Liberty Softball Looks to Build on Historic 2025 Season

Head coach Dot Richardson previews the Flames' challenging 2026 schedule and talented roster

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:07am

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Two-time Olympic gold medalist and 13-year Liberty softball head coach Dot Richardson is enthusiastic about the Flames' upcoming 2026 season. After a historic 2025 campaign that saw Liberty advance to its first-ever Super Regional, the team enters 2026 ranked in the top 25 nationally and poised to face a daunting non-conference schedule featuring several top-10 opponents. Richardson highlighted the Flames' experienced returners, talented newcomers, and depth in the pitching circle as reasons for optimism.

Why it matters

Liberty's rapid rise to prominence in just three years as a Conference USA member has earned the program respect nationally. The Flames' ability to compete with and defeat top-tier programs will be crucial in their quest to make another deep postseason run and cement Liberty as an emerging softball powerhouse.

The details

Liberty, which went 50-15 overall and 20-3 in Conference USA last year, is coming off a historic 2025 season that saw the team defeat the No. 1 ranked Texas A&M Aggies to advance to the program's first-ever Super Regional. The Flames enter 2026 ranked No. 21 by the NFCA and No. 23 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Preseason Poll. Liberty will face a challenging non-conference slate, including matchups with top-5 programs Tennessee, Oregon, and Clemson at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic. The Flames also have meetings scheduled with other Power 5 schools such as Florida State, Alabama, Duke, and Virginia Tech.

  • Liberty went 50-15 overall and 20-3 in Conference USA in 2025.
  • The Flames defeated the No. 1 ranked Texas A&M Aggies to advance to their first-ever Super Regional in 2025.
  • Liberty enters the 2026 season ranked No. 21 by the NFCA and No. 23 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Preseason Poll.
  • The Flames will face several top-10 opponents, including Tennessee, Oregon, and Clemson, at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida.

The players

Dot Richardson

A two-time Olympic gold medalist and the head coach of the Liberty softball team for the past 13 seasons.

Savanah Whatley

One of four Liberty players named to the Conference USA preseason players to watch list.

Savannah Jessee

One of four Liberty players named to the Conference USA preseason players to watch list.

Kaylan Yoder

One of four Liberty players named to the Conference USA preseason players to watch list.

Paige Doerr

One of four Liberty players named to the Conference USA preseason players to watch list.

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What they’re saying

“For the season, it is one of the toughest schedules that I've ever put together. And that's saying a lot you guys, but I'm really excited about it.”

— Dot Richardson, Head Coach

“We have a great opportunity with the strength of our schedule to even move farther up and improve where we need to be and where we want to be.”

— Dot Richardson, Head Coach

“Those that have graduated have really left their mark on the players that are succeeding them. It's going to be fun to see the combination of experience, youth, energy, speed and power, offensively.”

— Dot Richardson, Head Coach

“Defensively we are getting stronger every day. In the pitching circle, it's the most depth we've ever had.”

— Dot Richardson, Head Coach

“Keep your eyes on Liberty Softball. You're going to have a blast watching us.”

— Dot Richardson, Head Coach

What’s next

Richardson's new podcast episode featuring insights on the upcoming Liberty softball season is set to launch on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Liberty softball has quickly emerged as a rising power in Division I, and the Flames' challenging 2026 schedule against several top-ranked opponents will provide a valuable opportunity to further cement the program's status as an elite national contender.