Liberty University’s softball program is gearing up for an exciting future with the addition of eight talented athletes for the 2026-27 season. Head Coach Dot Richardson is thrilled about this incoming freshman class.
“This group is incredibly talented,” Richardson said. “They have a strong softball IQ and a competitive spirit. We expect great things from them!”
The new recruits are from various states, including Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia. This diverse group is set to join a successful team that has made postseason appearances for seven consecutive seasons and achieved remarkable milestones, including a first-ever Super Regional appearance and several wins in NCAA Regionals.
Meet the New Recruits
Lydia Anderson (OF, Victoria, VA): Lydia had an impressive high school career, batting .508 in her freshman year. After recovering from an injury, she’s ready to show her skills. Coach Richardson praises her speed and fierce competitive nature.
Parker Doerr (INF, Corvallis, OR): Coming from a family with strong softball ties, Parker has been named a three-time All-League infielder. She brings power, consistency, and defensive stability to the team.
Audrey Graham (INF, Flowery Branch, GA): A two-time All-State player, Audrey helped her team to back-to-back state runner-up finishes. She is recognized as both a leader and a fierce competitor on and off the field.
Alaina Griffin (INF, Monroe, NC): A standout player since seventh grade, Alaina has collected numerous accolades in her journey. Coach Richardson highlights her quickness and strong presence in the infield.
Molly Hancock (UTL, Utica, KY): Molly’s versatility as a utility player makes her a valuable addition. Her strong performance in high school earned her several individual honors.
Jacely Hogan (INF, Dublin, GA): Jacely has consistently impressed with her performance, including a stellar batting average. Coach Richardson looks forward to her contributions as a multi-sport athlete.
Makena Petrick (UTL, Hillsboro, OR): As a versatile player and athlete, Makena has been recognized in her conference multiple times. Her family has a rich history in baseball, adding to her competitive edge.
Chloe Vaughan (RHP, Pamplin, VA): Standing out as a pitcher, Chloe’s remarkable stats, including a 0.70 ERA in her junior year, showcase her talent. Coach Richardson believes she will significantly enhance the team’s pitching staff.
What Lies Ahead
The addition of these athletes signals a bright future for Liberty softball. The team not only hopes to continue their impressive postseason streak but also aims to foster a strong community of athletes who share a passion for the game.
In recent years, the sport has seen a growth in talent across the nation, with youth participation increasing significantly—over 1.6 million girls participating in high school softball in 2020, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This influx of talent only enhances the competitive landscape, making the achievements of programs like Liberty even more impressive.
As these new recruits prepare to join Liberty, their combined experience and determination suggest exciting times ahead for the Lady Flames.
