CONTENTS 2021-22 ANNUAL REPORT
4 5 6 8 12 14 15 16 18
OUR MISSION ACADEMICS COMMUNITY SERVICE LENDINGTREE BOWL
FOOTBALL SEASON RECAP 2022 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE MAP MALIK WILLIS
FIELD HOCKEY
20 21 22 23 24 29 34 40 42
FLAMES CLUB
CONFERENCE USA CHAMPION PERFORMANCE SOAR | NIL INITIATIVE
WELCOME TO THE MOUNTAIN YEAR-IN-REVIEW
PLAYER & COACHES HONORS
FACILITIES
SOCIAL MEDIA
LIBERTY ATHLETICS MISSION Liberty University is a distinctly Christian liberal arts university committed to the pursuit of excellence in all phases of its mission. The university’s mission is to produce Christ-centered men and women with the values., knowledge, and skills required to impact tomorrow’s world. In keeping with the traditional association of sports with education, intercollegiate athletics constitute an integral and very visible aspect of Liberty’s educational program.
VISION Liberty trains Champions for Christ by providing a high-quality student-athlete experience and achieving victory with integrity in its intercollegiate athletics program.
GOALS Student-Athlete Experience: Student-athletes will be afforded the highest quality academic, athletic, spiritual, and social experience. Champion Performance: Each program will achieve competitive success and Liberty will be recognized as one of the nation’s fastest rising athletics programs. Culture of Integrity: The programs will demonstrate Christian commitment and integrity through service initiatives, good sporting conduct, rules compliance, gender equity and cultural diversity. Fiscal Performance: Revenue streams will be enhanced and operational efficiency increased in order to operate highly competitive athletics programs. Build the Brand: The visibility of each athletics program will be used to strengthen the Liberty brand and engage constituents in the university’s life.
IAN MCCAW, LIBERTY UNIVERSITY DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS 4 | Liberty Athletics
Develop and Equip Leaders: Liberty Athletics develops, equips and prepares student-athletes, coaches and staff to become Christ-centered leaders.
ACADEMICS QUICK FACTS
3 19 55 157 269 415 495
COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS
TEAMS WITH A 3.0+ CUMULATIVE GPA
STUDENT-ATHLETES WITH A 4.0 CUMULATIVE GPA
STUDENT-ATHLETES COMPLETED THEIR DEGREES
Liberty University student-athletes continue to score high marks both in the classroom and on the field due to the efforts of Academic Affairs for Athletics. With offices and academic space located in the Liberty Athletics Center (LAC), which opened in November, 2017, Liberty Academics Affairs for Athletics provides resources for student-athletes to succeed, including two open learning environments, a tech lab, two smart classrooms, multiple tutorial and group study rooms, multiple neighborhoods for specific study, and a studentathlete development center.
3.27
88%
MATCHES THE SECOND HIGHEST STUDENT-ATHLETE CUMULATIVE GPA IN LIBERTY ATHLETICS HISTORY
MATCHING THE HIGHEST NCAA GRADUATION SUCCESS RATE IN LIBERTY ATHLETICS HISTORY
STUDENT-ATHLETES ON THE ASUN ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL
STUDENT-ATHLETES WITH A 3.0+ CUMULATIVE GPA
TOTAL ACADEMIC HONORS IN 2021-22 2021-22 Annual Report | 5
COMMUNITY SERVICE Liberty University student-athletes have continued to give their time and efforts in demonstrating love and care by serving the local community. Using the NCAA Athletics platform, Liberty’s student-athletes make a difference in the lives of individuals of all ages in both the public and private sectors. “Love. Care. Serve.” is the promise Liberty student-athletes have for each other and the Lynchburg community. The goals are to demonstrate love, care for those in need, and serve with a grateful heart. 2021-22 Events Dollar Makes a Difference: $4,461 donated by all teams and school supplies were then purchased and delivered to local elementary schools. Trick or Treat so Others Can Eat: 1,627 Cans collected Hop on Pop: 5,774 children’s books donated and taken to local elementary schools (Record; 3 teams donated over 1,000 books each). VA 10-Miler: Student–Athletes from Track & Field and WBB cheered on runners. Attitude of Gratitude: Over 1, 000 letters written and distributed again this year.
6 | Liberty Athletics
2021-22 Annual Report | 7
LIBERTY VS. EASTERN MICHIGAN x
2021 LEN
BOWL #THREE 8 | Liberty Athletics
DINGTREE
GAME PEAT MOBILE, ALABAMA DECEMBER 18, 2021 2021-22 Annual Report | 9
THREE PEAT Liberty’s Historic Run
Liberty’s Malik Willis accounted for five of the Flames’ seven touchdowns on the day, leading Liberty to a convincing 56-20 win over Eastern Michigan in the 2021 LendingTree Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Willis was named the LendingTree Bowl MVP after finishing the game with 289 total offensive yards (58 rushing, 231 passing). Running back T.J. Green, who rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown, was named the LendingTree Bowl Offensive MVP. Safety Skyler Thomas was named the LendingTree Bowl Defensive MVP after returning an interception 27 yards for a touchdown. He also had three assisted tackles, helping him finish the year with 55 tackles (27 solo, 28 assisted). Punter Aidan Alves was named the LendingTree Bowl Special Teams MVP after averaging 48.7 yards per punt, including his second 60-plus yard punt of the season (63 yards). Liberty, in its third year of full FBS eligibility, earned its third straight bowl victory. The Flames, who also won the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl in 2019 and 2020, join Appalachian State (2015-20) as the only teams to win bowl games in each of their first three years after transitioning to FBS from FCS. 10 | Liberty Athletics
2020-21 2021-22 Annual Report | 11
FOOTBALL SEASON RECAP
2 5 8 10 16 61 12 | Liberty Athletics
ONE OF TWO TEAMS IN NCAA HISTORY TO WIN BOWL GAMES IN EACH OF THEIR FIRST THREE YEARS AFTER TRANSITIONING TO FBS FROM FCS (APPALACHIAN STATE)
ONE OF FIVE FBS TEAMS TO HAVE WON A BOWL GAME EACH OF THE LAST THREE SEASONS, JOINING ALABAMA, GEORGIA, KENTUCKY AND LOUISIANA LIBERTY HAS NOW WON EIGHT OR MORE GAMES FOR THE 13TH SEASON IN PROGRAM HISTORY, INCLUDING ALL THREE SEASONS UNDER FLAMES HEAD FOOTBALL COACH HUGH FREEZE PLAYERS SIGNED NFL CONTRACTS *PROGRAM RECORD
INDIVIDUAL POSTSEASON HONORS RECEIVED LIBERTY FINISHED THE 2021 SEASON WITH A PROGRAM RECORD 61 TOUCHDOWNS AND RANKED NO. 25 IN THE COUNTRY IN SCORING OFFENSE (33.6 POINTS PER GAME)
2021-22 Annual Report | 13
2022 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
HOME
14 | Liberty Athletics
AWAY
FBS OPPONENTS
40+ 22
DIFFERENT FBS OPPONENTS
MAP INCLUDES FBS OPPONENTS SINCE 2017
DIFFERENT STATES
8
FBS CONFERENCES
2021-22 Annual Report | 15
MALIK WILLIS PATH TO THE DRAFT
FORMER LIBERTY FLAMES STANDOUT QUARTERBACK MALIK WILLIS BECAME THE NINTH PLAYER IN PROGRAM HISTORY TO BE SELECTED IN THE NFL DRAFT WHEN THE TENNESSEE TITANS PICKED HIM IN THE THIRD ROUND OF THE 2022 NFL DRAFT. WILLIS WAS THE 86TH OVERALL PICK IN THE 2022 NFL DRAFT. HE IS THE FIRST FLAME SELECTED IN THE DRAFT SINCE WIDE RECEIVER ANTONIO GANDY-GOLDEN WAS TAKEN IN THE FOURTH ROUND IN 2020 (142ND OVERALL PICK). WILLIS BECAME THE SECOND-HIGHEST NFL DRAFT PICK IN PROGRAM HISTORY. THE FLAMES’ TOP NFL DRAFT PICK WAS ERIC GREEN, WHO WAS SELECTED IN THE FIRST ROUND (21ST PICK) BY THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS IN 1990. WILLIS HAD AN AWARD-WINNING SEASON IN 2021. THE QUARTERBACK WAS A SEMIFINALIST FOR THE DAVEY O’BRIEN NATIONAL QUARTERBACK AWARD AND THE MAXWELL AWARD AND A TOP 10 CANDIDATE FOR THE JOHNNY UNITAS GOLDEN ARM AWARD. WILLIS WAS LIBERTY’S TOP OFFENSIVE THREAT THIS PAST SEASON, ACCOUNTING FOR 65.9 PERCENT OF THE FLAMES’ TOTAL OFFENSIVE YARDS IN 2021 (TEAM YARDS: 5,671/WILLIS: 3,736 – RUSH 878, PASS 2,857). WILLIS’ TOTAL OFFENSIVE YARDS RANK NO. 2 IN SINGLE-SEASON PROGRAM HISTORY. IN HIS FINAL SEASON AT LIBERTY, WILLIS COMPLETED 207-OF-339 PASSING ATTEMPTS FOR 2,857 YARDS AND 27 TOUCHDOWNS. THE REDSHIRT JUNIOR WAS ALSO LIBERTY’S LEADING RUSHER, HAVING CARRIED THE BALL 197 TIMES FOR 878 YARDS AND 13 TOUCHDOWNS. IN RECOGNITION OF HIS STELLAR PLAY ON THE FIELD AND OUTSTANDING CHARACTER OFF THE GRIDIRON, LIBERTY’S MALIK WILLIS HAS BEEN NAMED THE 2021 BOBBY BOWDEN TROPHY WINNER. THE BOBBY BOWDEN TROPHY RECOGNIZES THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PLAYER WHO EPITOMIZES A STUDENT-ATHLETE OF FAITH. THE AWARD WINNER MUST CONDUCT HIMSELF AS AN EXEMPLARY MODEL IN THE CLASSROOM, ON THE FIELD, ON CAMPUS AND IN THE COMMUNITY.
16 | Liberty Athletics
THE NATIVE OF ATLANTA, GA., WAS ALSO ON NUMEROUS NATIONAL AWARD WATCH LISTS: CFPA NATIONAL PERFORMER OF THE YEAR AWARD, MANNING AWARD, REESE’S SENIOR BOWL, WALTER CAMP PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD AND THE NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL 2021-22 PRESEASON BIG BOARD.
2021-22 Annual Report | 17
NATIONAL TITLE RUN Liberty’s First-Ever National Title Game Appearance
•
NCAA Field Hockey Championship Runner-Up
•
First Final Four in program history
•
First team in Liberty Athletics history to reach a Division I Final Four and Division I National Championship Game
•
20 wins is the most in school history, 7-0 record is first unbeaten record in BIG EAST play for Liberty
•
First BIG EAST title in program history
•
Only team in the nation with 20 or more wins during the fall 2021 season
•
Nation’s longest winning streak of the season, 17 straight victories from Sept. 17-Nov. 19
•
Ranked first in the country in goals per game (3.48), scoring average (3.38), points per game (9.96) and assists per game (3.00)
•
-Finished No. 6 in the final NCAA Field Hockey RPI and was ranked among the top-10 teams in the country in each of the final six national coaches’ polls
18 | Liberty Athletics
20-3 OVERALL RECORD
WON BIG EAST TITLE 1-0 OVER UCONN
7-0 BIG EAST RECORD
DEFEATED RUTGERS 3-2 (4-2 IN PENTALY STROKES) IN ELITE 8
DEFEATED SAINT JOSEPH’S 2-0 IN SWEET 16
FACED NORTHWESTERN IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
DEFEATED MARYLAND 3-2 IN DOUBLE OT IN FINAL FOUR
JILL BOLTON NAMED NFHCA NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
JILL BOLTON
Rewrites the Liberty History Book
HONDA SPORT AWARD Jill Bolton was awarded the prestigious award as she was named the 2022 Honda Sport Award winner for field hockey. The 2021 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division I National Player of the Year, Bolton is the first Liberty student-athlete in school history to earn the Honda Sport Award. The award has presented annually by the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) for the past 46 years to the top female athlete in 12 NCAA sanctioned sports and signifies “the best of the best in college athletics”. The award was announced this afternoon by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of the CWSA. NFCHA NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR Bolton is the first player in program history to be named NFHCA National Player of the Year, a prestigious honor presented to the top field hockey athlete at the collegiate level. Bolton is also the first Liberty student-athlete at the Division I level to be voted a national player of the year. A 2021 NFHCA All-America first team honoree, Bolton made her second straight first team AllAmerican award and third overall All-American distinction. The senior forward received first team honors during the spring 2021 campaign and third team recognition in 2019. 2022 NCAA WOMAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Bolton was nominated for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award. Bolton is one of 30 nominees who compete in a sport that is not sponsored by the school’s primary conference or compete for an independent school.
2021-22 Annual Report | 19
PROJECTS FUNDED THROUGH THE FLAMES CLUB LIBERTY INDOOR TENNIS CENTER: $3 MILLION DOLLAR GIFT EAST CAMPUS FIELDS VIDEO BOARDS
The Flames Club is directly linked to the performance of Liberty University Athletics and is the channel through which Flames Nation (fans, ticket buyers, students, alumni, former student-athletes parents, families, and local businesses) can invest in the success of the athletics program. The mission of the Flames Club is to raise financial support for Liberty University Athletics and ensure that our coaches and student-athletes have everything they need to compete at the championship level. Members enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that their gifts are more than monetary contributions-they are truly investments in the lives of our student-athletes. These gifts help to provide our student-athletes with the academic foundation, athletic discipline, and spiritual training needed to make an eternal impact in their post-Liberty careers. Flames Club members can also be rewarded with preferred parking, seating, and hospitality privileges (based upon membership level).
$
4.1M
53%
LIBERTY ATHLETICS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF $4,100,000 IN DONATIONS FOR 2020-21, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH CAME THROUGH THE ANNUAL FUND
4,358 MEMBERS 49 17 TH
YEAR INCREASE IN FLAMES CLUB MEMBERS (4,358)
STATES REPRESENTED CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF RECORD ANNUAL FUND GROWTH
GIVING DAY NOV. 13, 2021
WITH THE HELP OF THE FULL ATHLETIC STAFF, ATHLETICS TOOK PART FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE ANNUAL LIBERTY UNIVERSITY GIVING DAY.
$526,450 AMOUNT RAISED
2,732 GIFTS RECEIVED
20 | Liberty Athletics
CONFERENCE USA
Liberty announced a new direction for its athletics department, as conference membership for its athletics programs will move to Conference USA, starting with the 2023-24 athletics season.
LIBERTY JOINS CONFERENCE USA IN 2023
Conference USA will be the all-sports conference for Liberty Athletics, including the Flames’ football team that has competed as an FBS independent program since moving up to the FBS level in 2018. Along with Liberty, Conference USA announced the addition of three other new members this afternoon: Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, Ala.), New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, N.M.) and Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, Texas).
1971: SCHOOL FOUNDED
1980: LIBERTY BAPTIST JOINS THE NCAA AT THE DIVISION II LEVEL
1972: LYNCHBURG BAPTIST GAINS AFFILIATION WITH THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
1991: LIBERTY JOINS THE BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE
1988: LIBERTY BECAME AN OFFICIAL MEMBER AT THE NCAA I-AA LEVEL
2023: LIBERTY PLANS TO JOIN CONFERENCE USA
2018: LIBERTY JOINS THE ASUN CONFERENCE
Conference USA strives to deliver a compelling message through all of its assets. C-USA is a league of challenges and opportunities, as well as a stable, thriving conference of excellence. Our message, including key elements detailed in this document, is represented by the pride we have in our history, as well as our resilience as we write our next chapter. Based on a three-year ranking net average, Conference USA with nine members has an increased competitive success ranking in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball. In men’s basketball, schools joining C-USA have had a better average RPI than the competitive set over the past six seasons, while the average RPI of the schools leaving C-USA is currently the lowest of all benchmarks.
2021-22 Annual Report | 21
CHAMPION PERFORMANCE TRAINING CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST
STUDENT-ATHLETES HAVE ACCESS TO... • LIBERTY MINISTRY SHEPHERDS • MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS • NUTRITION STAFF •
STUDENT-ATHLETE DEDICATED DINING FACILITY
•
FOUR SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTERS
•
16 SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF MEMBERS
•
CHAMPION PERFORMANCE RESILIENCE LABS - 500+ ASSESSMENTS - 7,000+ TRAINING SESSIONS - 100% IMPROVEMENT IN BREATHING TRAINING - 150% IMPROVEMENT IN VISION TRAINING
22 | Liberty Athletics
LIBERTY SOAR PROGRAM
Soar is a program that will educate and empower Liberty student-athletes, and future student-athletes, to build and expand their personal brands in order to capitalize on Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) opportunities and positions themselves for future success.
LIBERTY SOAR • Educate student-athletes on how building an individual brand can be beneficial to their personal growth and position themselves for success. • Provide student-athletes with the resources that will enable them to build their personal brand and maximize their exposure. • Provide the tools and education to student-athletes that will help them to capitalize on their brand and benefit from its growth. • Teach techniques that will help student-athletes manage their brand, create content and develop engagement in order to grow their social network value. • Educate student-athletes on NCAA legislation and Institutional policies in order to comply will all regulations. FLAMES EXCHANGE Liberty Athletics, in conjunction with INFCLR, has launched a new platform called Flames Exchange, which will allow businesses and student-athletes to connect directly. The platform is free to both student-athletes and businesses and will serve as a streamlined directory for businesses to reach out to Liberty’s student-athletes. The Flames Exchange program is the latest effort through Liberty’s Soar initiative to empower Flames student-athletes and businesses to work closely together in developing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreements. The Flames Exchange is a free service to Liberty’s student-athletes and the commercial enterprises that use it. It will help Liberty Athletics customize and manage NIL reporting, while providing approved businesses, collectives and individuals with a customized portal for communicating with student-athletes and fulfilling NIL transactions.
2021-22 Annual Report | 23
WELCOME TO THE MOUNTAIN LIBERTY WELCOMED 20 POWER 5 OPPONENTS TO CAMPUS DURING THE 2021-22 SEASON AND THE FLAMES HAD SIX TEAMS COME AWAY WITH 11 VICTORIES SOFTBALL: 5 WINS | BASEBALL: 2 WINS | MEN’S BASKETBALL: 1 WIN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: 1 WIN | WOMEN’S TENNIS: 1 WIN 8 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS | 1 BOWL GAME VICTORY | 8 NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES
24 | Liberty Athletics
FIELD HOCKEY
FOOTBALL
20-3 RECORD WON THE BIG EAST TITLE AND APPEARED IN THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
8-5 RECORD WON LENDINGTREE BOWL GAME
2021-22 Annual Report | 25
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
SWIMMING & DIVING
RACE TO FIRST WON ITS SECOND STRAIGHT ASUN CHAMPIONSHIP
FOUR-PEAT WON ITS FOURTH STRAIGHT CCSA SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIP
26 | Liberty Athletics
TRACK & FIELD
SOFTBALL
ASUN SWEEP LIBERTY SWEEPS THE ASUN MEN’S AND WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WON THE MEN’S OUTDOOR ASUN CHAMPIONSHIP
44-18 RECORD SWEPT THE ASUN REGULAR SEASON AND TOURNAMENT TITLES AND APPEARED IN AN NCAA REGIONAL
2021-22 Annual Report | 27
GOLF
MEN’S TENNIS
BASEBALL
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT SEASON GOLF APPEARED IN THE NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
BACK-TO-BACK CLAIMED THE ASUN TITLE FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR, DEFEATING HOST FGCU 4-2 IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
37-23 RECORD FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT SEASON BASEBALL RECEIVED AN AT-LARGE BID TO AN NCAA REGIONAL
28 | Liberty Athletics
2021-22 YEAR IN REVIEW SEPT. 28, 2021
OCT. 10, 2021
OCT. 19, 2021
OCT. 23, 2021
LIBERTY MEN’S SOCCER DEFEATED ACC OPPONENT WAKE FOREST, 1-0, IN OVERTIME.
LIBERTY FIELD HOCKEY SHUTS OUT THREE-TIME DEFENDING NATIONAL CHAMPION, NO. 9 NORTH CAROLINA, 4-0 ON THE ROAD, HANDING THE TAR HEELS THEIR FIRST HOME LOSS SINCE 2014 (STREAK OF 62 STRAIGHT WINS).
LIBERTY WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY EARNS ITS FIRSTEVER NATIONAL RANKING, APPEARING NO. 24 IN THE NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY NATIONAL COACHES’ POLL.
LIBERTY WOMEN’S SOCCER WERE CROWNED ASUN EAST DIVISION CO-CHAMPIONS OF THE REGULAR SEASON AFTER DEFEATING KENNESAW STATE, 3-2, IN OVERTIME.
OCT. 30, 2021
NOV. 7, 2021
NOV. 12, 2021
LED BY CALLI DOAN’S INDIVIDUAL VICTORY, LIBERTY’S WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM EARNED ITS SECOND STRAIGHT CONFERENCE TITLE AT THE 2021 ASUN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS.
LIBERTY FIELD HOCKEY TOPS NINE-TIME DEFENDING LEAGUE CHAMPION UCONN 1-0 IN THE BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE GAME FOR ITS FIRST BIG EAST CROWN IN PROGRAM HISTORY.
LIBERTY FIELD HOCKEY BLANKS NO. 11 SAINT JOSEPH’S 2-0 IN THE SWEET 16 OF THE NCAA TOURNAMENT, SENDING THE PROGRAM TO ITS FIRST ELITE 8.
NOV. 14, 2021
LIBERTY FIELD HOCKEY KNOCKED OFF NO. 1 RUTGERS ON ITS HOME FIELD IN THE ELITE 8, 3-2 (4-2 IN PENALTY STROKES), TO PUNCH A TICKET TO THE NCAA FINAL FOUR.
NOV. 19, 2021
CHARLOTTE VAANHOLD SCORED THE GAME-WINNING GOAL IN DOUBLE OVERTIME, LIFTING LIBERTY FIELD HOCKEY TO A DRAMATIC 3-2 FINAL FOUR WIN OVER NO. 5 MARYLAND.
NOV. 20, 2021
NOV. 21, 2021
LIBERTY’S CALLI DOAN EARNED HER FIRST CAREER ALL-AMERICAN HONOR, FINISHING 28TH IN THE WOMEN’S 6K AT THE 2021 NCAA DIVISION I CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS IN A PROGRAM-RECORD 19:50.6.
LIBERTY FIELD HOCKEY APPEARS IN THE SCHOOL’S FIRST-EVER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, FACING NO. 7 NORTHWESTERN.
2021-22 Annual Report | 29
2021-22 YEAR IN REVIEW NOV. 28, 2021
DEC. 2, 2021
DEC. 7, 2021
LIBERTY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL DEFEATS BOWLING GREEN 76-72 AT THE NAVY CLASSIC, GIVING HEAD COACH CAREY GREEN HIS 500TH CAREER VICTORY.
DEC. 18, 2021
LIBERTY’S FOOTBALL TEAM WON ITS THIRD STRAIGHT BOWL GAME, DEFEATING EASTERN MICHIGAN IN THE LENDINGTREE BOWL 56-20 AS MALIK WILLIS WAS NAMED THE LENDINGTREE BOWL MVP.
FEB. 19, 2022
LIBERTY SWIMMING & DIVING CLAIMS ITS FOURTH STRAIGHT CCSA SWIMMING & DIVING CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE, DEFEATING SECOND-PLACE FGCU BY OVER 300 POINTS.
FEB. 21, 2022
AFTER OPENING-SEASON SERIES VICTORY AT PREVIOUSLY NO. 9 FLORIDA, LIBERTY BASEBALL MOVED INTO THE TOP 25 NATIONAL POLLS AS LIBERTY WAS RANKED NO. 21 IN THE D1BASEBALL.COM, 18 IN THE BASEBALL AMERICA AND NO. 24 IN THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BASEBALL WRITERS (NCBWA) POLLS.
LIBERTY MEN’S BASKETBALL DEFEATED MISSOURI, 66-45, FOR THE PROGRAM’S FIRSTEVER WIN AT HOME OVER A POWER 5 OPPONENT.
LIBERTY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL USED A STIFLING DEFENSIVE EFFORT TO CLAIM A 59-40 VICTORY OVER VIRGINIA TECH, ITS FIRST-EVER HOME WIN OVER THE HOKIES.
30 | Liberty Athletics
FEB. 23, 2022
THE LIBERTY WOMEN’S TENNIS SQUAD COMES FROM BEHIND TO EDGE MISSOURI 4-3 AT THE LIBERTY INDOOR TENNIS CENTER FOR ITS FIRST-EVER WIN OVER AN SEC FOE.
FEB. 23, 2022
LIBERTY’S MACKENZIE LEHMAN SCORES THE GAME-WINNING GOAL, LIFTING THE LADY FLAMES TO A 15-14 OVERTIME WIN AT VIRGINIA TECH AND THEIR FIRST-EVER WIN OVER THE HOKIES.
FEB. 26, 2022
LIBERTY SWEEPS THE 2022 ASUN MEN’S AND WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS, HOSTED AT THE BRANT TOLSMA INDOOR TRACK. IT WAS LIBERTY’S 25TH STRAIGHT CONFERENCE TITLE IN MEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND LIBERTY’S THIRD ASUN WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
2021-22 YEAR IN REVIEW MARCH 12, 2022
APRIL 23, 2022
LIBERTY FRESHMAN KENNEDIY SAUDER HIGH-JUMPED 7-0.5 AT THE 2022 NCAA DIVISION I INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS, TYING FOR 13TH PLACE AND SECURING SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICA HONORS.
MAY 6, 2022
THE FLAMES MEN’S TENNIS SQUAD MAKES ITS FIRSTEVER APPEARANCE AT THE NCAA MEN’S TENNIS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP, FACING NO. 20 NC STATE IN THE FIRST ROUND.
MAY 20, 2022
LIBERTY OPENS UP THE DURHAM REGIONAL OF THE 2022 NCAA DIVISION I SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WITH A 2-0 SHUTOUT VICTORY OVER NO. 19 GEORGIA BEHIND A THREE-HIT, 13-STRIKEOUT PERFORMANCE FROM EMILY KIRBY.
MAY 14, 2022
LIBERTY SOFTBALL RUNRULES NORTH FLORIDA 9-0 IN FIVE INNINGS, CLAIMING ITS SECOND STRAIGHT ASUN SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND FIFTH CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP IN PROGRAM HISTORY.
JUNE 3, 2022
LIBERTY BASEBALL APPEARED IN AN NCAA REGIONAL FACING OKLAHOMA AND CENTRAL MICHIGAN IN THE GAINESVILLE REGIONAL.
THE LIBERTY WOMEN’S TENNIS TEAM TAKES DOWN NO. 1 SEED FGCU BY A 4-0 SCORE IN THE ASUN CHAMPIONSHIP SEMIFINALS, SENDING THE LADY FLAMES TO THEIR FIRSTEVER APPEARANCE IN THE ASUN FINAL.
JUNE 8-10, 2022
MAY 14, 2022 APRIL 24, 2022
THE LIBERTY MEN’S TENNIS TEAM WINS THE ASUN TITLE FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR, DEFEATING HOST FGCU 4-2 IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH.
LIBERTY MEN’S TRACK & FIELD EARNS ITS THIRD STRAIGHT ASUN OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP AND 15TH CONSECUTIVE OUTDOOR TRACK CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP OVERALL.
LIBERTY EARNED SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICAN HONORS IN THREE EVENTS AT THE 2022 NCAA DIVISION I OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS. THE MEN’S 4 X 100 (BRANDON LETTS, DONALD MCCLINTON, CHRISTIAN LYON AND DIAMONTE GRIFFIN) FINISHED 12TH, WHILE KEVIN NEDRICK PLACED 11TH IN THE MEN’S DISCUS AND KENNEDY SAUDER TIED FOR 15TH IN THE MEN’S HIGH JUMP.
2021-22 Annual Report | 31
2021-22 YEAR IN REVIEW The 2021-22 athletic year was another successful one for the Liberty Athletics department. The Flames captured eight conference titles, including six ASUN crowns (women’s cross country, softball, women’s indoor track & field, men’s tennis, men’s indoor track & field and men’s outdoor track & field), a BIG EAST title (field hockey) and a CCSA championship (women’s swimming & diving). The field hockey team finished as the NCAA Division I national runner-up, achieving the best national finish every by a Liberty squad at the NCAA Division I level. FOOTBALL The Flames finished 8-5, capped off by a 56-20 rout of Eastern Michigan in the LendingTree Bowl. Liberty became only the second team ever to win a bowl game in each of its first three seasons of bowl eligibility. QB Malik Willis was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round, becoming the second-highest NFL Draft pick in program history. VOLLEYBALL Kate Phillips became the Lady Flames’ third ASUN All-Freshman Team honoree in the last two seasons, while Aspen Thompson earned CoSIDA Academic All-District Team recognition. MEN’S SOCCER Liberty’s 7-9 mark featured a victory over NCAA Sweet Sixteen qualifier Wake Forest. Marko Mitrevski was named to the ASUN All-Conference first team for the second year in a row. WOMEN’S SOCCER The Lady Flames went 11-7-1, recording their most wins in a season since 2016. Madison Ellis was an ASUN AllConference first team performer, while Kasey Jamieson repeated as ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year. FIELD HOCKEY The Lady Flames’ historic 20-3 season featured wins over defending national champion North Carolina and the team’s first-ever BIG East title (vs. UConn). Liberty defeated No. 11 Saint Joseph’s, No. 1 Rutgers and No. 5 Maryland to reach its first NCAA national championship match, where the Lady Flames fell to Northwestern. Jill Bolton was named NFHCA Division I National Player of the Year and the Honda Sport Award winner for field hockey. CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK & FIELD Liberty captured four ASUN Conference titles, including women’s cross country, men’s outdoor track & field and a sweep of the men’s and women’s indoor track & field championships. The Flames’ conference championship streaks reached 25 in a row for men’s indoor track & field and 15 straight for men’s outdoor track & field. Liberty’s men’s 4 x 100 relay squad placed 12th nationally, becoming the first relay team in program history to earn NCAA Division I AllAmerica honors. Freshman Kennedy Sauder (men’s high jump) was both an indoor and outdoor All-American.
32 | Liberty Athletics
2021-22 YEAR IN REVIEW MEN’S BASKETBALL The Flames went 22-11, capturing the ASUN East Division title and posting their sixth consecutive 20-win season. Darius McGhee led the nation in total points (812/24.6 ppg) on his way to ASUN and VaSID Player of the Year honors. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Liberty finished 28-5, equaling the program record for victories. The Lady Flames’ final win of the season was their first-ever WNIT triumph. Carey Green, who picked up his 500th win during the year, was voted VaSID Coach of the Year. SWIMMING & DIVING Hosting the CCSA Swimming & Diving Championship, Liberty defeated runner-up FGCU by more than 300 points to claim its fourth straight conference title. Maddie Freece earned her second CCSA Women’s Diver of the Year award in a row. MEN’S TENNIS The Flames finished 13-11, highlighted by a five-match winning streak that led to the team’s second straight ASUN title and Liberty’s first appearance in the NCAA Men’s Tennis Team Championship. ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year Josh Wilson won a program single-season record 29 singles matches. WOMEN’S TENNIS The Lady Flames tied the program record with 19 wins and reached their first ASUN Championship final, where they fell to Stetson. Maria Juliana Parra Romero won a program-record 29 singles contests and was tabbed ASUN Freshman of the Year. LACROSSE Liberty finished 11-8 and reached the ASUN Championship final for the third time in as many seasons. The Lady Flames, who recorded their first-ever win over Virginia Tech, saw 10 players earn ASUN postseason honors. MEN’S GOLF The Flames qualified for the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf National Championship for the third consecutive season, finishing in 26th place. First-year Flame Austin Duncan became the first CoSIDA Academic All-American in program history. BASEBALL Liberty, which went 37-23 and advanced to the ASUN Championship title game, earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship for the second consecutive season. It was the Flames’ third straight NCAA Regional appearance overall, something which Liberty had never achieved previously. Aaron Anderson was Liberty’s first CoSIDA Academic All-America Team Member of the Year in any sport. SOFTBALL The Lady Flames finished 44-18 overall, including the best conference record in ASUN history (23-1) and three victories over nationally ranked opponents. Liberty successfully defended its ASUN title, heading to an NCAA Regional for the fifth time in program history.
2021-22 Annual Report | 33
PLAYER & COACHES HONORS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
GOLF
MYA B ERKMAN: ASUN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE
AUSTIN DUNCAN: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC,
OF THE YEAR, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM,
ASUN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR,
ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM, ASUN WINTER
ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, ASUN ALL-
WINNER FOR LIFE, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST
CHAMPIONSHIP, COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-
TEAM, COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT
DISTRICT® AT-LARGE, COSIDA ACADEMIC
TEAM
ALL-AMERICA ® AT-LARGE
DEE BROWN: ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
JEFF THOMAS: VASID COACH OF THE YEAR
CAREY GREEN: VASID COACH OF THE YEAR
KIERAN VINCENT: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID GOLFER OF THE YEAR, VASID ALL-
BRIDGETTE RETTSTATT: ALL-ASUN FIRST
STATE FIRST TEAM, PING ALL-REGION
TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM
JONATHAN YAUN: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM, PING ALLREGION MYA BERKAMN, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S TENNIS
MARIA JULIANA PARRA ROMERO: ASUN FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, VASID ALL-STATE SINGLES FIRST TEAM ESTHER LOVATO: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM,
MEN’S TENNIS
ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM, VASID ALLSTATE SINGLES SECOND TEAM
NICAISE MUAMBA: ASUN CHAMPIONSHIP MVP, ASUN DOUBLES PAIR OF THE YEAR, ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM, ALL-ASUN
TIFFANY NGUYEN: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM,
FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SINGLES
VASID ALL-STATE SINGLES SECOND TEAM
SECOND TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE DOUBLES
MICAELA ODE MITRE: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC
SECOND TEAM
TEAM
JOSH WILSON: ASUN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM, ASUN KIERAN VINCENT, GOLF
WOMEN’S SOCCER
ALL-STATE TEAM
KASEY JAMIESON: ASUN SCHOLAR ATHLETE
RAFAEL MARQUES DA SILVA: ASUN DOUBLES
OF THE YEAR, ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM
PAIR OF THE YEAR, ALL-ASUN SECOND
MADDY OLIVER: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM
TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE DOUBLES SECOND
RANDI PALACIOS: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM
TEAM
LANG WEDEMEYER: UNITED SOCCER
CHRISTIAAN WORST: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC
COACHES FAITH-BASED COACHES AWARD
TEAM
NICAISE MUAMBA, MEN’S TENNIS
34 | Liberty Athletics
ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SINGLES SECOND TEAM, VASID ACADEMIC
MADISON ELLIS: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
PLAYER & COACHES HONORS FIELD HOCKEY
BASEBALL
JILL BOLTON: HONDA SPORT AWARD
JOE ADAMETZ: ASUN ALL-CONFERENCE
WINNER FOR FIELD HOCKEY, NFHCA
FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND
DIVISION I NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR,
TEAM
NFHCA ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM, NFHCA
AARON ANDERSON: COSIDA ACADEMIC
SOUTH REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR,
ALL-AMERICA® DIVISION I BASEBALL TEAM
NFHCA ALL-SOUTH REGION FIRST TEAM,
MEMBER OF THE YEAR, COSIDA ACADEMIC
NCAA FIELD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP ALL-
ALL-AMERICA® DIVISION I FIRST TEAM,
TOURNAMENT TEAM, ALL-BIG EAST FIRST
ASUN SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR,
TEAM, VASID PLAYER OF THE YEAR, VASID
VASID ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
GRAY BETTS: ASUN ALL-CONFERENCE
COACHING STAFF: NFHCA SOUTH REGION
SECOND TEAM, ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR, BIG EAST
MASON FLUHARTY: ASUN ALL-CONFERENCE
COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR JODIE CONOLLY: NFHCA ALL-SOUTH REGION
JILL BOLTON, FIELD HOCKEY
SECOND TEAM
SECOND TEAM, ALL-BIG EAST SECOND
CAMERON FOSTER: ASUN ALL-FRESHMAN
TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM
TEAM, ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
BETHANY DYKEMA: NFHCA ALL-SOUTH
BRAD GULAKOWSKI: ASUN ALL-CONFERENCE
REGION FIRST TEAM, ALL-BIG EAST FIRST
FIRST TEAM, ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT
TEAM, BIG EAST ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM,
TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
GARRETT HORN: COLLEGIATE BASEBALL
LIZZIE HAMLETT: NFHCA ALL-SOUTH REGION
FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN TEAM, NCBWA
SECOND TEAM, ALL-BIG EAST SECOND
FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN TEAM, PERFECT
TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
GAME FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN TEAM, ASUN ALL-CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM,
AZUL IRITXITY IRIGOYEN: NFHCA ALL-
ASUN ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM, VASID ALL-
AMERICA FIRST TEAM, NCAA FIELD HOCKEY
STATE FIRST TEAM
CHAMPIONSHIP ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM,
LOGAN MATHIEU: ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT
NFHCA ALL-SOUTH REGION FIRST TEAM, ALL-BIG EAST FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-
AARON ANDERSON, BASEBALL
TEAM
STATE FIRST TEAM DANIELLA RHODES: NFHCA ALL-AMERICA SECOND TEAM, BIG EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, NFHCA ALL-SOUTH REGION FIRST TEAM, ALL-BIG EAST FIRST TEAM, BIG EAST ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM REAGAN UNDERWOOD: NCAA ELITE 90 AWARD, VASID ACADEMIC ALL-STATE TEAM CHARLOTTE VAANHOLD: NCAA FIELD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM, BIG EAST ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM BETHANY DYKEMA, FIELD HOCKEY
2021-22 Annual Report | 35
PLAYER & COACHES HONORS LACROSSE
CROSS COUNTRY
JORDAN BAERGA: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM BROOKE BRYAN: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM,
ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM, USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM CALLI DOAN: ALL-AMERICAN, ASUN RUNNER
ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
OF THE YEAR, ASUN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF
MIKAYLA COGHILL: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC
THE YEAR, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, ASUN
TEAM
ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM, ASUN FALL WINNER
ANDREA COLAVITO: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC
FOR LIFE, USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
TEAM
ANNA HOSTETLER: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM,
ALEXA EVERNHAM: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM,
ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM
FELIX KANDIE: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
LIZZY FERGUSON: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM
NOEL PALMER: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
MACKENZIE LEHMAN: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
ADELYN ACKLEY: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM,
HEATHER ZEALAND: ASUN WOMEN’S COACH
HANNAH QUAST, LACROSSE
OF THE YEAR
CAMI MERKEL: ALL-ASUN FRESHMAN TEAM HANNAH QUAST: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM,
SOFTBALL
ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM, ASUN
LOU ALLAN: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
PAIGE BACHMAN: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM, ASUN ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM, VASID ALLSTATE SECOND TEAM
MIA TOSCANO: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
RAIGAN BARRETT: ASUN ALL-FRESHMAN
SPRING WINNERS FOR LIFE TEAM, VASID
TEAM KARA CANETTO: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, ASUN TOURNAMENT MVP, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
MEN’S SOCCER
DEVYN HOWARD: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
MICHAEL CATANZARITE: ASUN ALLFRESHMAN TEAM
CALLI DOAN, CROSS COUNTRY
SETH CLARK: ASUN ALL-CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM, ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM BLAKE FRANZEN: ASUN ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
KARLIE KEENEY: ASUN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR, ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM
GORA GORA: ASUN ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
EMILY KIRBY: ASUN PITCHER OF THE YEAR,
NOAH HOLMES: ASUN ALL-CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM, ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM
MARKO MITREVSKI: ASUN ALL-CONFERENCE
DOT RICHARDSON: ASUN COACH OF THE
FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND
YEAR
TEAM
RACHEL ROUPE: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM,
MALIK SMITH: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
ASUN ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM EMILY KIRBY, SOFTBALL
36 | Liberty Athletics
CAROLINE HUDSON: ASUN PLAYER OF THE YEAR, ASUN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, NFCA ALLREGION THIRD TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
MARY CLAIRE WILSON: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM
PLAYER & COACHES HONORS OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD
OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD
ADELYN ACKLEY: USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM GRACE ARTIS: USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC
CHRISTIAN LYON: ALL-AMERICA SECOND TEAM, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM DONALD MCCLINTON: ALL-AMERICA SECOND
TEAM
TEAM, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
BEAU BACKES: USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC
LANDON MILLER: USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC
TEAM
TEAM, ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
LANCE BINGHAM: ASUN MEN’S COACH OF
NAOMI MOJICA: ASUN WOMEN’S MOST
THE YEAR
OUTSTANDING FIELD PERFORMER, ALL-
ISIS BROOKS: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM,
ASUN FIRST TEAM
USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM, ASUN
KEVIN NEDRICK: ALL-AMERICA SECOND
ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
TEAM, ASUN MOST VALUABLE MALE PERFORMER, ASUN MEN’S MOST
ANTHONY BRYAN: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM QUIENTEN CLAY: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
DIAMANTAE GRIFFIN, TRACK & FIELD
OUTSTANDING FIELD PERFORMER, ALLASUN FIRST TEAM
DESMOND COLEMAN: USA U20 MEN’S DISCUS
KENNEDY SAUDER: ALL-AMERICA SECOND
CHAMPION
TEAM, ASUN MEN’S MOST OUTSTANDING
CALLI DOAN: COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-
FRESHMAN, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
AMERICA SECOND TEAM, COSIDA ACADEMIC
GABRIEL WILLIS: USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC
ALL-DISTRICT, USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC
TEAM
TEAM GRACE DWYER: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM MEREDITH ENGLE: COSIDA ACADEMIC ALLDISTRICT, USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM DIAMANTAE GRIFFIN: ALL-AMERICA SECOND TEAM, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM MACKENZIE HAINLEY: USTFCCCA ALL-
MEREDITH ENGLE, TRACK & FIELD
ACADEMIC TEAM, ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM JOHN HICKS: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT, USTFCCCA ALLACADEMIC TEAM, ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM ANDERS JANES: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM FELIX KANDIE: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM TAYLEN LANGIN: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM, ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM FELIX LAWRENCE: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, USTFCCCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
JOHN HICKS, TRACK & FIELD
BRANDON LETTS: ALL-AMERICA SECOND
2021-22 Annual Report | 37
PLAYER & COACHES HONORS SWIMMING & DIVING
FOOTBALL
LAUREN CHENNAULT: CCSA ALL-
TRESHAUN CLARK: PHIL STEELE ALL-
CONFERENCE, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND
INDEPENDENT SECOND TEAM
TEAM
CJ DANIELS: VASID ALL-STATE SECOND
MADDIE FREECE: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE, CCSA WOMEN’S DIVER OF THE YEAR, CCSA MOST OUTSTANDING DIVER OF CHAMPIONSHIP, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
TEAM
CHLOE HARRIS: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE
JOHNNY HUNTLEY: PHIL STEELE ALL-
EMMA HAZEL: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE
INDEPENDENT SECOND TEAM
ANDREW HELMICH: CCSA WOMEN’S DIVING
STOREY JACKSON: PHIL STEELE ALL-
COACH OF THE YEAR
INDEPENDENT FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-
DEMARIO DOUGLAS: PHIL STEELE ALLINDEPENDENT FIRST TEAM, VASID ALLSTATE SECOND TEAM
STATE FIRST TEAM
GRACE ISAACS: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE GENNA JOYCE: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE
ELIJAH JAMES: PHIL STEELE ALL-
MADDIE FREECE, SWIMMING & DIVING
INDEPENDENT SECOND TEAM
JESSICA SCHELLENBOOM: CCSA ALL-
AUSTIN MOCK: PHIL STEELE ALL-
CONFERENCE, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND
INDEPENDENT FIRST TEAM
TEAM
RALFS RUSINS: PHIL STEELE ALL-
ABBIE SHAW: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE
INDEPENDENT SECOND TEAM
JAKE SHELLENBERGER: CCSA WOMEN’S SWIMMING COACH OF THE YEAR
THOMAS SARGEANT: COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT®, VASID ALL-STATE SECOND
SYDNEY STRICKLIN: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE, CCSA MOST OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN OF CHAMPIONSHIP
TEAM BRENDAN SCHLITTLER: PHIL STEELE ALL-
ABBY STROHMEIER: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE
INDEPENDENT SECOND TEAM
EVA SUGGS: CCSA ALL-CONFERENCE
JAVON SCRUGGS: VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM
MEN’S BASKETBALL
STEPHEN BURGGRAF: NABC HONORS COURT DARIUS MCGHEE: ASUN PLAYER OF THE
MALIK WILLIS: PHIL STEELE ALL-
MALIK WILLIS, FOOTBALL
INDEPENDENT FIRST TEAM, BOBBY BOWDEN
YEAR, ASUN ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM,
TROPHY AWARD
ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, LOU HENSON ALLAMERICA TEAM, USBWA ALL-DISTRICT TEAM, NABC DISTRICT 3 FIRST TEAM, VASID
VOLLEYBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR, VASID ALL-STATE
ASPEN THOMPSON: COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-
GABRIEL MCKAY: NABC HONORS COURT
DISTRICT TEAM
RITCHIE MCKAY: NATION OF COACHES MASTER COACH OF THE YEAR SHILOH ROBINSON: NABC HONORS COURT KYLE RODE: ALL-ASUN SECOND TEAM, NABC HONORS COURT DARIUS MCGHEE, MEN’S BASKETBALL
38 | Liberty Athletics
KATE PHILLIPS: ASUN ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
SECOND TEAM
PLAYER & COACHES HONORS INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
ADELYN ACKLEY: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM LUKE ANDERSON: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
ALLY KIPCHIRCHIR: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM TAYLEN LANGIN: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
NAOMI ARMSTRONG: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC
FELIX LAWRENCE: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
TEAM
CHRISTIAN LYON: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
GRACE ARTIS: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
NAOMI MOJICA: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
LANCE BINGHAM: ASUN MEN’S COACH OF
EMORY PAFFORD: VASID WOMEN’S FIELD
THE YEAR, ASUN WOMEN’S COACH OF THE
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
YEAR
NOEL PALMER: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
QUIENTEN CLAY: ASUN MOST VALUABLE
MICHAEL ROSE: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
MALE PERFORMER, ASUN MEN’S MOST
KENNEDY SAUDER: ALL-AMERICA SECOND
OUTSTANDING FIELD PERFORMER, ALLASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID ALL-STATE FIRST
ALLY KIPCHIRCHIR, TRACK & FIELD
TEAM
TEAM, ASUN MEN’S MOST OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN, ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, VASID MEN’S FIELD ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, VASID
RYAN DREW: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM
MEREDITH ENGLE: ASUN MOST VALUABLE
ISAIAH SCHULTIES: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM
FEMALE PERFORMER, ASUN WOMEN’S MOST OUTSTANDING FIELD PERFORMER, ALLASUN FIRST TEAM DIAMANTAE GRIFFIN ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM KYLE HARKABUS: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM JOHN HICKS: ALL-ASUN FIRST TEAM, ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM ANNA HOSTETLER: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM ANDERS JANES: ASUN ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
EMORY PAFFORD, TRACK & FIELD
KENNEDY SAUDER, TRACK & FIELD
2021-22 Annual Report | 39
FACILITIES
1.
WILLIAMS STADIUM
COMPLETION DATE: AUGUST 2022
In anticipation of the best home football schedule in program history, Liberty Athletics will be making several renovations to Williams Stadium prior to the 2022 season. The renovation plans include new seating options, including a seating upgrade for nearly every nonstudent seat in the stadium. All seats on the West side of the stadium will be upgraded to chairback seating, and all seats on the upper East side of the stadium will be upgraded to benchback seating. At the South end zone, 23 cabanas will be added above a newly graded berm with additional space for students and overflow seating. Complete with seating for eight and a roof to keep the sun and weather out, each cabana will be furnished with a TV, fan, heater, and waiter service. A cabana could be the perfect space for your family or clients to cheer on the Flames!
40 | Liberty Athletics
FACILITIES
2.
LIBERTY MULTIPURPOSE CENTER COMPLETION DATE: SEPTEMBER 2022
Liberty University has plans to build the Liberty Multipurpose Center, a new multiuse indoor facility that will benefit several Liberty Athletics programs. From a Liberty Athletics standpoint, the Flames baseball, softball, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse programs will reap the largest benefit. Liberty University submitted construction plans to the City of Lynchburg for the Liberty Multipurpose Center, a 75,000-square foot facility that will be constructed directly behind the recently opened Liberty Indoor Tennis Center. The space will include batting cages, divided curtains to split the facility into small workout spaces and ample space for Liberty’s strength and conditioning teams to work with student-athletes.
OPTION 2 - No Clerestory Windows LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LIBERTY MULTIPURPOSE CENTER
7
©2021 ODELL Associates, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Liberty’s new indoor facility will also house storage space, public restrooms and a lobby area. The surface will not be lined for a single sport, but rather will have tick marks on the turf resulting in great flexibility when moving from one sport’s practice session to another. To create easier access to the facility for Liberty’s student-athletes, Liberty will also construct a walking bridge from the Bailey Parking Lot over Regents Parkway to the new Liberty Multipurpose Center.
2021-22 Annual Report | 41
SOCIAL MEDIA LIBERTY BASEBALL | @LIBERTYBASEBALL
LIBERTY WOMEN’S SOCCER | @LIBERTYWSOCCER
LIBERTY MEN’S BASKETBALL | TWITTER: @LIBERTYMBB_ INSTAGRAM: @LIBERTYMBB
LIBERTY MEN’S TENNIS | @LIBERTYMTENNIS
LIBERTY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL | @LIBERTYWBB
LIBERTY WOMEN’S TENNIS | @LIBERTYWTENNIS
LIBERTY FIELD HOCKEY | @LIBERTYFH
LIBERTY SOFTBALL | TWITTER: @LIBERTYSB INSTAGRAM: @LIBERTY_SB
LIBERTY FOOTBALL | @LIBERTYFOOTBALL LIBERTY GOLF | @LIBERTYGOLF LIBERTY LACROSSE | @LIBERTYWLAX LIBERTY MEN’S SOCCER | TWITTER: @LIBERTYSOCCER INSTAGRAM: @LIBERTYMENSSOCCER
MORE THAN 20% GROWTH IN FOLLOWERS (ALL PLATFORMS
42 | Liberty Athletics
LIBERTY SWIMMING & DIVING | @LUDIVESWIM LIBERTY CROSS COUNTRY & TRACK & FIELD | @LIBERTY_XCTF LIBERTY VOLLEYBALL | @LIBERTYWVB
132 MILLION TRACK IMPRESSIONS
BABY BLUE JERSEY REVEAL Over 5 million views on Social Media | | | 3.4 million views on Twitter | | | 1.6 million views on Instagram
MALIK WILLIS Over 1 billion impressions for Malik Willis’ name | | | #1 per interactions per pick during the NFL Draft
2021-22 Annual Report | 43
