Contact Us
If you have any questions, story ideas/tips, or would like the Champion delivered to your home, email us at thechampion@liberty.edu.
Advertising
Let the Liberty Champion help reach your marketing needs! Review advertising options and request ad space for our Spring 2026 publications.
For questions regarding advertising guidelines, please contact our director Emily Young at thechampion@liberty.edu.
Address:
The Liberty Champion
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, Va. 24515
MSC Box 710305
Liberty Champion Staff
Anna White
Editor-in-Chief
Anna is a senior from Hampton, Virginia. She is majoring in Digital Media and Sports Journalism and has a passion for writing and storytelling. She is also a licensed cosmetologist so when she’s not in the newsroom you’ll likely find her doing hair. Her simple pleasures are going to baseball games and curling up with a good book!
Lily Riden
Campus News Editor
Lily is from Reedsville, Pennsylvania is majoring in Digital Media and Journalism: Digital Journalism. She hopes to pursue a career in broadcast news and become a reporter after graduating. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her friends, play pickleball, work out, and go shopping.
Samantha Clardy
Off-Campus News Editor
Sam is a Southern New Hampshire native with a passion in writing and media. She’s majoring in Strategic Communication with a focus in Social Media Management and minoring in Digital Journalism. A lifelong lover of sports, Sam especially loves football and brings that same energy and teamwork mindset to everything she does. When she’s not creating content or staying on top of the latest sports games, you’ll find her outside—whether it’s hiking, exploring or just enjoying the fresh air.
Katie Hagen
Feature Editor
Born in the midwest, Katie Hagen came to Liberty University to study Digital Media & Journalism. Her passion for writing originated in her teen years as the editor-in-chief of her high school's student publication. Throughout college, she has been a guest writer for the Christ & Pop Culture digital publication, curated online blog posts for a local boutique in Midland, MI, and contributed to Ohio Magazine based in Cleveland, Ohio. Her passions include writing about people, the creative arts, and pop culture.
Ruthie Jane Gathje
Assistant Feature Editor
Ruthie is a freshman from Mechanicsville, Virginia, majoring in Digital Media and Journalism and minoring in Government. She hopes to work for a local or national news station as a researcher or even an anchor on TV. Back at home, Ruthie enjoys spending time with her family, reading missionary books, and leading worship at church on Sundays. In her free time, she enjoys watching old western films, journaling, and shopping at Ross and T.J. Maxx.
Isabella Schlösser
Sports Editor
Isabella Schlösser is the Assistant Sports Editor. She is from Wilmington, North Carolina and is currently pursuing her B.S. in Digital Media and Journalism with a focus in Sports Journalism. Back home she lives with her mom, dad and one younger brother. She also has two dogs; a Yorkie mix and a German Shepherd. She has loved watching every different kind of sport during her life and being able to continue to do it with this job is a blessing. Some of her favorite sports include hockey, Formula 1, baseball, and college basketball.
Avery Warden
Assistant Sports Editor
Avery is a junior from Kernersville, North Carolina, majoring in digital media and journalism with a minor in Spanish. He loves sports, hiking, and video games. When he graduates, he hopes to work in NASCAR as a reporter or part of a team’s creative service department.
Skylar Senes
Opinion Editor
Skylar is a junior from Cincinnati, Ohio, pursuing a degree in Digital Media & Journalism. She is passionate about storytelling, writing, and strives to bring light to the community. Outside of the newsroom, Skylar enjoys playing guitar, running, and spending time with her friends.
Ivy Rath
Copy Editor
Ivy is from the great state of Ohio, and is currently a sophomore majoring in both English and Writing with a minor in Professional Writing. She hopes to one day publish her own fantasy bestseller novel, just like her literary heroes, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. When she's not at the writing desk, Ivy can be found practicing violin for the LU orchestra, or getting walloped at fencing practice.
Jeffrey Davis
Copy Editing Intern
Jeffrey Davis is a senior from Blackstone, Virginia, majoring in Digital Media and Journalism with a concentration in journalism. After graduating, he hopes to pursue a career as a copy editor. Davis is also an experienced astrophotographer and licensed remote pilot. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music and being outside – especially under a clear night sky!
Avis Kate Huckabay
Copy Editor
Kate Huckabay is a creative and driven writer studying at Liberty University for her Bachelor's degree in digital media and sports journalism. She enjoys sports, particularly NASCAR, dirt racing, ice hockey, and baseball. Born in Louisiana but raised in Virginia, she is aiming to become a field journalist for NASCAR after graduating.
Jordan Blabey
Photo Editor
Jordan is a freshman from Fairfax, Virginia. He came to Liberty to pursue a degree in Computer Science. In his off time, Jordan loves photography, basketball, hiking and going for very long runs. Coming from a homeschool background, he is happy he was able to have an open schedule through high school to cultivate interests such as photography and sports.
Hayley Coronado
Photo Editor
Hayley Coronado, from Chicago, Illinois is a current sophomore majoring in Social Work: Child and Family with a minor in photography. A few of her hobbies consist of water coloring, soccer and hiking. A fun fact about Hayley is that her favorite game is The Game of Life and has it installed on her iPad and phone!
Iwan Steinmann
Photo Editor
Iwan is a freshman at Liberty University from Massachusetts, studying Video Production while continuing to develop his love for photography. In his spare time, he enjoys capturing sports, playing rugby and basketball, and networking. With a vocational high school background in photography and videography, he appreciates the hands-on experiences that shaped his skills and sparked his passion for visual storytelling.
Zack Solem
Social Media Manager
Zack Solem is a senior studying strategic communication and journalism. A military child and enthusiastic traveler, he’s visited all 50 states and various countries. Zack joined the Champion his freshman year, serving as the lifestyle editor. He loves iced lattes, shopping at Trader Joe’s and Lululemon, workout classes, beach days, being the “fun uncle,” playing with his pug and anything ice cream! Passionate about creativity and connection, Zack strives to reflect the beauty of Jesus Christ through everything he does. Zack is an honors student and hopes to keep exploring, creating and telling stories — all for God’s glory!
Mara Canning
Web Manager
Mara is a Lynchburg, Virginia local and a senior studying Strategic Communication. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, getting coffee, and anything that has to do with spending time outdoors—whether that's hiking or reading a good book in the sun.
Jenna Bradfield
Graduate Student Assistant (GSA)
Jenna is the GSA for the Liberty Champion. She graduated with a degree in Graphic Design, and she is continuing her education in Graphic Design with a focus on illustration. When she is not working or studying, she enjoys hanging out with friends, karaoke, being outside, and listening to music.
Joshua Garner
Designer
Joshua Garner is a young man aspiring to one day be an animator since he loves making things come to life through the use of technology. He loves playing the guitar, listening to music, hanging out with friends and much more. He loves to play video games and be the best at what he is does. He aspires to let everyone know the gospel and what Jesus has done in his life.
Megan Halterman
Designer
Megan is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Graphic Design with a strong appreciation for well-crafted visuals. Outside of her work, she enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and photography. She loves to draw inspiration from traveling to new places and experiences. She is grateful for the many opportunities God has provided that have led her to where she is today!
Sashira Camacho
Graphic Designer
Sashira Camacho is a senior from South Carolina. She is currently majoring in graphic design. She loves learning new things because growing up she had to adapt to many different cultures and practices as a military child. When she is not stressing over her concept sketches, she is either watching funny reels or contemplating what books she should buy next.
Justin Shepard
Staff Writer
Justin Shepard is a sophomore out of Jersey City, New Jersey, and is currently pursuing a B.S in Digital Media and Journalism with a focus in sports journalism. In addition, Justin works for LBX, where he helps produce and broadcast live sporting events for ESPN+. In his free time, you'll find Justin playing or watching sports, working out, and hanging out with friends.
Leah Potter
Staff Writer
Leah is a junior from Cranberry, North Carolina, pursuing a degree in Digital Media and Journalism, with a minor in Vocal Music. She loves both sports and music and aims to build a career as a reporter within the entertainment industry. In her free time, Leah enjoys working out, singing and getting coffee.
Victoria Angelov
Digital Media Intern
Victoria Angelov is a senior at Liberty University studying Digital Media and Journalism. She’s from Brooklyn, NY looking to pursue a career in media for National Geographic. She has a passion for wildlife and nature settings but takes experience anywhere she can get it. She also has a beautiful corgi named Benny who keeps her entertained while she studies.
Emily Young, Ph.D.
Director
Emily is a Liberty University alumna and former Champion staff member. In addition to her role as director of the Liberty Champion, she also teaches journalism classes for Liberty University Online.