Liberty University Women’s Basketball team Head Coach Alexis Sherard looks to build on the success of last year as the Lady Flames enter the 2026-27 season with a mix of new and returning players.
The Flames defeated Sam Houston State University in the quarterfinals of the Conference USA (CUSA) Championship but ultimately lost to Louisiana Tech University in the semifinals, ending the 2025-26 season with an18-13 record.
Throughout last season, junior guard Avery Mills was Liberty’s leading scorer. Mills transferred to the University of Tennessee, so the Lady Flames are looking for everyone to step up.
“I think this year, collectively, everyone’s level of responsibility will rise,” Sherard said. “I think the expectation for everyone will raise, and I think they’re ready.”
Sherard also expressed his belief in this year’s team.
“We can get subs in, continue to play people, continue to sub, and this way the whole level of productivity hopefully should be better this year overall,” Sherard said.
Junior center Emmy Stout and junior forward Ify Nwaobi are two of the four returning starters. Last season, Stout made First-Team All-CUSA, and Nwaobi averaged 9.5 rebounds per game to make the CUSA All-Freshman team.
“I think they’re ready for the limelight,” Sherard said. “They want the ball in their hands at the end of the game. They want to be a leader on and off the court.”
Although this season’s roster has several new faces, the returning players welcome them with open arms.
“We have great leadership from our returners who’s kind of bringing them all along slowly and they’re just very eager to learn … I think they’re very competitive, but they’re very loving at the same time,” Sherard said.
Last season was Sherard’s first season as head coach after serving as an assistant coach for 18 years. Going into his second year, he said he learned the importance of cultivating relationships with his players.
“I would say last year, I really, really understood the value of just really one-on-one, just really heart-to-heart with all my players,” Sherard said. “And I’ll be a little bit more deliberate this year going into that.”
Sherard hopes to see the team make it to the Sweet 16 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament this season. However, he believes growth happens not just on, but off the court.
“I like the growth that I see within the team, but overall, I mean, I want the ladies to enjoy themselves,” Sherard said, “I want them to love each other, pray for one another and, you know, just work together to achieve our goal, trust the process, and we’ll live with our results.”
The Lady Flames will open the season by hosting George Mason University at the Liberty Arena on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.
Lashey is a sports reporter for The Liberty Champion.