Liberty agrees to keep softball coach contract through 2027
Liberty’s softball program set the tone for its future earlier this month by re-signing Coach Dot Richardson to a six-year deal.
Coach Richardson has been at the helm of the softball program for eight years. She has served an important role in helping the program transform into a consistent contender for the conference championship.
After the team’s fourth winning season in five years, the Lady Flames were on the verge of making the super-regional in 2021 before their heartbreaking loss to JMU in the NCAA Knoxville Regional Final.
Richardson’s teams have had winning records in four of the last five seasons. (Photo by Ellie Richardson)
The Flames reached many spectacular heights last season, defeating three top 25 opponents and finishing the season ranked 25th in three national polls. This season was the first time Liberty’s program ended the season ranked in a national poll.
Last season saw Richardson win her third conference coach of the year award, her first since Liberty joined the ASUN conference.
Richardson’s coaching success follows the consistency she demonstrated as a player. Richardson played a vital role in Team USA’s run to the 1996 and 2000 Olympic gold medal games. She even hit the game winner in the 1996 gold medal match.
When asked about her extension, Richardson expressed jubilation.
“I am extremely grateful to be a part of what God is doing here at Liberty University, including through Liberty Athletics and our softball program,” Richardson said to libertyflames.com. “We are so blessed to have the support and success. It is an absolute honor to continue to help lead this program with the sole purpose of honoring God and giving Him the glory. The future is so bright because we know who holds our future! Thank you Flames Nation! Let’s continue to be the light of the world.”
Recently announced, the Lady Flames will play a fall season to prepare for 2022. The Lady Flames open against Averett University Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at Kamphuis Field.
Luke Randle is the Sports Editor. Follow him on Twitter at @lukerandle02.