SHERO program provides support, community for Lady Flames student-athletes

As Liberty University’s NCAA DI female student-athletes navigate the challenge of balancing practices and games, classes, personal life, and more, the SHERO program remains on hand to ensure they receive the support they need to be successful in their collegiate careers and beyond.

Started in 2019, SHERO focuses on meeting the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of each female student-athlete on campus through monthly events, mentorship opportunities, and more.

“The overall mission of SHERO is to help our NCAA female student-athletes find their passion, purpose, and power,” Director of Engagement & Development for Student-Athletes Lauren Amy said. “We want to empower them to become the best versions of themselves by providing them with mentors and female leaders who can encourage them in all different areas of their lives.”

Last month, SHERO kicked off the 2025-26 academic year by hosting representatives from Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing stigma around student-athlete mental health.

On Oct. 20, over 30 female student-athletes met in the Liberty Athletics Center weight room to hear practical ways they can protect themselves both physically and mentally from abuse.

Virginia licensed professional counselor Amy Feigel opened the event by highlighting the various forms emotional abuse can take. She encouraged them to remain vigilant in identifying potentially dangerous situations to avoid harm.

Following the discussion, a team from the Liberty Emergency Management & Community Engagement Department walked the student-athletes through a physical self-defense training that incorporated several situations in which the students may find themselves and demonstrated effective maneuvers to escape danger.

After watching demonstrations by EMCE staff, the student-athletes practiced the exercises themselves on body bags held by staff and volunteers from the Liberty Football team.

Senior cheerleader Tatum Rooney said she appreciated the opportunity to gain practical self-defense training so she can be better prepared for any future situation that may arise.

“As athletes in general, we don’t like to show the weakness of maybe struggling with something mentally,” she said. “Even if we ever came across a scenario in which we had to use self-defense, as female athletes we are strong, but we might not know how to use it correctly. It’s really awesome that (Liberty Athletics) does stuff like this for us.”

“I think it’s important that our ladies feel protected emotionally and physically,” Amy said. “As female student-athletes, they are portrayed as super strong, but you never know what type of situation you are going to be in. Being able to be prepared for whatever life throws at you is really, really important.”

In addition to the educational aspect of the program, SHERO also fosters community for the Lady Flames, providing them the opportunity to interact with student-athletes outside their own athletics program.

“It’s really fun to come and meet new people and to be able to grow together,” Rooney said. “Who would have ever thought I would find myself doing a self-defense class at 7 p.m. on a Monday night? It was a lot of fun, and we all did it together. If we didn’t have SHERO, we wouldn’t get opportunities like that.”

Later this semester, the program will welcome Cassie Penha from Impact Living Services, who will share about the Lynchburg foster care system and help student-athletes make Christmas presents for foster children.