Phil Sayers Takes Helm as Lindenwood Women’s Basketball Head Coach

On Wednesday, Lindenwood University made a big move in their athletics department. They named Phil Sayers as the new head coach of the women’s basketball team.

Sayers brings a deep background, including years at Grand Valley State University. He’s got a reputation for success and experience that’s tough to match.

His arrival signals a fresh chapter for Lindenwood women’s basketball. The program is eager to build on the solid foundation left by Coach Eagan.

Phil Sayers’ Journey to Lindenwood

Phil Sayers grew up in Michigan and has poured his career into women’s basketball. For the past 14 years, he’s been a major force at Grand Valley State University (GVSU).

He spent 11 of those seasons as the Associate Head Coach. While there, Sayers helped guide the team to 11 straight NCAA Tournament appearances and back-to-back National Championships in 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Achievements at Grand Valley State

Sayers’ time at GVSU stands out for a bunch of reasons:

• 11 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances
• Back-to-back National Championships in 2024-25 and 2025-26
• A remarkable record of 314-50 over 11 seasons
• Five 30-win campaigns
• Five-straight GLIAC regular season titles
• Four consecutive conference tournament crowns
• Participation in nine out of the last 11 GLIAC Tournament Finals

He really left his mark on the Lakers, driving consistent success year after year. In 2024-25, coaches recognized his work and named him WBCA National Assistant Coach of the Year.

Building Relationships and Developing Talent

Sayers is known for building strong relationships with his players and staff. That’s really at the heart of how he coaches.

He’s helped players grow, both on and off the court. Every season at GVSU, he coached at least one First Team All-GLIAC performer, including Rylie Bisballe, who won back-to-back conference Player of the Year honors.

Paige VanStee also earned WBCA First Team All-American status with Sayers as her coach. He seems to have a knack for drawing out the best in people.

Previous Coaching Experience

Before GVSU, Sayers picked up experience at several places:

• Western Michigan University (WMU): He worked as an assistant coach, helping Ebony Cleary finish her career ranked 15th in scoring and 10th in field goal percentage at WMU.
• Kalamazoo College: Sayers spent time as an assistant coach, sharpening his skills and figuring out his approach to leadership.
• Climax-Scotts High School: He led the girls’ basketball team to a 64-7 record, three Southern Central Athletic Association championships, two district titles, and a trip to the 2004 regional finals.

The Vision for Lindenwood Women’s Basketball

Lindenwood sees Sayers as the right person to keep their program on the upswing. He’s excited and grateful for the opportunity, expressing his commitment to the culture Coach Eagan built.

Sayers said, I am extremely honored and grateful to be named the next Head Coach for Lindenwood Women’s Basketball. There is no doubt in my mind that they want to support this Women’s Basketball program. I look forward to sustaining the momentum that Coach Eagan created and we will work hard to maintain that same culture of success.

Community and Leadership

Off the court, Sayers wants to become part of the St. Charles community. His family is looking forward to joining Lindenwood and getting involved locally.

People who know Sayers talk about his positive energy and work ethic. He really seems to care about the game and the people around him.

Endorsements from the Coaching Community

Several respected coaches have already spoken up in support of Sayers’ move to Lindenwood:

Mike Williams, Grand Valley State University Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Having worked with Phil for the last 11 years he has proven he is a rising star in the coaching profession. He is an outstanding teacher and leader that played a major role in our program development at Grand Valley State. He has the passion and work ethic, with an ability to grow and sustain success. And he will do just that moving forward at Lindenwood!

Tasha Brown, UCLA Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach

Phil Sayers is a proven winner. He’s exceptional at building meaningful relationships, brings a genuine passion for the game, and has a track record of developing players at a high level. His impact will be felt immediately. Lindenwood is gaining a special leader.

Keri Becker, Grand Valley State Director of Athletics

During his time at GVSU, Phil Sayers brought the highest levels of energy and loyalty to GVSU. He demonstrated deep commitment to his student-athletes and this program by investing his own time and resources into his development as a leader of women. No one has put more effort in preparing themselves to be the absolute best at the job they had in the moment and the one they wanted tomorrow. I am thrilled he has been given this opportunity to become a head women’s basketball coach and will continue to grow the game and impact women to become the leaders of tomorrow. We wish Phil and his family great success and joy at Lindenwood.