just enjoyed the experience, and that went a long way,” Kroupa said.

The Fighting Knight Ethos

What does it mean to be a Fighting Knight? For Kroupa, it’s about striving for success in every arena. “We really talk about academics, preparing for the next step, and excelling beyond the court. Last year, our department GPA was 3.5, and we’re really proud of that.”

Support also runs deep across teams. Lynn’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee organizes “focus games” to ensure athletes from every program show up for each other. “We’re a small school, and these athletes know each other well. It creates friendships and a family feel that carries over to competition,” Kroupa explained.

A Spectator-Friendly Experience

For the community, Lynn Athletics offers high-caliber sports, and admission is free. “We want people to come to campus, watch games, and experience what our student-athletes can do without any financial barrier,” Kroupa said.

Winter sports include men’s and women’s basketball, plus men’s and women’s swimming. The swimming program is making waves nationally, with Luna Mertins winning two individual national championships last year and ranking among the top 25 across all NCAA divisions. On the court, men’s basketball under coach Bill Morosco reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament in his first full season, while women’s basketball continues to shine in SSC play.

Looking Ahead

The upgrades aren’t done yet. This spring, Lynn will unveil brand-new baseball and softball stadiums right in the heart of campus. “It’s going to be a fun place for people to come watch games. We just have a lot to offer, and we’d love the community to see what Lynn’s all about,” Kroupa said.

With championship-caliber athletes, international diversity, and a culture built on academics and support, Lynn University Athletics is proving that being a Fighting Knight means more than just winning. It means building something that lasts.